The Boiler Plant Operator is assigned to the James E. Van Zandt Medical Center within the Boiler Plant, Building 3. It contains 3 automatic gas and/or oil burning boilers with a total plant capacity of 41,400 pounds of steam per hour. The boilers are equipped with a central management SCADA system responsible for monitoring and maintaining pressure, temperature and safety devices. The plant operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and incumbent rotates through all shifts on a regular basis.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Conduct tests including adjusting, maintaining and repairing boiler safety devices such as flame safeguard systems, pressure switches, pressure differential switches, limit switches, timers, water column safety devices, electric/electronic probes and sensors, steam safety valves and automatic and manual fuel valves used to ensure avert pressure vessel failures and/or furnace explosions. Inspect boiler settings and refractory linings for signs of deterioration and failure due to heat stress. Use manual, automatic, semi-automatic and microprocessor controls to monitor, adjust and controls all phases of boiler plant operations. Use electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic controls, charts, recorders, meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements. Use tools such as manometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometer and dead-weight gauge testers to maintain, calibrate and repair safety devices. Operate, adjust, maintains and repair auxiliary equipment. Adjust fuel feeds, volume and velocity of draft and other firebox variables to maintain combustion efficiencies, prevent unexpected shutdowns and prevent possible furnace explosions. Observe and documents information such as pressures, temperatures, levels to detect signs of system malfunction. Perform pre-boiler water treatment. Perform mechanical de-aeration. Make use of water softeners to remove all hardness and oxygen in the make-up waters. Gathers water samples daily from boilers. Test for various levels of chemicals and concentrations. Treat water to ensure that the boiler operation is consistent with prescribed standards. Adjust chemical dosages and documented application. Test return waters for proper pH levels to reduce corrosion. Maintain and repair domestic pumps and systems located in the Boiler Plant. Maintain and monitor the Veeder Root System for fuel oil capacities and tank leaks. Maintain, monitor and calibrate the carbon monoxide and combustible system. Troubleshoot, perform various checks, tests and adjustments to determine performance, repair and or operation needs. Conduct preventive maintenance using the Medical Center's computer system. Inspect and check machinery and equipment for appearance, cleanliness, excess heat and working condition of moving parts. Lubricate machinery and equipment as necessary. Make minor repairs such as stopping leaks by tightening connections, tightening and replacing belts, repacking or replacing valves, covering and insulating pipe and performing other repairs. Make major repairs of equipment such as rebuilding pumps, air compressors, regulators and motors. Replace piping, repair and refinishes valve seats. Replace steel piping, cut and tread pipe using low grade welding and cutting torches. Replace motor bearings using hydraulic presses. Cutting and solder copper piping. Perform minor, major repairs and replacement of refractory, tile and baffle brick. Rebuild and replacing steam reducing valves. Replace large safety valves. Rebuild, repair or replacing steam traps and heat exchangers and water softeners. Rebuild or replacing steam traps and heat exchangers. Operate the facility's emergency fire pumps and systems according to guidelines. Work Schedule: Rotating tours and schedules Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD01392A Physical Requirements: Subject typically from light to moderate physical effort. Adjustment of valves (opening and closing) and lifting items to a workbench is often required. Occasionally, required to lift over 50 pounds. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards. SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal SupervisionAbility to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)Dexterity and SafetyKnowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.Operation of Job Family Specify Equipment, Machinery, etc.Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)Use of Measuring Instruments Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address James E Van Zandt VA Medical Center 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard Altoona, PA 16602 US
• Name: Carolyn Graham
• Email: [email protected]