The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within the Veterans Healthcare Administration designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. The employee serves as a Boiler Plant Helper - TCF/Trainee. The trainee participates in the TCF Boiler Plant Operator 2-year apprentice training program, designed to prepare the trainee for a journeyman-level position. The Boiler Plant is a 24-hour operation, 7 days per week. Located in Marion, IN.

Duties

The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location. *Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. This is a developmental position leading to a WG-9, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. You will ultimately acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of WG-9. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher-level work, and availability of funds. Duties will include, but may not be limited to the following: Works closely with preceptor and follows detailed instructions to maintain continuous operations of the plant. Applies knowledge of the structure and operating characteristics of boilers and associated equipment, includes the location and functions of numerous pumps, valves, regulators, gauges, recording instruments, controls, power operated dampers, and other equipment associated with clean, safe, and efficient boiler operation. Applies knowledge of chemical and physical characteristics of fuel and combustion, of water tending analysis, and chemical treatments, and understanding of individual and combined effective of chemical additives. Applies knowledge of operations necessary to start-up, shut-down, and re-start procedures. Uses hand and specialized tools associated with the Boiler Plant trade. Performs preventive maintenance and operational repairs such as cleaning equipment, greasing, and oiling moving machinery parts, repaint equipment, repack valves, replace pumps, and assists in more difficult repairs and replacements. Performs other duties as necessary. Work Schedule: Boiler Plant is a 24-hour per day, 7 days per week operation. Work Schedule during the trainee program will be Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm. Upon permanent hire, the work schedule will change to be a bi-weekly cycle with 80 work hours on week 1 (actual hours TBD) and week 2 off. Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved.

Requirements

Qualifications

(SCREEN-OUT): Applicants must have the ability to work as a Boiler Plant Operator Helper - TCF/Trainee without more than normal supervision. Resume must support that the applicant has an understanding of performing preventive maintenance and operational repairs, using hand and specialized tools common to the trade. Applicants must be able to work closely with work lead to follow instructions, and sign the Mobile, Training, and Continued Service Agreement. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Works from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and elevated catwalks. Work may be at or above ground level. Frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, reaching, stooping, and crouching, as the work site dictates. Frequently lifts and carries boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 lbs. unassisted. Occasionally carries items weighing over 50 lbs. with assistance. Must submit to an annual physical examination. WORKING CONDITIONS: Mainly works indoors but occasionally works outside for short periods of time. Subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes. Subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment, and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam and contact with boilers. Work on catwalks and ladders. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications. For this position, the job element method is used to match what you, the applicant, can do against what the work calls for. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be compared to the knowledge, skills and abilities (called job elements) needed for success. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element (WG-2 and higher only; screen-outs are not applicable to WG-1). Applicants who appear to meet the screen out element are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligibles are rated against the remainder of the job elements. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume. You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Dexterity and SafetyEquipment Assembly, Installation, RepairInterpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)Measuring InstrumentsOperation of Equipment/MachineryTechnical PracticesWithout more than normal supervision IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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; religious; 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Northern Indiana HCS 1700 East 38th Street Marion, IN 46953 US
• Name: VHA National Recruitment Center
• Phone: (844)456-5208
• Email: [email protected]