The operation of the Boiler Plant and its personnel falls under the authority of the Engineering Service of the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Hampton, Virginia. The Boiler Plant has responsibility for generating all steam used by this full-service hospital and its auxiliary buildings. There is no alternate means of comfort heating in the event of a major break in the steam distribution system until repairs are made. The Boiler Plant operates on a 24-hour basis year around.

Duties

The boiler plant operator works on a one-person, rotating shift and operates power boilers at steam pressures not to exceed 150 psig as well as related machinery. The operator on duty will light off, put on line, parallel, and secure boilers when required to maintain steam pressure at the prescribed limits. The operator must check the controls and make adjustments to maintain proper combustion and fuel/air ratio to satisfy Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. The operator on duty is responsible for making hourly, daily, weekly and monthly log and record entries. Each operator is required to collect and analyze boiler water samples, chemically treat the boiler water based on test results, and administer proper blow-down procedures to control solids. The operator tests various safety devices, makes hourly inspections of the entire plant, corrects or attempts to correct any deficiencies observed, and notifies the boiler plant foreman of any problems encountered and action taken through entries in the pass-down log. The operator on duty is responsible for the overhaul and repair of all plant machinery. Each operator is assigned a section of the boiler plant as a cleaning station and is responsible for the cleanliness and preventative maintenance of machinery and equipment in that area. Duties performed on each cleaning station include general cleanup of floor area and equipment, painting, and repairing or replacing defective parts. The boiler plant operator is responsible for preparing the boilers, deaerating feed tank, condensate return tank and boiler blow-down tank for annual internal and external inspections. Operators are also responsible for cleaning firesides and watersides. The operator assigned to the shift performs alt duties as necessary to operate the plant in accordance with the VA Manuals, particularly VHA Directive 97-025 "Boiler Plant Operations", boiler codes and manufacturers' instructions. The boiler plant operator works under the general supervision of the boiler plant foreman who sets goals and provides guidance in the form of oral and written instructions. As a one-person, rotating shift, the operator has total responsibility of the entire plant and equipment during duty hours and does not require direct supervision. Work Schedule: Rotating schedule. Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD026570 Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Incentive currently authorized until 10/5/2024 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/10/2024. 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: Equipment Assembly, Installation, RepairInterpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading)Measuring InstrumentsOperation of Equipment/MachineryTechnical PracticesWithout more than normal supervision 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. Physical Requirements: Performs most duties in a standing position; however, some boiler work is carried out in a stooped, cramped, or bent position. Must be able to lift objects weighing at least 50 pounds, to climb stairs, and to work from ladders and platforms. Must have full use of limbs and good vision and hearing. The candidate is required to have and maintain a valid Driver's License, because this is a 24-7 rotating shift, it is important that each operator has full capability to get back and forth to work without relying on other's availability or public transportation. Working Conditions: The majority of duties are carried out inside the boiler plant. On occasion the employee will be outside, such as checking fuel oil trucks in and out to see that the correct amount of oil is delivered, sounding fuel oil tanks, and removing trash from the boiler plant. Is required to work around hot pipes and electrical systems, noisy machinery, extreme temperatures, fumes, stack gases, and smoke. When circumstances warrant, will be required to wear the following safety equipment: hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, shop apron, appropriate gloves, respirator, and hearing protection.

Education

There is no education substitution for this position.

Contacts

• Address Hampton VA Medical Center 100 Emancipation Drive Hampton, VA 23667 US
• Name: Michael Schultz
• Phone: 804-274-9694
• Email: [email protected]