Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center is a campus-style facility consisting of 125 acres with 25 major buildings. The incumbent serves as Boiler Plant Operator within the Maintenance & Utilities Section, Maintenance and, Operations Division of Engineering Service performing a variety of tasks in the performance of Boiler Plant operations in support of the mission and goals of the Medical Center.

Duties

The incumbent operates four fire tube power boilers fueled by natural gas and fuel oil, each rated at approximately 400 Bhp (Boiler Horsepower). Boilers require constant attention to maintain efficiency. The incumbent starts, operates, adjust stops, maintains and performs various operational repairs on multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary equipment. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining efficient combustion levels through the use of manual and automatic control systems. Monitors, adjusts and controls all phases of Boiler Plant Operations. Uses electronic controls, meters, gauges, industrial control software, distributed control systems (DCS) software Yokogawa FAST/TOOLS, and recorder data to determine adjustments and corrections necessary for proper boiler operations and changing load requirements. Operates, adjusts and maintains auxiliary equipment such as electrically driven pumps, forced draft fans, air compressors, deaerating equipment, feed water heaters, economizers and demineralizing system. Adjusts fuel feeds and the volume and velocity of draft and other firebox variables to achieve maximum combustion efficiency with variations in fuel quality. Regularly observes and records the operational metrics of the Boiler Plant's performance by readings, gauges, indicators, thermometers, etc. and maintains information in written or electronic/magnetic form to detect danger signals in operations. Determines the treatment and chemicals to be used to control chemical concentrations, remove impurities and entrapped gases, in order to stabilize fluctuating water conditions in the boiler and condensate return systems. Checks the operation of safety equipment such as flame extinction, low water cut-outs, high pressure cut-outs and purge type combustion safeties. Performs maintenance and repairs of moderate complexity on mechanical parts and systems and are required to perform limited basic electrical repairs (lubricates equipment, power cleans water tubes, repairs or replaces valves, gauges and pumps, etc.). The incumbent is required to perform test and replace electrical components, switches, circuit boards, processors, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software including applications and programming. Monitors electrical generators to meet the Medical Center and Plant requirements when main electrical source is unable to provide the necessary power. The incumbent is required to perform housekeeping duties in the Boiler Plant to ensure that pathways are kept free of debris and overall conditions are kept clean. Performs other duties assigned. Work Schedule: Rotating Days and Nights Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD07661A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Is authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/11/2024. 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 eligibilities are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal SupervisionDexterity and SafetyKnowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.Operation of Job Family Specify Equipment, Machinery, etc.Technical Practices 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/Working Conditions: Physical exertion includes such action as lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying objects of varying weights and sizes. Work requires kneeling, stretching, pushing, pulling, crouching, stooping, bending, climbing, walking and standing for long periods on concrete floors and corrugated steel catwalks and negotiating confined spaces. Must be able to use appropriate respiratory protective equipment while working in conditions involving adverse elements such as carbon, cement, fire clay, fibrous glass, silica and soot dust; chemical and organic vapors. Must have vision of no less than 20/40 ( corrected) and be able to distinguish basic shades of color. Must be able to perform work at heights in excess of thirty feet and inside confined spaces requiring entry and exit through standard manual openings. Boiler plant operators will receive annual physicals to ensure they are physically fit to perform the assigned duties.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Contacts

• Address Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center 3701 Loop Road East Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 US
• Name: Barbara Wortman
• Phone: 2158235800
• Email: [email protected]