This is an entry level position located within Engineering Service in the boiler plant. The boiler plant is a 24-hour per day operation. The incumbent participates in the Boiler Plant Operator 2- year training program, designed to prepare participant for journeyman-level position. To satisfy VHA Succession Planning requirements, this position requires the incumbent's mobility upon completion of the training.

Duties

The Boiler Plant Operator Helper will be required to complete an on the facility job training program. Upon completion of the training, the operator will be able to perform the duties of a Boiler Plant Operator at the full performance level of WG-09. The individual develops an Individual Development Plan (IDP) that includes the programs objectives and activities in accordance with the training guide for boiler plant training program. The incumbent trains to qualify as a participant in the areas of operations, maintenance and repair of state-of-the-art boiler equipment. Major Duties listed but not limited to: Operates and monitors basic boiler plant functions and steam systems under supervision. Adheres to policies and procedures, including lock out/tag out (LOTO) and confined space entry. Starts, operates, secures, and maintains power boilers and auxiliary equipment. Inspects boilers and related equipment for functionality. Follows safety procedures before working on boiler plant equipment. Assists with preventive maintenance inspections (PMI) of boilers and steam production equipment. Cleans equipment and performs general housekeeping tasks as assigned. Supports boiler and steam equipment repairs identified during inspections, routine operations, or equipment failures. Conducts water treatment and chemical testing for boiler feed condensate and pools. Monitors meters and gauges to maintain proper combustion, temperature, and pressure. Maintains equipment to ensure safe, efficient operations. Completes logs, records, and documentation for operations and maintenance activities. Performs other related tasks as required. 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. Work Schedule: Rotating shifts to cover plant operations 24/7: (8:00am-4:30pm) weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator Helper/PD50370A, PD50369A, and PD50248A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Authorized Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 11/18/2024. 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: 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. 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. You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or 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. Works on catwalks and ladders.

Education

There is no education requirement for this position.

Contacts

• Address Iowa City VA Health Care System 601 Highway 6 West Iowa City, IA 52246 US
• Name: Luther Smith Jr.
• Phone: 612-467-6901
• Email: [email protected]