The purpose of the position is to perform a wide variety of operational tasks on 2 to 4 high pressure boilers operating on natural gas or fuel oil, and their corresponding ancillary equipment. The work performed includes consistent monitoring, data collection, and required maintenance and repairs when necessary.

Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Directly responsible for the safe, economical and proper operation of high pressure boilers and their ancillary equipment. Operates boiler plants with capacity of 3,450 to 100,000 pounds total plant steam per hour and assists in the operation and operational maintenance of gas or oil-fired steam boilers, along with the auxiliary equipment, both manual or automatic controls to produce saturated steam. Operates dampers, induced and forced draft fans, heat exchangers, fuel and air heaters, pumps, fuel pressure, control valves, fuel strainers, relief valves, water softeners, and emergency electrical generators and other similar equipment. Regulates the fuel feed and water levels, while maintaining required steam pressure and temperatures. During shutdown periods, works on equipment overhaul and preparation of boilers for inspections. Competent in and performs all maintenance actions germane to the position or as per manufacture documentation. Start/stop boilers, pumps, and related equipment, increase/decrease boiler fires, adjust/activate pressure-reducing valves, adjust fuel and water controls, monitors condensate transfer and boiler feed water pressures and adjusts pressure regulators and add/remove pumps to maintain feed water pressure, monitors flow rates, temperatures, and pressures of water, steam, air, gas, and oil. Checks trending software to ensure proper recording of boiler plant operations. Frequent checks of water levels and steam pressure gauge to assure valves open/close and if water needs to be added or removed or to blow off steam to maintain safe operating levels. Responds within the boiler plant to any boiler plant equipment/systems malfunctions or medical center industrial systems emergencies impacting boiler plant operations and coordinates with non-boiler plant personnel, supervisors, and management regarding boiler plant concerns. Serves as the nights/weekend FMS operator in charge. Answers trouble calls from other services and staff afterhours and on weekends for facility issues across the campus. Uses judgement and reports from other staff to decide when to call in FMS Grounds staff during winter weather, to address roads, sidewalks and stairs. Work Schedule: Rotating shift work. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD14448A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 12/31/2024. 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: Operation of Equipment / machinery Technical Practices Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Troubleshooting Interpret Instructions, Specifications ( other than blueprint reading) 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: Frequently work in confined or hot and dusty areas in and around boilers and equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, carries items weighing over 40 pounds. Works from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and elevated catwalks. Work may be at or above ground level. Works inside and outside at heights up to 50 feet. Subject to extreme temperature changes from a +105 to a -40 degrees. Subject to high noise level which requires wearing of hearing protection. Work dirty, greasy, hot, cold and wet. Employee is subject to cuts, bruises, traffic hazards and is exposed to danger from boiler explosion, high temperature water and steam lines, electrical shock, falls, burns, scalds, chemicals, broken bones, explosive chemical, gas and oil fumes. Other Significant Facts: Incumbent must report for work during periods of hazardous road and weather conditions. Work is performed on a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year basis. Incumbent could be subjected to hazards normally encountered in the trade. This position requires working rotating shifts and overtime For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Contacts

• Address Sheridan VA Health Care System 1898 Fort Road Sheridan, WY 82801 US
• Name: VISN 19 HR Contact Center
• Phone: 719-227-4600
• Email: [email protected]