Boiler Plant Operator

Boiler Plant Operator

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Altoona, Pennsylvania

Salary Range: $29.93 - $34.89 Per Hour

Job Summary: This position is located in the Boiler Plant, at the James E. Van Zandt Medical Center. The plant operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and contains three automatic gas and/or oil burning boilers with a total plant capacity of 41,400 pounds of steam per hour. The boilers are equipped with a central management SCADA system. Every operation of the boilers is stored into a Cleaver Brooks Hawk program. This program monitors and maintains parameters of pressures, temperatures, and safety devices.

Major Duties:

• Duties Incumbent tests, adjusts, maintains, and repairs boiler safety devices such as flame safeguard systems, pressure switches, pressure differential switches, limit switches, timers, water column safety devices, electric/electronic probes and sensors, steam safety valves, and automatic and manual fuel valves for the purpose of preventing major pressure vessel failures and/or furnace explosions. The incumbent visually inspects boiler settings and refractory linings for signs of deterioration and failure due to heat stress resulting in flue gases escaping into the plant and endangering on-duty personnel. Through the use of manual, automatic, semi-automatic, microprocessor controls or systems; the incumbent monitors, adjusts and controls all phases of boiler plant operations. Incumbent uses electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic controls, charts, recorders, meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements. Incumbent uses tools such as manometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometer, and dead-weight gauge tester; to maintain, calibrate, and repair safety devices. Incumbent operates, adjusts, maintains, and repairs auxiliary equipment. Incumbent adjusts fuel feeds, volume and velocity of draft and other firebox variables to maintain combustion efficiencies, prevent unexpected shutdowns and prevent possible furnace explosions. Incumbent regularly observes and documents information such as pressures, temperatures, levels, and detectors to detect for signs of trouble. Incumbent performs pre-boiler water treatment. This includes mechanical de-aeration and the use of water softeners to remove all hardness and oxygen in the make-up waters. Boiler corrosion and other corrosions; removes water samples daily from boilers. He/she tests for various levels of chemicals and concentrations. Incumbent treats the boiler so as to remain within the prescribed limits. Chemical dosages are adjusted and documented. All return waters are tested for proper pH levels to reduce corrosion. Incumbent maintains and repairs the domestic pumps and the systems located in the Boiler Plant. Incumbent maintains and monitors the Veeder Root System for fuel oil capacities and tank leaks. Maintains, monitors, and calibrates the carbon monoxide and combustible system. Other duties include replacing steel piping by cutting and treading pipe; performing low grade welding and using a cutting torch; replacing motor bearings with the use of a hydraulic press; cutting and soldering of copper piping; performing minor and major repairs and replacement of all refractory, tile, and baffle brick; rebuilding and replacing steam reducing valves; replacing large safety valves; rebuilding, repairing, or replacing steam traps, heat exchangers; and water softeners; rebuilding or replacing steam traps, heat exchangers. Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:00pm; 4:00pm - 12:00am; 12:00am - 8:00am; Rotating Shifts Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator / PD01392A Physical Requirements: Incumbent is subject typically from light to moderate physical effort. Adjustment of valves (opening and closing) and lifting items to a workbench is often required. Occasionally, he/she is required to lift over 50 pounds.

Qualifications: To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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 Supervision Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading) Dexterity and Safety Knowledge 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.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/08/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12857813. 1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. 2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-08