Boiler Plant Operator

Boiler Plant Operator

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Leeds, Massachusetts

Salary Range: $28.93 - $33.91 Per Hour

Job Summary: This position of Boiler Plant Operator is in the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Section of the Facilities Management Service at a VISN 1 Medical Center.

Major Duties:

• Major duties and responsibilities include but not limited to: The incumbent is responsible for the safe and efficient operation, minor repair, lubrication, and adjustment of the Boiler Plant equipment. The equipment maintained and operated consists of three water tube high pressure steam boilers in the central heating plant. In addition, the Boiler Plant has hot water generators and pumps that generate and circulate hot water for domestic use; a heating system; and a pumping system for pumping city water to the receiving tanks. The incumbent is responsible for the operation and maintenance of this equipment while on duty, The oil/gas fire boilers are rated at 31,000 lbs. steam per hour and are automatically controlled by combustion equipment, which consists of air fuel ratio controls, inlet and outlet controls, pressure and fuel oil temperature controls. Works on a changing shift basis as established by the supervisor. The Incumbent must be experienced in the operation of high-pressure boilers. This position requires considerable responsibility and a high degree of skill, judgment, experience, and ability to insure the safe and efficient operation of plant operation. Must understand good combustion control to insure efficient operation. Carelessness could cause serious damage to high valued boilers, air conditioning, chillers, and auxiliary equipment. The incumbent is responsible for operating various computer based environmental control systems, i.e., Johnson Controls Metasys, etc. which monitors and controls 80 percent of the hospital's heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) / humidity control systems. During the assigned shift, the incumbent is responsible for providing a continuous supply of steam to the hospital. Will be required to work shifts without supervision. This will be on the 12:00 midnight to 8:00 A.M. shift and the 4:00 P.M. to 12:00 midnight shift. Nature and degree of responsibility for making judgments and decisions. Guidance is received from the supervisor. Instructions, procedures, and recommendations are general in nature. Work is only occasionally spot checked. Operates systems, makes decisions, and implements procedures to provide an uninterrupted supply of steam to this facility. Preferred Experience: High pressure steam boiler plant operation. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD478-03169A Physical Requirements: Incumbent must be physically able to do a considerable amount of walking, standing, climbing ladders and stairs, crawling inside of tight spaces such as boilers, and heavy lifting. Must be able to work in bent, prone or crouched positions; must have good or corrected eye sight for observing water columns and gauges; must have good hearing for detecting noises that would indicate trouble with boilers, A/C chiller and auxiliary equipment. WORKING CONDITIONS: Incumbent is subject to high temperatures within the Boiler Plant during all seasons of the year. Is subject to cuts, burns and bruises, smoke and gas fumes, and elevated noise levels. Some of the work accomplished is strenuous, and is at times, greasy and dirty.

Qualifications: To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period , your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. 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: Dexterity and Safety Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Operation of Equipment/Machinery Technical Practices Without 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.

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 01/13/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12858387. 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: 2026-01-13