Boiler Plant Operator

Boiler Plant Operator

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Perry Point, Maryland

Salary Range: $30.31 - $35.41 Per Hour

Job Summary: The Boiler Plant Operator is a part of the Environmental Shop, Facilities & Engineering Service at Perry Point VA Medical Center, a division of the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS). This shop is responsible for the Boiler Plant, Chiller Plant, Water Treatment Plant, sewage disposal plant, swimming pools, steam and water distribution systems. The Perry Point campus includes over 100 buildings on 365+ acres. The Boiler Plant operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Major Duties:

• Major Duties: Operates a multiple fuel boiler using natural gas as the primary fuel with No. 2 fuel oil providing backup. Oversees the unloading of tanker fuel oil trucks and transferring the fuel to a 150,000 gallon above ground fuel storage tank. Provides assessment and initial response to an emergency in this process. Maintains efficient combustion levels and ensures compliance with air pollution laws and/or regulations. Uses electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic controls, and zone charts in conjunction with meters, gauges, and computer generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements. Adjusts fuel feeds and the volume and velocity of draft and other fire box variables to achieve maximum combustion efficiency with changing load demands or variations in fuel quality. Operates emergency electrical generators to meet plant electrical requirements when the main electrical source is unable to provide the necessary power. Works in conjunction with electric power controllers in starting and stopping steam generating units and auxiliary electrical equipment in accordance with electrical load requirements during peak demand times. Tests and analyzes feed water, boiler water, and condensate using standard chemical tests. 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/manual fuel valves. Visually inspects boiler settings and refractory linings for signs of deterioration and failure due to heat stress. Through the use of manual, automatic, semi-automatic, microprocessor controls or systems, the incumbent monitors, adjusts and controls all phases of boiler plant operations. 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. Uses tools such as manometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometer, and deadweight gauge tester, to maintain, calibrate, and repair safety devices. Operates, adjusts, maintains and repairs auxiliary plant equipment. Adjusts fuel feeds, volume and velocity of draft and other firebox variables to maintain combustion efficiencies, prevent unexpected shut downs and prevent equipment failures. Repairs, troubleshoots and maintains boilers and auxiliary equipment. Monitors and tests the operation of boiler systems in order to identify malfunctions and potential problems with equipment such as automatic controls, valves, piping, pumps, and related components. Performs preventative and scheduled maintenance on equipment including boiler feed water pumps, fuel oil pumps, air compressors, turbines, generators, and other boiler plant systems. Maintains burner management control systems including electronic and electro-mechanical controls utilizing infrared, ultra-violet, and related testing devices. Applies broad experience and specialized knowledge of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic theory and a working knowledge of electronics to diagnose, isolate, and repair malfunctions, and to achieve and maintain critical accuracies, sensitivity levels, and precise tolerances in aligning and adjusting complex instrument systems, components, and mechanisms. Designated as the "operator in charge" (OIC) of the complete plant on the second and third shifts and all day on weekends and holidays, and as such is responsible for following written instructions from the supervisor or the OIC on the previous shift as well as relaying instructions to the next shift operator, including problems encountered and action taken. Evaluates and makes decisions with the steam distribution system, hazardous spills, safety problems, as well as problems concerning other trades such as electrical, plumbing, locksmith and environmental controls (HVAC); initiates immediate action to correct any of those situations that are determined emergencies. Independently cut off and re-route steam to the medical center buildings. In the absence of written contingency procedures, determines when to bring another boiler on line or remove a boiler from operation, in the least amount of time, to meet changing load demands while maintaining safe levels and efficient combustion. Responsible for determining what work must be done and the authority to call in off-duty maintenance staff from other shops to make repairs and isolate problems. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts: 8am-4pm; 4pm-12am; 12am-8am Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD00154A

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: Dexterity and Safety Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Measuring Instruments 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. Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Occasionally works from scaffolds and platforms, and may perform strenuous work. Frequently lifts and carries tools and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally required to handle items that weigh more than 50 pounds with the assistance of lifting devices or other workers. Must have ability to assess equipment /system operating conditions during all hours in often remote locations while working alone and respond with sound judgment and ingenuity to stressful situations. Ability to maintain a high degree of mental alertness and concentration at all times for up to twelve hours at a time. 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

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 12/01/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12836053. 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: 2025-12-01