Department of Veterans Affairs

Boiler Plant Operator

Phoenix, Arizona Full time

Boiler Plant Operator

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Phoenix, Arizona

Salary Range: $33.34 - $38.9 Per Hour

Job Summary: The Phoenix Arizona VA Health Care System (PVAHCS) is recruiting for a Boiler Plant Operator within the Facilities Management Service located in Phoenix, AZ. The incumbent in this position is under the supervision of the Maintenance Supervisor and the operator is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance and control of the central boiler plant. The incumbent ensures continuous operation of the Boiler Plant for the health and safety of patients and staff.

Major Duties:

  • 30 Day Hiring Model The Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a streamlined 30-Day Hiring Model designed to accelerate hiring while maintaining the highest standards of merit-based selection. This improved process reduces traditional hiring timelines by integrating early coordination, faster assessments, and efficient pre-employment actions. Applicants can expect a more transparent, predictable, and efficient hiring journey from announcement to entry on duty. What Applicants Can Expect Expedited Candidate Review Once the announcement closes, Human Resources will quickly review applications, issue certificates of eligible candidates the day after the announcement closes and refer applicants for hiring manager consideration. Quick Interviews & References HR may arrange interviews and will request references within 3-5 days after being referred to the hiring manager. Streamlined Pre-Employment Requirements: Following a tentative offer, applicants should be prepared to complete required steps, such as fingerprinting and background check, credentialing, and medical examination within 3 days of the offer. Clear and Timely Communication: Applicants will receive clear communication at key milestones, including referral, tentative offer, and onboarding instructions. After meeting pre-employment requirements, candidates will receive a final job offer and start date. Onboarding tasks may continue after starting, with HR ensuring timely completion for a smooth transition into VA service. If selected, applicants should be prepared to come onboard within 30 days of the announcement closing. Work Schedule: Full-Time, Various tours of duties and shifts to include weekends and holidays mornings, evenings, and overnight shifts, depending on the needs of the service. (For Example: 6:00 am - 2:00 pm; 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm OR 10:00 pm - 6:00 am) Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD14734A Physical Requirements: The duty of this position requires the incumbent to be in good physical condition. The incumbent must be able to work at various heights, such as working from ladders, work on pneumatic lifts, inside confined spaces such as inside boiler drums and various water storage tanks. The incumbent shall be able to work in positions such as standing, stooping, bending and other tiring and uncomfortable positions. The incumbent shall be frequently required to lift objects weighing over forty (40) pounds and occasionally lift objects weighing over ninety (90) pounds. Working Conditions: The operators work under extremes of heat, cold, dust and dampness on a regular basis, Work may occur when no other VA employees are present in the Boiler Plant or are present in at the facility. The operator comes in contact with hazardous chemicals such as caustics, acids, phosphates, amines, and hydroxides and steam and hazardous equipment. The incumbent may be exposed to the possibility of cuts, bruises and irritations and is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when necessary.

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) Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Dexterity and Safety Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc. Operation of Job Family Specify Equipment, Machinery, etc. Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic) 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 05/12/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12953463. 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: 2026-05-12