Boiler Plant Operator
Job TitleBoiler Plant OperatorJob DescriptionThis is an open continuous announcement and will remain open until May 22, 2026. The initial cut-off date for referral of eligible applications will be April 27, 2026. Eligible applications received after the initial cut-off date will be referred as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis until positions are filled.DutiesUses 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.Monitors and tests the operation of high pressure steam boiler systems in order to identify malfunctions and potential problems with equipment such as automatic controls, valves, electrostatic precipitators, lime slurry systems, piping, pumps, and related components.Performs operational maintenance (e.g. lubricate equipment and power clean water tubes) and repairs of limited complexity on mechanical parts and systems and may be required to perform limited or basic electrical repairs.Uses the proper tools for boiler and associated equipment maintenance, including the instrumentation.Takes samples of the boiler feed water and tests them for the proper level of chemical additives. Based upon the results of these tests, adjusts the level of the chemicals that are fed into the boiler water to achieve the proper operating levels.Performs preventative and scheduled maintenance on plant systems and equipment including boiler feed pumps, fuel oil pumps, air compressors, turbines, generators, boiler fixtures, and combustion fans.Installs, maintains, and repairs a variety of complex equipment and systems involving high pressure steam generating boilers with complicated components, critical requirements, and rigid tolerances.Provides comprehensive control and operational readiness of all high-pressure steam boilers supplying the main hospital and all outlying support structures.Operates and maintains high pressure boilers and their auxiliary equipment controls.Starts up any boiler and bring it to the state where it can take its share of the load.Executes proper boiler blow down procedures and the proper soot blowing procedures.Operates medical center fire safety codes.Sets up fire watches till the alarm situation is rectified.Calls in vendors to perform corrective procedures to get buildings out of alarm status.Performs plumbing work involving maintenance and repair of a wide variety of piping, plumbing fixtures (lavatories, commodes, sink, disposals, bathtubs and shower fixtures).Makes electrical repairs by removing and replacing defective parts.Performs other duties as assigned.Work ScheduleFirst 90 days training Monday - Friday 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; then permanent schedule:West Roxbury, MA campus: Tuesday-Saturday 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Jamaica Plain, MA campus: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 a.m.Position Description Title/PD#:Boiler Plant Operator/PD523-00308-AVirtualThis is not a virtual position.Recruitment Incentive:May be AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station:Not AuthorizedFinancial Disclosure Report:Not RequiredNotifications:This position is in the Competitive Service.Current and former Federal employees may submit copies of their most recent SF-50, (Notice of Personnel Action). The SF-50 must identify the position title, series, grade, step, tenure and type of service (Competitive or Excepted). In some cases, more than one SF-50 may be required to show a higher grade previously held.This position is covered by a special rate.Selectees may be required to work at any VA Boston Healthcare System campus or CBOC, as needed.Incomplete applications will not be considered.