Summary The position is in the Utilities Section, Boiler Plant of Engineering Service at the Central Alabama Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHCS). Boilers are operated by natural gas, fuel oil, and propane gas or combination of those fuels to produce steam to meet changing load demands. Boilers require constant attention to maintain efficiency and control the formation of pollutants. Responsibilities Duties and responsibilities include: Responsible to start, operate, adjust, stop, maintain, and perform various operational repairs on multiple fuel boilers, medical waste disposal systems, valves (gate, globe, and needle), water pumps, bearings, fuel pumps, motors, Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), air compressors, regulators, temperature gauges, pressure gauges, steam traps, sight glasses, motorized draft fans, steam traps, dampers, deaerator tank, condensate tank, controls (digital, analog, and pneumatic), water conditioning equipment, chemical conditioning equipment, sensors and pollution control equipment. Maintains efficient combustion levels ensuring compliance with air pollution laws or regulations. Uses manual automatic, or microprocessors controls or control systems, monitors, adjusts, and controls all phases of the boiler plant operations. 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. Operates, adjusts, and maintains auxiliary and pollution control equipment such as electrical driven pumps, forced and induced draft fans, air compressors, deaerating equipment, feed water heaters, economizers, fuel heaters and delivery equipment, and demineralizing systems. 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. Observes and notes readings on gauges, meters, detectors, recorders, boiler water level indicators, and computer generated and analog displays to detect danger signals in operations. Tests and analyzes the feedwater, boiler water, and condensate using standard chemical tests. Performs Boiler Efficiency Institute (BEI) testing procedures. Performs operational maintenance and repairs. Maintains the cleanliness and sanitation of the boiler plant, tool room, office, and medical waste room. Maintains inventory of the hand tools, power tools, chemical lockers, replacement part lockers, PPE gear, and cleaning supplies. Controls keys for, but not limited to to the liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen storage area, elevators, government vehicles, and tool room. Monitoring and Alarm Systems - Monitors, interprets, tests, and contacts appropriate personnel for medical gases (oxygen and nitrogen), fire alarms system, energy management system (EMS), boiler system, chiller system, Temp-track refrigeration system, Sterilant gas system, Veeder-root fuel oil system, Power Command generator system, wastewater, elevators emergency phones, and medical waste system using multiple state-of-the-art computer systems. Monitors environmental conditions in the HCS using the EMS via use of Insight (host) and network to view, interpret, and acknowledge alarm messages. Coordinates with the VA police and local fire departments to ensure timely response to fires and other emergencies. Monitors and tests the Medical Gas System to ensure proper flow to all patient areas, working closely with other engineering shops and tenant organizations in the monitoring of the main oxygen system, medical vacuum, low nitrogen, and nitrous oxide systems. Work Schedule: Swing shift, rotating schedule on a monthly basis; Sunday - Saturday; 12:00 PM-8:00 AM; 8:00 AM-4:00 PM; 4:00 PM-12:00AM; (subject to change based on the needs of the agency) Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD39490A Physical Requirements: Frequently carries parts and sets up equipment that weighs up to 50 pounds. Hoist, jacks and pulleys are operated to remove and replace large units. Most equipment is operated or repaired from floor level or through the use of a ladder(s), fixed scaffolding and platforms. Incumbent must have good eyesight, use of all limbs, be able to walk, crawl, climb. Work is sometimes performed in cramped positions where bending, stooping and/or crawling may be required for short periods of time during repair work. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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 Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (includes blueprint reading) Operation of Equipment/Machinery Work Practices 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. Education Additional Information The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.