Experience Inc. Jobs

Summary The position is in the Maintenance and Operations Section, Boiler Plant of Engineering Service at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VAMC Jackson, MS. 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 A Boiler Plant Operator performs duties such as: Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing. Performs routine house-keeping duties maintaining a safe, clean and orderly work environment. Alerts of potential hazards and takes precautions to protect self and others. Makes adjustments to operating systems, equipment and controls determining the need for shutting down or firing up additional boilers. Maintains steam pressure when fuel change overs occur due to drops in natural gas pressure from cold weather. Operates all boiler plant and auxiliary equipment to meet changing demands. Stabilizes boilers in a closed system when one boiler starts to go down while maintaining safe levels and efficient combustion. Maintains constant observation of low meters and charts to determine how much steam is being produced. Use measuring instruments such as gauges, meters, recorders and computer generated data to determine operation status and make necessary adjustments. Maintains, repairs, and makes adjustments to the automatic chemical feed system. Operates, maintains, and repairs oil pumps, including filters, pre-heaters and metering devices. Inspects, observes, troubleshoots, removes, checks for wear, cleans, replaces, repairs, adjusts, tests and maintains complicated boiler plant systems and equipment to critical and rigid specifications and tolerances. Determines proper amount of chemicals to be added to the boiler and amount of time needed to blow down excess solids. Interprets diagrams, drawings, and operational manuals. Adheres to repair manuals to properly complete required repairs. Maintains a concise and accurate narrative log on plant conditions and communicating plant status to supervisor, mechanics, and next shift operator. Applies comprehensive knowledge of all operational phases of power boiler plant operations (e.g., water treatment, fuel systems, steam generation, and pollution control) and their interrelationships for efficient and economical generation of steam. Applies a thorough knowledge and understanding of standard practices and applicable codes. Work Schedule: Tour of Duty involves rotating shift work between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift. Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD84223A Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): May Be Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/07/2024. 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 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: The position frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. The work requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Will frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 40 pounds without assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. Makes repairs from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms to reach equipment in out-of-the-way places. When working on ladders and scaffolds must be able to climb and carry tools and materials. Works indoors and occasionally works outside for short periods subject to prevailing weather conditions. Subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes in the work area. Subject to strains, cuts, eye damage/irritation, bruises, infection, and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam, and contact with piping and boilers. In addition, work on catwalks and ladders. Work is at heights and/or in close quarters, as each assignment dictates, to accomplish the work in the physical plant. Required to use appropriate personal protective equipment. Works around operating equipment, steam tunnels, manholes, and mechanical rooms. The plant and building contain hazardous chemicals that require special handling procedures and protection. Education Additional Information This occupation may be approved for a Veterans Health Administration enterprise-wide Critical Skills Incentive through 10/05/2024. Candidates may be eligible for a lump sum CSI for a pro-rated amount if onboard prior to the CSI expiration date. Eligible candidates will be required to sign a service agreement agreeing to an obligated service period and failure to complete the obligated service period may result in a debt for the unearned portion of the CSI. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.