Boiler Plant Equipment Mechanic

U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command•McAlester, OK

About The Position

This position overhauls, repairs, and maintains high- and low-pressure boiler systems and auxiliary equipment. Work includes precision mechanical repairs, safety-control testing, plant operation, and hazardous-materials handling. The mechanic operates gas- and oil-fired utility boilers and feedwater systems under varying loads; maintains steam supply through watchstanding, burner modulation, blowdowns, and logging; and repairs steam mains, condensate piping, steam traps, and pressure-reducing valve stations. The role also involves rigging and positioning heavy boiler components, testing boiler-water and condensate purity, adjusting chemical metering pumps, and conducting seasonal boiler layup and alkaline boil-out commissioning. The position requires shift work and rotating shifts, potentially including weekends and holidays, and may require overtime. Employees must pass pre-employment and annual physicals, maintain a valid stateside driver’s license, complete hazardous-waste management training within six months of assignment, and attend annual refresher training. Use of personal protective equipment is required. Applicants must qualify under an eligible employment authority and demonstrate the ability to perform boiler maintenance and operational work without more than normal supervision. The job is physically demanding and is performed in and around boilers, often in cramped conditions and in environments with dampness, soot, poor ventilation, noise, vibration, steam, and dirt. The position may be filled as a term appointment not to exceed one year and one day; term appointments may be extended under the conditions described in the announcement.

Requirements

Demonstrate sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work without more than normal supervision; no specific length of training or experience is required.
Pass a suitability or fitness determination, which may include a completed background investigation.
Pass pre-employment and annual physical examinations.
Obtain and maintain a valid stateside driver's license.
Work shift work and rotating shifts.
Complete an introductory hazardous-waste management course within six months of assignment and attend annual refresher training.
Wear required protective devices, including safety shoes, hard hats, coveralls, safety glasses, respirators, face shields, heavy gloves, and ear plugs.
Meet the minimum qualification screen-out: ability to perform common boiler maintenance routines, equipment servicing, and basic operational tending under guidance, including the listed boiler repair and tending tasks.
Be able to perform the physical demands of the work, including lifting, stooping, carrying heavy objects, and working in cramped or awkward positions.
Provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
Applicants must meet and document at least one of the listed employment authority categories: Military Spouse under E.O. 13473, OPM Interchange Agreement Eligible, Priority Placement Program DoD Military Spouse Preference Eligible, or Reinstatement.

Responsibilities

Operate gas- and oil-fired utility boilers and feedwater systems under varying loads.
Maintain steam supply through watchstanding, burner modulation, bottom and surface blowdowns, and recordkeeping.
Install, repair, and modify high-pressure steam mains, condensate piping, steam traps, and pressure-reducing valve stations.
Rig, fabricate, and maneuver heavy boiler vessels, drums, and casings using hoists, come-alongs, and torches; position and anchor machinery in confined spaces.
Analyze boiler-water and condensate purity using titration tests for pH, hardness, and total dissolved solids.
Adjust chemical metering pumps to prevent scale deposition.
Perform seasonal boiler layup and alkaline boil-out commissioning using wet nitrogen capping, dry desiccant charges, and heated chemical flushes.
Perform boiler maintenance routines and equipment servicing, including assisting with tube cleaning, firebrick work, gasket resurfacing, and replacement of basic valves and gauges.