Boiler Plant Operator-Detail NTE 120 days

Veterans Health Administration•Walla Walla, WA

About The Position

The Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center is recruiting for a detail, not to exceed 120 days, which may be extended based on departmental needs. The incumbent serves as a Boiler Plant Operator. Participation is contingent upon supervisory approval, and applicants must upload documentation of that approval with their application. Applications without supporting documentation will not be considered. The Boiler Plant Operator safely and efficiently operates high-pressure gas- and oil-fired boilers, associated auxiliary systems, and reverse osmosis water systems. The role includes monitoring plant equipment, adjusting systems to maintain continuous operation, conducting water tests and treatments, making repairs or adjustments, and maintaining logs. The operator also tests fire and disaster alarm equipment, manages emergency communications, and maintains knowledge of VA boiler safety directives and procedures. The work schedule is Sunday through Tuesday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Wednesday through Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to midnight. The position requires moderate to heavy physical exertion, including lifting up to 40 pounds, handling tools and materials, walking, standing, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces or awkward positions. Applicants must demonstrate training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required. Education is not a qualification requirement. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and are subject to a background/suitability investigation; designated or random drug testing may be required. Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959. A complete application package, including a resume and any required transcripts, is necessary. Selected applicants must complete online onboarding and provide acceptable identification. Resumes must be no longer than two pages beginning September 27, 2025.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
Supervisory approval for participation in the detail, with supporting approval documentation uploaded with the application.
Training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to demonstrate the ability to perform the work; no specific duration is required.
Resume must clearly describe relevant duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Subject to background/suitability investigation.
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
Submit a complete application package and complete online onboarding if selected.
Provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
Beginning September 27, 2025, resume must be no longer than two pages.
Physical ability to lift up to 40 pounds and perform work involving walking, standing, climbing, and working in confined or awkward positions.

Responsibilities

Perform periodic visual checks and monitor equipment to ensure proper operation.
Operate manual and automatic control instruments and high-pressure gas- and oil-fired boilers for continuous boiler plant operation.
Interpret gauge readings, indicators, flow meters, and charts to determine steam evaporation and necessary adjustments.
Determine system operations and activate pressure-reducing valves, start or stop water pumps, and perform related actions.
Check and adjust feed-water regulators and pumps; monitor meters and fuel gas-temperature records.
Collect and test water samples to determine necessary chemical treatments.
Operate reverse osmosis water systems and conduct periodic tests, regeneration, and water-softener backwashing.
Perform system and equipment repairs or adjustments.
Operate and test fire and disaster alarm equipment and manage emergency communications.
Maintain knowledge of VA boiler safety directives and relevant procedures.
Maintain accurate logs and documentation.