Boiler Plant Operator

Veterans Health Administration • Buffalo, NY

10d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is assigned to the Facility Management Service within the Western NY Healthcare System VA at the Buffalo site. The Boiler Plant Operator works with the Utility Systems Operator supervisor and higher-grade plant operators to perform boiler plant operations and operate associated support equipment. The operator uses manual and automatic controls to operate multiple utility systems on a continuing basis in accordance with State and Federal regulations, contributing to the safe and efficient operation of the boiler plant and associated energy systems.

The role includes overseeing operations, maintenance, and repairs with minimal or no supervisory guidance; maintaining plant operations during transitions between fuel sources; troubleshooting and adjusting plant and mechanical systems; maintaining repair equipment; monitoring gauges and meters, verifying steam pressure, and recording maintenance data; managing fuel tank levels; and performing routine tests for pH balance, heavy metals, and hazardous chemicals. The operator supports efficient steam generation, carries out operational repairs of limited to moderate complexity, follows diagrams, drawings, and operating manuals, and receives fuel oil deliveries while following safety regulations. The position involves rotating between four weeks of night shifts and four weeks of day shifts, with stated shift times of 0600–1800 and 1800–0600.

Work is performed indoors and outdoors, in varied weather and potentially dirty, wet, dusty, greasy, poorly lit, hot, or inadequately ventilated areas. The work may involve heights, confined or tight spaces, ladders, manlifts, and scaffolding. Physical demands include prolonged standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, climbing, lifting, and handling parts or equipment weighing up to 90 pounds, as well as exposure to equipment vibration, cuts, abrasions, and eye, skin, or respiratory irritation. Protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection may be required.

Requirements

• Evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to demonstrate ability to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities must be supported by detailed descriptions on the resume.
• Ability to meet the job elements of dexterity and safety, equipment assembly/installation/repair, and operation of equipment or machinery without more than normal supervision.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Subject to a background or suitability investigation; designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Must complete required pre-employment onboarding and provide acceptable identification.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting and handling equipment weighing up to 90 pounds and working in confined areas and at heights.

Responsibilities

• Operate multiple utility systems using manual and automatic controls in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
• Oversee boiler plant operations, maintenance, and repairs with minimal or no supervisory guidance.
• Maintain boiler plant operations while transitioning between multiple fuel sources.
• Troubleshoot and adjust plant and mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Maintain equipment needed for routine maintenance and repairs.
• Read gauges and meters, verify steam pressure, and record maintenance data.
• Maintain fuel tank levels in accordance with plant operating procedures.
• Perform routine testing for pH balance, heavy metals, and hazardous chemicals.
• Generate steam efficiently and economically.
• Perform operational repairs of limited to moderate complexity.
• Follow instructions in diagrams, drawings, and operating manuals.
• Receive fuel oil from tractor trailers and other suppliers while following safety regulations.
• Make judgments and decisions based on supervisory guidance and protocol.
• Work at heights and in confined or tight spaces, including from ladders and manlifts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package is available; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Newly appointed federal employees may request credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval is not guaranteed.
• Recruitment incentive approved; terms will be discussed during the interview.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed