Boiler Plant Operator

Veterans Health Administration • Wilmington, DE

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Boiler Plant Operator works in the Utilities Section of the Facilities Management Service at the Wilmington Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware, under the direct supervision of the Utility Engineer. The role helps maintain safe, uninterrupted operation of the Medical Center’s complex and critical boiler plant.

The operator monitors and controls boiler plant operations, tests and maintains safety devices, diagnoses system performance, and adjusts equipment to meet changing operating requirements. The work also includes boiler-water treatment, water sampling and testing, preventive maintenance, repairs to plant machinery and systems, and operation of emergency fire pumps and systems.

Requirements

• Demonstrated training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
• A valid, unrestricted state driver's license.
• U.S. citizenship.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical and background/security investigation.
• Ability to perform the duties evaluated through the stated job elements, including boiler-plant work, interpreting instructions and specifications, dexterity and safety, equipment repair and operation, technical practices, and use of measuring instruments.
• Ability to provide detailed resume descriptions supporting relevant training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Test, adjust, maintain, and repair boiler safety devices, including flame safeguard systems, switches, timers, probes, sensors, safety valves, and fuel valves.
• Inspect boiler settings and refractory linings for heat-related deterioration or failure.
• Operate and control all phases of boiler plant operations using manual, automatic, semi-automatic, and microprocessor controls.
• Use control systems, charts, recorders, meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine operating adjustments and corrections.
• Maintain, calibrate, and repair safety devices using measuring and testing tools.
• Operate, adjust, maintain, and repair auxiliary equipment.
• Adjust fuel feeds, draft volume and velocity, and other firebox variables to maintain combustion efficiency and prevent shutdowns or furnace explosions.
• Monitor and document pressures, temperatures, and levels to identify system malfunctions.
• Perform pre-boiler water treatment and mechanical deaeration; use water softeners to remove hardness and oxygen from makeup water.
• Collect daily boiler-water samples, test chemical levels and concentrations, treat water to prescribed standards, adjust and document chemical dosages, and test return-water pH to reduce corrosion.
• Maintain and repair domestic pumps and systems in the Boiler Plant.
• Monitor and maintain the Veeder Root fuel-oil capacity and tank-leak system and the carbon monoxide and combustible-gas system, including calibration.
• Troubleshoot equipment and conduct checks, tests, and adjustments to determine performance, repair, and operational needs.
• Conduct preventive maintenance using the Medical Center’s computer system; inspect, clean, and lubricate machinery and equipment.
• Perform minor repairs, including stopping leaks, tightening or replacing belts, repacking or replacing valves, and covering or insulating pipe.
• Perform major equipment repairs, including rebuilding pumps, air compressors, regulators, and motors; replacing piping; repairing valve seats; and replacing motor bearings.
• Cut and thread pipe using low-grade welding and cutting torches, and cut and solder copper piping.
• Repair and replace refractory, tile, and baffle brick; rebuild or replace steam-reducing valves and large safety valves; and repair, rebuild, or replace steam traps, heat exchangers, and water softeners.
• Operate the facility’s emergency fire pumps and systems according to guidelines.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to employees and their families; specific benefits depend on position eligibility.
• Potential lump-sum Critical Skills Incentive (CSI), subject to eligibility, appointment date, proration, and a service agreement.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for qualifying prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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