Boiler Plant Operator

Veterans Health Administration • Buffalo, NY

5d • 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 alongside the Utility Systems Operator supervisor and higher-grade plant operators to operate the boiler plant and associated support equipment. The operator uses manual and automatic controls to run multiple utility systems continuously in accordance with State and Federal regulations, supporting safe and efficient boiler plant and energy-system operations.

The work includes overseeing operations, maintenance, and repairs with minimal or no supervisory guidance; maintaining operations while transitioning between fuel sources; troubleshooting and adjusting plant and mechanical systems; maintaining repair equipment; monitoring and recording gauges, meters, steam pressure, and maintenance data; maintaining fuel tank levels; conducting routine tests for pH balance, heavy metals, and hazardous chemicals; generating steam efficiently and economically; and performing operational repairs of limited to moderate complexity. The operator follows diagrams, drawings, operating manuals, instructions, safety regulations, and established protocols, including when receiving fuel oil deliveries. The work may involve heights, confined or tight spaces, ladders, and manlifts.

The work schedule rotates between four weeks of nights, 1800–0600, and four weeks of days, 0600–1800. Work is performed indoors and outdoors, with exposure to varied weather and potentially dirty, wet, dusty, greasy, poorly lit, hot, or inadequately ventilated conditions. The position involves physical exertion and potential exposure to equipment and workplace hazards.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must complete a background/suitability investigation; designated and/or random drug testing may be required.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must provide a complete application package, including required resume and transcripts.
• Must provide acceptable identification to complete pre-employment requirements.
• Must demonstrate training or experience of sufficient scope and quality to perform the work; no specific length of training or experience is required.
• Must provide detailed resume descriptions evidencing the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties.
• Qualifications are evaluated against the screen-out element and job elements, including dexterity and safety, equipment assembly/installation/repair, and operation of equipment or machinery without more than normal supervision.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Physical ability to stand, stoop, bend, kneel, climb, lift, and work in tiring or uncomfortable positions; carry, lift, and handle parts and equipment weighing up to 90 pounds.
• Ability to work from ladders and scaffolding and in confined areas such as crawl spaces and attics.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varied weather and in potentially dirty, wet, dusty, greasy, hot, poorly lit, or inadequately ventilated conditions, with possible exposure to cuts, abrasions, eye, skin, and respiratory irritation, and power-tool and equipment hazards.
• Must comply with the announcement's resume requirements, including the two-page limit effective September 27, 2025.

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 repair equipment needed for routine maintenance.
• Read gauges and meters, verify steam pressure, and record maintenance data.
• Maintain fuel tank levels in accordance with plant operating procedures.
• Perform routine testing to determine pH balance and the presence of 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

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package.
• VA may grant credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual, subject to prior request and approval.

What This Job Offers

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