The position is in the Maintenance and Operations Section, Boiler Plant of Engineering Service at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS), Little Rock, Arkansas. Boilers are operated by natural gas, fuel oil, and propane gas or combination of those fuels to produce steam to meet changing load demands. Boilers require constant attention to maintain efficiency and control the formation of pollutants.
Summary
The position is in the Maintenance and Operations Section, Boiler Plant of Engineering Service at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS), Little Rock, Arkansas. Boilers are operated by natural gas, fuel oil, and propane gas or combination of those fuels to produce steam to meet changing load demands. Boilers require constant attention to maintain efficiency and control the formation of pollutants.
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DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (COVID-19 - VA 002) in-accordance with 5 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3) and 5 CFR 337.205(b)(1)-(4).
Responsible to start, operate, adjust, stop, maintain, and perform various operational repairs on multiple fuel boilers, medical waste disposal systems, valves (gate, globe, and needle), water pumps, bearings, fuel pumps, motors, Variable Frequency Drives (VFD), air compressors, regulators, temperature gauges, pressure gauges, steam traps, sight glasses, motorized draft fans, steam traps, dampers, deaerator tank, condensate tank, controls (digital, analog, and pneumatic), water conditioning equipment, chemical conditioning equipment, sensors and pollution control equipment.
Maintain efficient combustion levels and ensure compliance with air pollution laws or regulations. Through the use of manual automatic, or microprocessors controls or control systems, monitors, adjusts, and controls all phases of the boiler plant operations.
Uses electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic controls, and zone charts in conjunction with meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements.
Reads and interprets wiring diagrams and blueprints.
Regularly observe and note readings on gauges, meters, detectors, recorders, boiler water level indicators, and computer generated and analog displays to detect danger signals in operations.
Tests and analyzes the feedwater, boiler water, and condensate using standard chemical tests.
Determines the treatment and add chemicals to be used to control chemical concentrations, remove impurities and entrapped gases, or stabilize fluctuating water conditions in the boiler.
Preforms Boiler Efficiency Institute (BEI) testing procedures for general plant safety and reliability.
Receives emergency calls from elevator phones, coordinates rescue of trapped personnel on elevators.
Maintains a computerized and paper log for all calls received and actions performed, actions performed in the operation of the plant operation, and all medical waste processing paperwork.
Keep the MSDS paperwork updated with the newest version.
Monitors the operation of chillers, air handlers, pumps, cooling towers, computer rooms, refrigeration equipment, and alarms to assure proper pressures and temperatures are maintained in the facility.
Maintains the cleanliness and sanitation of the boiler plant, tool room, office, and medical waste room.
Maintains inventory of the hand tools, power tools, chemical lockers, replacement part lockers, PPE gear, and cleaning supplies.
Monitors, interprets, tests, and contacts appropriate personnel for medical gases (oxygen and nitrogen), fire alarms system, energy management system (EMS), boiler system, chiller system, Temp-track refrigeration system, Sterilant gas system, Veeder-root fuel oil system, Power Command generator system, waste water, elevators emergency phones, and medical waste system using multiple state-of-the-art computer systems.
Monitors and tests the Medical Gas System to ensure proper flow to all patient areas, working closely with other engineering shops and tenant organizations in the monitoring of the main oxygen system, medical vacuum, low nitrogen, and nitrous oxide systems.
Controls keys for, but not limited to: to the liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen storage area, elevators, government vehicles, and tool room.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Schedule: Shift Work: 24-hour rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays (subject to change based on the needs of the agency) Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator / PD#598-04516-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized
Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
May serve a probationary period
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process
Qualifications
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.
SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element. The screen-out element for this position is the "Ability to do the work of the Boiler Plant Operator without more than normal supervision." Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:
Dexterity and Safety
Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
Measuring Instruments
Operation of Equipment/Machinery
Technical Practices
Without more than normal supervision
SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: This position includes a Selective Placement Factor (skill, knowledge, ability or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration.
The Selective Placement Factor for this position is: Must possess a current High Pressure Boiler (BPO) license and be experienced in the operation, maintenance, and repair of boiler equipment. (preferably Arkansas State Boiler license)**MUST POSSESS/PROVIDE PROOF AT TIME OF APPLICATION OF A VALID BPO license. FAILURE TO SUBMIT A COPY WILL BE A DISQUALIFICATION**
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Physical Effort: The position frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. The work requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Will frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 40 pounds without assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. Makes repairs from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms to reach equipment in out-of-the-way places. When working on ladders and scaffolds, must be able to climb and carry tools and materials.
Working Conditions: Works indoors and occasionally works outside for short periods where they are subject to prevailing weather conditions. Subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes in the work area. Subject to strains, cuts, eye damage/irritation, bruises, infection, and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam, and contact with piping and boilers. In addition, they work on catwalks and ladders. Work is at heights and/or in close quarters, as each assignment dictates, to accomplish the work in the physical plant. Required to use appropriate personal protective equipment. Works around operating equipment, steam tunnels, manholes, and mechanical rooms. The plant and building contain hazardous chemicals that require special handling procedures and protection.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced VA competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be well-qualified, applicants must possess experience that exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors if applicable, and must be proficient in most of the requirements of the job. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website which can be found at https://www.opm.gov/.
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. VA may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. .Applicants will be accessed in the order in which the applications were received and select any qualified applicant in that order.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
RESUME REMINDER- Your resume must include the following information each job listed:
Job title & description of duties (be as detailed as possible)
Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2018 to April 2019)
Full-time or part-time status (include average hours worked per week)
Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee, An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/05/2021 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10988656.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
John L McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital
4300 West Seventh Street
Little Rock, AR 72205
US
Next steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
RESUME REMINDER- Your resume must include the following information each job listed:
Job title & description of duties (be as detailed as possible)
Month & year start/end dates (e.g. June 2018 to April 2019)
Full-time or part-time status (include average hours worked per week)
Please be aware that your answers will be verified against information provided on your resume. Be sure that your resume clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing your work experience in detail.
Recommended: Even though we do not require a specific resume format, your resume must be clear so that we are able to fully evaluate your qualifications. To ensure you receive appropriate consideration, please list the duties you performed under each individual job title. If we are unable to match your experiences with the positions held, you may lose consideration for this vacancy. We cannot make assumptions regarding your qualifications.
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (if applicable for Time in Grade and/or Eligibility):Most recent SF-50 if you are a current or former Federal employee, An SF-50 showing your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade Award 50's do not provide sufficient information and will not be accepted for the purpose of verifying time-in-grade.
Examples of appropriate SF-50's include:
Within grade increases at the highest grade held; or
Promotions with an effective date more than one year old; or
SF-50's at the highest grade held with an effective date more than one year.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/05/2021 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/10988656.
1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
John L McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital
4300 West Seventh Street
Little Rock, AR 72205
US
Next steps
After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
