Boiler Plant Operators for Engineering Service

Place of Performance: Government facility.
a) VA Palo Alto Healthcare System. 3801 Miranda Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94304
b) 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, California, CA 94025
c) 4951 Arroyo Road, Livermore, CA 94550

VA HOURS OF OPERATION
Three shifts are as below:
Day Shift: 8.00 am to 4.00 pm - arrive at 7.45 am
Swing Shift: 4.00 pm to 12.00 am - arrive at 3.45 am
Graveyard Shift: 12.00 am to 8.00 pm - arrive at 11.45 pm

• It is mandatory for the employees to arrive 15 minutes prior to start of shift for hand over procedure as an overtime.
• The boiler plant operations are maintained 24/7, 365 days a year, ensuring continuous boiler plant coverage during any required shift as scheduled. Boiler plant operations must not be left unattended at any time during the shift.
• There are 3x7=21 shifts in every 7-day week period. The boiler plant operator will be scheduled for no more than 5 days/week with the three shifts equally spread over the month including weekends and any federal holidays, with only one shift in any 24 hour period and no back to back shifts. Weekends and federal holidays will be paid at regular hourly rate.

Major Duties and Responsibilities
Plant Operations and Maintenance - 80 Percent of duties and responsibilities

• The high-pressure boiler plant is a complex system as reflected by the large number of components and auxiliary equipment that are monitored and used as a basis for judgments and operating decisions. boiler plant operators will also be required to operate auxiliary equipment includes, but is not limited to, electrical/electronic driven feed-water pumps, condensate transfer pumps, desecrating feed-water heater, condensate holding tank, duplex condensate pumps, duplex water softener, fuel oil pumps, blow-down tank, air compressors, air dryer, reverse osmosis system, emergency generator, combustion controls, burner management controls, flow meters, gauges, thermometers, oxygen meters, steam, and oil pressure regulators, sump pumps, microprocessor controls, and electronic recorders. Depending on the boiler plant, there is a total steam generation capacity from 5,000 to 35,000 pounds per hour.
• The types of boilers in VAPAHCS inventory are both fire tube and water tube. Boilers operated are fueled by either natural gas, fuel oil, or a combination of these fuels to produce steam required to meet dynamic steam loads. The Boiler Plant Operator runs the steam boilers under constant attention to maintain efficiency and to control formation of combustion pollutants, ensuring compliance with local air pollution laws or regulations.
• VAPAHCS currently operates three Nebraska Boilers rated for 35,000 lbs./hour of steam capacity at the Palo Alto Division, three Nebraska Boilers rated for 20,000 lbs./hour of steam capacity at Menlo Park Division. And three Unilux Boilers water tube boilers rated for 5000 psi at Livermore Division. Each Boiler Plant Operator is required to cross train on three types of boilers and boiler specific burner systems, so they have ability to perform operating shifts at all three VAPAHCS Divisions.
• The Boiler Plant Operator is responsible for preventive maintenance and repairs of stream plant equipment and plant in a clean, safe working environment. Boiler Plant Operators at this level need practical knowledge of electronic theory and design and ability to use theoretical concepts to devise solutions for operating or repair problems on one-of-a-kind systems in which Client engineering approaches have created unforeseen problems. They exercise skill in interpreting electronic, electrical, and mechanical drawings, specifications, and schematics of complete custom systems such as a new automated boiler and chiller controls. They require skill in troubleshooting complex electronic systems characterized by unusual circuit arrangements.
• Boiler Plant Operator repair, troubleshoot, and maintain single-and-multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary and pollution control equipment such as water treatment systems, chemical dispensers, and electrostatic precipitators.
• VAPAHCS boilers serviced at this level typically include a variety of auxiliary components such as fuel delivery systems, induced draft fans, conveyor belts, preheaters, worm screw feeders, de-aerating equipment, water treatment equipment, economizers, and air compressors that often require regular adjustment and maintenance to meet rigid tolerances.
• Ongoing technological advancements in electronic industrial controls and computerization of VAPAHCS boiler plant facilities have had and will continue to have an impact on facilities generating steam or high temperature hot water. As a consequence, work within this occupation, in certain work situations, may require familiarity or working knowledge of electronic controls and computerized control equipment for boiler plant operations and monitoring of various utility systems at VAPHCS.

Plant Testing

• To accomplish the mission, the Boiler Plant Operator must be proficient in use of tools and testing devices associated with the above-described trades, such as hand tools, multimeter, and electrical power tools. The Boiler Plant Operator's work will be subject to spot checks for adherence to policies, quantity, and quality of work.
• The Boiler Plant Operator is responsible for making the decision to add or secure boilers as Division heating requirements dictate. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining and operating equipment at the highest cost effectiveness and efficiency.
• This means maintaining steam pressure at the minimum necessary for the proper operation of the plant and connected loads. The Boiler Plant Operator has a major part in service steam conservation program focused particularly on maintaining steam traps, condensate pumps, and the integrity of piping systems and pipe insulation. Steam and condensate leaks and other necessary repairs must be reported and given a high priority.
• The Boiler Plant Operator is responsible to carry required steam load- shedding plan for implementation during a boiler plant emergency that reduces steam- generating capability and identifies the critical loads to be served, to the greatest extent possible, without compromising boiler plant safety.
• Boiler Plant Operator uses and tests 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. Boiler plant operator operates, adjust, and maintain auxiliary equipment such as electrical or steam driven pumps, forced fans, air compressors, feed water heaters, and water softener units. Boiler Plant Operator regularly observes and note readings on gauges, meters, detectors, recorders, boiler water level indicators, and computer generated and analog displays to detect danger signals in operations.
• Boiler Plant Operator tests feed water, boiler water, and condensate using standard chemical tests and determines the treatment and chemicals to be used to control chemical concentrations, remove impurities and entrapped gases, or stabilize fluctuating water conditions in the boiler. Boiler Plant Operator must be proficient in the operation of safety devices such as flame extinction, automatic re-ignition, low water cut-outs, high pressure cut- outs, and purge and combustion monitoring safety devices.
• Boiler Plant Operator performs operational maintenance and repairs of limited to moderate complexity on mechanical parts and systems and may be required to perform limited or basic electrical repairs. Boiler Plant Operator may operate emergency electrical generators to meet plant electrical requirements when the main utility electrical source is unable to provide the necessary electrical power.

Special Additional Responsibilities - 20 Percent of duties and responsibilities

• All Boiler Plant Operators in the VAPAHCS are required to be trained and able to operate all boilers at all three geographically separate locations. Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Livermore Divisions boiler plants require continuous monitoring and Boiler Plant Operators may not leave the plant during their respective shift. Each VAPAHCS Division high-pressure boiler plant independent and not satellites of each other.
• The Boiler Plant Operator can be the "Operator in Charge " of any of the three independent boiler plants in VAPAHCS. While Boiler Plant Operators generally work routine schedules for several months at a time, all Boiler Plant Operators are required to serve as an independent Boiler Plant Operator when working night shift, weekends, and holidays, on a rotating basis. Additionally, after accounting for leave in the 7-day, 3-shift plan, all Boiler Plant Operators in VAPAHCS will work independently 75 to 80% of their shift assignments.
• The Boiler Plant Operator is unsupervised and is responsible for ensuring operational techniques and maintenance procedures are carried out. The "operator in charge " is responsible for following written instructions from a supervisor or the "operator in charge " on the previous shift. The "operator in charge? is responsible for relaying instructions to the next shift operator, including problems encountered and action taken. Additionally, after working hours, weekends, and holidays, Boiler Plant Operators receive emergency trouble calls about the Division's facilities during afterhours and perform first response actions and address urgent issues. Boiler Plant Operators may be called upon to perform duties normally considered outside the boiler plant operator's expertise, exercising judgement and using creativity to solve problems.
• Boiler operator's license: A license is not mandatory but preferable. The employee will be required to successfully complete Safe Steaming training module on VA's Talent Management System (TMS) upon start of work at VA.
• Boiler Plant Operator is required to have thorough knowledge and follow procedures for the VAPAHCS Lock-Out Tag-Out program as an Authorizing Person and Confined Space Entry polices as a Supervisory Person. Boiler Plant Operator has knowledge to act in a limited capacity on behalf of the Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor when boiler plant operator is not present for proper oversight of contracted services.

Competency # 2: Responsibilities Required by the Position

• Boiler Plant Operator works under the guidance of the Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor. Since the Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor is not always on station, the Boiler Plant Operator is normally self-supervising during his shift as the "Independent Plant Operator in Charge. " The Boiler Plant Operator ability to perform with minimum supervision is critical. Boiler Plant Operator instructions are provided, Boiler Plant Operator is fully responsible to carry out tasks and their work is spot-checked and is generally reviewed in terms of results. Boiler Plant Operator has the authority to take decisive action as needed in case of an emergency. Boiler Plant Operator is expected to take initiative on behalf of the Engineering Service during non-standard workdays/hours (swing/mid shifts, weekends, and holidays).
• This requirement is needed because contact with a first- or second-line supervisor is not always possible. Boiler Plant Operator has full understanding of the VAPAHCS facility systems to respond to emergency callback situations and various utility outages/shutdowns. Boiler Plant Operator is required to carry out any directions received from the Chief Engineer, Facilities Manager, Chief of Operations, or other Engineering management. During non-standard duty hours, the Boiler Plant Operator's operational peers are the Administrative Officer of the Day (AOD) and the Nursing Supervisor. Boiler Plant Operator assesses trouble calls received from other services regarding plumbing, electrical, and air conditioning systems, then takes corrective action in a timely manner. The Boiler Plant Operator at times must make quick and accurate decisions without written guidance. If an on or off station disaster occurs, he has authority and responsibility to initiate the "Callback Cascade " to ensure patient safety patients and integrity of facility equipment. Boiler Plant Operator is required to monitor and respond to fire alarm, medical gas, HVAC, and emergency generator alarm system panels located in each Division boiler plant. Boiler Plant Operator contacts VA Personnel and contractors to correct any abnormal conditions.
• Boiler Plant Operator is given responsibility to oversee issuing of building keys, ensuring only authorized individuals have access. Boiler Plant Operator is also responsible to issue government vehicle keys, ensuring that proper authorization documentation is provided prior issuance of vehicle keys. If there are any discrepancies with key authorization list or vehicle trip ticket, he takes the proper steps to mitigate the problem.
• During after-hours periods, the Boiler Plant Operator is normally the first contact to initiate the Spill Containment Control Program (hazardous materials) contacting the Green Environmental Management System (GEMS) Coordinator and/or outside agencies as required.
• Boiler Plant Operator frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers. Boiler Plant Operator requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Boiler Plant Operator frequently lifts and carries boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, he carries items weighing over 50 pounds.
• Boiler Plant Operator mainly works indoors, but occasionally works outside for short periods of time. Boiler Plant Operator is subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes. Additionally, they can be subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam, and contact with boilers. Boiler Plant Operator works on elevated catwalks and ladders. The Boiler Plant Operator will be required to a rotating shift schedule. Under normal circumstances he can work alone, since one qualified Boiler Plant Operator per shift is sufficient to attend gas-fired or oil-fired high pressure boilers. At times, he will be expected to work extended hours to meet boiler plant shift coverage requirements.

Other Qualifications.

a. Customer Service
b. Consistently communicates and treats customers (Veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Responds to all inquiries in person, by email, and telephone in courteous manner and as quickly as the situation dictates. Resolves all issues and carries them through to completion in a timely manner appropriate to the situation; directs inquiries to appropriate personnel or department when unable to personally address the issue. Informs supervisor or appropriate management official of any issue or potential incident where a customer may be dissatisfied or angry as the result of information provided. Interacts with patients, supervisors, staff, visitors, and non- VA personnel applying a working knowledge of cultural differences in language, communication style, physical limitations and other diversity related factors.
c. ADP Information Security: In the performance of official duties, the boiler plant operator has regular access to reports and electronic files containing sensitive data which must be protected in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, 38 U.S.C. 5705, and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA directives and policy, and VHA policy. The boiler plant operators protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the boiler plant operators signs.
d. Green Environmental Management Systems (GEMS): Familiarizes self with how their activities impact VA's goal to implement sound stewardship practices that are protective of the air, water, land, and other natural and cultural resources. In accordance with the goals of the VA GEMS program, seeks to cost-effectively meet or exceed compliance with applicable Federal, State and local environmental; public health; and resource protection laws regulations.
e. Safety: boiler plant operators must utilize experience and knowledge to perform all work in a safe and prudent manner so as not to injure him/her or other employees.
f. Computer Knowledge / Office Software: MS WORD and MS Excel.
h. Calendar and E-mail: MS-OUTLOOK
i. Graphics (MS POWERPOINT)
j. VISTA: The boiler plant operators uses the Veterans Health Information & Technology Architecture (Vista) to access information in the Medical Center Computer System.
k. Must be proficient in both written and spoken English. Must be proficient working with computer-based programs (i.e. CPRS, BCMA, Microsoft Office) and use of computers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Pay: $33.80 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Do you understand that this is a temporary position beginning as soon as possible through 15 January 2027?
• Do you understand that this assignment has rotating shifts?
• Do you understand that place of work is at three different government facilities?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $34