Boiler Plant Helper - Technical Career Field (TCF) Trainee

Job Details

Qualifications & Requirements

(SCREEN-OUT): Ability to do the work as a Boiler Plant Helper - TCF/Trainee without more than normal supervision. As supported by your resume, requires a basic knowledge and understanding of Boiler Plant Operations, applying knowledge of the structure and operating characteristics of boilers and associated equipment to perform preventive maintenance and operational repairs, using hand and specialized tools common to the trade. Ability to work closely with preceptors to follow instructions and agree to sign a 3-year Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreement. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS: Works from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and elevated catwalks. Work may be at or above ground levels. Frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, reaching, stooping, and crouching, as the work site dictates. Frequently lifts and carries boiler parts and chemical supplies up to 50 pounds unassisted, and over 50 pounds with assistance. Submits to an annual physical examination as per Veterans Affairs protocol. Mainly works indoors but occasionally outside for short periods of time. Subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotation machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil and fumes. Subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment, and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam and contact with boilers. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: 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 IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. 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. 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; religious; 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. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.

Position Overview

The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within VHA that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions. Employee will serve as a Boiler Plant Helper - TCF/Trainee.The purpose of the training consists of specialized training to safely operate VA Boiler Plant equipment and associated controls to meet the needs of VA medical centers.

Duties

• The TCF career fields represent those technical fields where VA-specific knowledge and experience is desirable for success in the field. Individuals selected follow a formal training plan for two years during which they are trained, coached, and supervised by a preceptor. As part of the VA's succession planning, the Technical Career Field (TCF) training program was created to ensure individuals are trained in critical areas that have current or predicted shortages. The program is nationally funded to include salary, benefits and training/travel dollars. At the time of acceptance into the TCF program, trainees will be asked to sign mobility, training, and service agreements. Relocation expenses for acceptance into the training program or for placement are not funded by the TCF program. Please keep in consideration, the training program is meant for those individuals who plan on staying with the VA a minimum of 3 years after completion of their training program. Selectees will be required to complete and sign the following paperwork; Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements. Although not guaranteed, with more than 150 freestanding facilities and hundreds of clinic locations, we will strive to place trainees in positions that will work for their needs and the needs of the VA. This is a developmental position leading to a WG-8, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision. You will ultimately acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of WG-8. Promotion is at the discretion of the supervisor and is contingent upon satisfactory performance, availability of higher level work, and availability of funds. Duties will include, but may not be limited to the following: Works closely with preceptor and follows detailed instructions to maintain continuous operations of the plant. Applies knowledge of the structure and operating characteristics of boilers and associated equipment, includes the location and functions of numerous pumps, valves, regulators, gauges, recording instruments, controls, power operated dampers, and other equipment associated with clean, safe, and efficient boiler operation. Applies knowledge of chemical and physical characteristics of fuel and combustion, of water tending analysis, and chemical treatments, and understanding of individual and combined effective of chemical additives. Applies knowledge of operations necessary to start-up, shut-down, and re-start procedures. Uses hand and specialized tools associated with the Boiler Plant trade. Performs preventive maintenance and operational repairs such as cleaning equipment, greasing, and oiling moving machinery parts, repaint equipment, repack valves, replace pumps, and assists in more difficult repairs and replacements. Performs other duties as necessary. Work Schedule: Boiler Plant is a 24-hour per day, 7 days per week operation and tour of duty will be on a full-time basis with rotating work shifts as needed by the Plant operations. Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved