Summary
The incumbent serves as a Boiler Plant Operator Leader in the Facilities Management Service (FMS) of the VA Central Western Mass (VACWM) located in Leeds MA. The incumbent is under the general supervision of the Boiler Shop Supervisor.
This job is open to
The public
Clarification from the agency
ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.
Duties
The incumbent is a Boiler Plant Operator Working Leader. In the performance of normal duties, s/he not only works the same rotating shifts as co-workers, they also lead the work section employee's in the proper maintenance, repair and operations of the Boiler Plant and its associated machinery & equipment. Incumbent is responsible to lead the following: 2-Boiler Plant Operators, WG-5402-10 2-Boiler Plant Operators, WG-5402-09
The incumbent must have a well-rounded knowledge of the Boiler Plant operations in order to effectively lead the other Boiler Plant Operators (BPO's). Incumbent is responsible to schedule all training for shop employees and to maintain individual training records for assigned employees according to policy and procedures. I
The incumbent is required to complete training and qualify as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for service, preventative maintenance and repair contracts. S/he will develop Statements of Work (SOW), Sole Source Justifications and perform Market Research for these contracts. Incumbent works closely with all new installations, in-house projects, boiler inspections and review of project blueprints, inspection of contractor submittals and review of new equipment and material submitted by vendors
Responsible for the Boiler Plant Preventive Maintenance Program to include all associated equipment; routine- tasks which include checking inventory of shop supplies and materials to ensure that proper quantity is on hand at all times; ordering needed equipment, parts and supplies to complete repairs; assigning work orders; inspection of equipment, equipment rooms, work areas, cleanliness and safety. Incumbent will assume responsibilities as assigned during periods when the Electric & Boiler Plant Supervisor is not present (available) or on duty. The incumbent will perform other duties as assigned in order to meet common team goals. S/he must be willing to work odd hours, if required, including but not limited to weekend and shift work.
Responsible for the safe and efficient operation, minor repair, lubrication and adjustment of all Boiler Plant equipment. Is also responsible for the operation and maintenance of this equipment while on duty. Incumbent will operate the Boiler Plant in a safe and economical manner to provide a continuous supply of steam to the station; maintain log sheets, perform preventive and general maintenance. Will monitor and place request to Electrical & Boiler Shop Supervisor for fuel oil as needed. Incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of installation, modification, maintenance and repair, and troubleshooting of commercial fire tube boilers and Boiler Plant equipment. Incumbent must have ability to work from blueprints, schematics, drawings, manuals, work orders, etc. Incumbent must have ability to properly utilize the tools of the trade. Incumbent must have the ability to determine the appropriate course of action under extraordinary conditions.
Preferred Experience- Valid/Current stationary fireman's license issued from any US State.
Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts
Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator Leader/PD022350
Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to do a considerable amount of walking, standing, climbing ladders and stairs, crawling inside of tight spaces such as boilers, and heavy lifting. Must be physically able to handle the heat stress generated by Boiler Plant equipment within an enclosed but ventilated environment. Must be able to work in bent, prone or crouched positions; must have good or corrected eye sight for observing water columns and gauges; must have good hearing for detecting noises that would indicate trouble with boilers and auxiliary equipment.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
- Subject to a background/suitability investigation
- 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. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents).
- Effective May 7, 2025, driver’s licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
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, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. 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
- Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
- Lead or Supervise
- Operation of Equipment/Machinery
- Technical Practices
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.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer (TJO). Please visit the Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP), va.gov/EMPLOYEE/docs/The-Fair-Chance-to-Compete-Act.pdf for more information.
The following will be communicated to applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position and will also be included in all VA vacancy announcements for such positions: All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
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 an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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.
Review our 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 referred in the order in which they were received.
Required Documents
Documents Accepted:
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Other (1)
- PCS Orders
- Performance Appraisal
- Professional Certification
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
Documents Required:
- Resume
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.
Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
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 08/15/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12773358.
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. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
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.
Agency contact information
421 North Main Street
Leeds, MA 01053
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.
Overview
- 5402 Boiler Plant Operating
- Suitability/Fitness
- National security