Boiler Plant Helper - Technical Career Field/Trainee

Full Job Description

The Technical Career Field (TCF) is a national workforce development program within the Veterans Healthcare Administration that was designed to replenish technical staff in critically identified positions.

Employee will serve as a Boiler Plant Helper - TCF/Trainee. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 04/15/2026.

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.

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 Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading) Measuring Instruments Operation of Equipment/Machinery Technical Practices Without more than normal supervision (SCREEN-OUT): I have the ability to do the work as a Boiler Plant Operator Helper - TCF/Trainee without more than normal supervision.

As supported by my resume, I have an understanding performing preventive maintenance and operational repairs, using hand and specialized tools common to the trade.

I am able to work closely to follow instructions working closely with work lead and agree to sign the Mobile, Training, and Continued Service Agreement.

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 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. Major Duties:

NOTE: This announcement involves several duty locations. The salary listed in the announcement represents the minimum and maximum range possible.

Actual locality pay will be determined at the time of selection based on the duty location of the position.

Applicants may choose up to three locations for consideration and includes: Bay Pines, FL, Tampa, FL, Ft. Meade, SD, Fresno, CA, Phoenix, AZ. Recruitment/Relocation Incentives are not authorized.

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.

Preceptors are selected annually, through an extensive application process, for their technical expertise, their commitment to training and the suitability of their facility as a training location.

*Selectees will be required to sign Mobility, Training, and Continued Service Agreements.

This is a developmental position leading to a WG-9, performing assignments intended to broaden skills and provide practical experience leading to progressively more complex assignments performed under progressively less supervision.

You will be eligible to be non-competitively promoted to the WG-8 grade level after successfully completing 1-year in the TCF Program where you will ultimately acquire the background necessary to perform at the full performance level of WG-9.

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.

Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met.

Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level.

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.

Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Helper - Technical Career Field/Trainee/PD99439-S Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized