Boiler Plant Operator.

About the Role

This Emergency-Essential position requires you to operate and maintain the large central boiler plant for the organization, execute decisions in the supervisor’s absence, and respond to after-hours emergency trouble calls across various trades. The role is designated as Mission Essential, requiring you to report or remain at work during crises, severe weather, or wartime to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the operator in charge of the plant when the supervisor is not on duty.
• Perform boiler plant equipment mechanic duties.
• Operate and monitor the large central boiler plant, including complex controls and auxiliary equipment.
• Receive and respond to after-hours emergency trouble calls, taking appropriate action for issues related to various trades and crafts.
• Determine when adjustments to controls or auxiliary equipment are necessary.
• Notify the supervisor in the event of a serious equipment malfunction.
• Perform minor repairs, often in awkward or cramped positions.
• Conduct frequent inspections requiring walking, standing, climbing, and use of ladders.
• Work in confined areas around boilers and supporting equipment (e.g., auxiliary and pollution control systems).
• Lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies up to 50 lbs. unassisted, and occasionally over 50 lbs. with assistance or equipment.

Requirements

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, including a completed background investigation.
• This is an "Emergency-Essential" position (AR 690-11); you must continue working during crises or wartime to support combat operations, overriding any transportation agreements or military recall status.
• Shift work is required, including evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations, with shifts rotated on a regular schedule.
• Must use personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by the employer.
• Regularly lift up to 50 lbs. as part of job duties.
• Must pass a pre-employment physical examination and annual examinations thereafter to ensure fitness for duty.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state Driver’s License (in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions) to operate vehicles.
• Appointment is subject to a one-year probationary period unless previously met under 5 CFR Part 11; limited appeal rights apply during probation.
• Must possess a current Grade 1 Stationary Engineers License issued by the State of Maryland prior to appointment and maintain it throughout employment. A copy of the license must be submitted with the application.

Qualifications

• Open to U.S. citizens only.
• Experience includes paid and unpaid work, such as volunteer experience through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) or other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, community, student, or social).
• No specific length of training or experience is required, but you must demonstrate sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work without more than normal supervision.
• Screen Out Element: Ability to perform common Boiler Plant Operator tasks, including operating boiler plant processes (e.g., water treatment, fuel systems, steam generation, pollution control), responding to emergency calls, and monitoring control systems to interpret codes and determine correct actions.

Physical Effort and Working Conditions

Physical Effort: The role requires moderate to strenuous physical effort, including long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Workers frequently lift and carry items up to 50 lbs. unassisted and occasionally over 50 lbs. with assistance or equipment. Work may involve awkward or cramped positions during minor repairs.

Working Conditions: Work is primarily indoors, with occasional short outdoor exposure to prevailing weather. Conditions include:

• Exposure to high temperatures from boilers and potential hazards such as boiler explosions, toxic fumes, high noise levels, scalding, and minor cuts or bruises.
• Use of protective devices (e.g., safety shoes, gloves, respirators, safety glasses, coveralls, ear plugs, or ear muffs) to minimize risks.
• Work on catwalks and ladders, with potential fall hazards.
• Confined spaces in and around boilers and supporting equipment.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement plans and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching.
• Paid leave (vacation, sick leave, and holidays).
• Flexible work schedules and telework options (where applicable).
• Life insurance and long-term care insurance.
• Eligibility for recruitment incentives, relocation incentives, or student loan repayment (if applicable to the position).
• Credit for prior non-federal work experience and certain military service for determining annual leave accrual rate.
• Salary negotiation may be authorized for candidates new to federal service.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).