Boiler Plant Operator (TCF Trainee)

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

The VA has adopted Core Values and Characteristics that apply universally across the Department. The five Core Values define "who we are," our culture, and how we care for Veterans, their families and other beneficiaries. The Values are Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect and Excellence ("I CARE"). That's why we created the Technical Career Field (TCF) Program - one of the largest training programs at VA. TCF positions equip professionals (including veterans) with the specialized knowledge they need to support the delivery of quality health care for our Nation's veterans.

This entry-level position is aligned under the Facilities Management Division, at the Clement J. Zablocki Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI - a Level 1a Complexity VHA Facility.

The TCF Program's Boiler Plant Operator training program consists of two years of specialized training to safely operate VA Boiler Plant equipment and associated controls. Trainees are trained for a challenging career as utility plant instrument and control technicians to possess the skills required for the maintenance and management of utility systems. This includes associated safety devices that ensure fuel-efficient plant operations at VA medical centers.

During the two-year training period, trainees will experience on-the-job training, classroom courses, online courses as well as local specialized training, depending on the student's needs. The specialized training is required to develop the knowledge for safe and reliable boiler operations in a medical center environment.

The purpose of this program is to provide qualified, recent military Veterans and individuals with instrument and controls specialty training or the aptitude to meet the needs of VA medical centers in routine utility plant operations.

Major Duties:

• Under the direct supervision of Boiler Plant Manager/supervisor incumbent will gain knowledge in the basic theory of boiler operation, trade practices and skills in the operation and maintenance of boiler operations.
• Learns the basics of boiler plant operations and steam systems
• Becomes familiar with and comprehends proper policies and procedures, including the lock out/tag out (LOTO) system and confined space entry.
• Lights off, operates, secures and maintains power boilers and auxiliary support equipment. Inspects boilers and auxiliary equipment.
• Performs proper safety procedures prior to working on boiler plant equipment.
• Assists with preventive maintenance inspections (PMI) on boilers and associated boiler/steam production equipment.
• Assists with boiler and associated steam production equipment repairs discovered during performance inspections, normal operation or because of equipment failure.
• Performs water treatment and chemical testing of pool and boiler feed condensate.
• Maintains equipment in a manner that is safe and meets operating requirements for efficient operations.

*Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 6 AM-2:30 PM
*Must be able to physically report to the Milwaukee VAMC on or before September 23rd, 2024
*To be considered for the program, an applicant must be willing to relocate to the training site at their own expense prior to the scheduled on-board date.

PROMOTION POTENTIAL: This position has 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.