Boiler Plant Operator

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel in the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: The US Army Garrison's Directorate of Public Works (DPW) supports the Aberdeen Proving Ground mission through effective use of energy, providing and maintaining sustainable facilities and infrastructure, and emphasizing a culture of safety.

Learn more about this agency

Duties

Help

• Execute decisions when the supervisor is not on duty and is the operator in charge of the plant.
• Perform boiler plant equipment mechanic duties.
• Operate the large central boiler plant for the organization.
• Receive after-hours emergency trouble calls relating to areas such as a variety of trades and crafts in order to take appropriate action.
• Determine when adjustment of complex controls /auxiliary equipment is necessary.
• Notify the supervisor in the event of a serious malfunction of equipment.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This "Emergency-Essential" position (AR 690-11) requires you to continue working during a crisis or wartime to support combat operations. This designation overrides any transportation agreements or military recall status and may involve extra duties.
• This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations. Employee shifts are rotated on a regularly scheduled basis.
• This position requires the employee to use personal protective equipment provided by the employer.
• This position has a requirement to lift up to 50 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
• This position has been designated "Mission Essential." You are required to report to or remain at work during severe weather or other emergencies to support critical operations and ensure core functions continue uninterrupted.
• Appointment to this position is subject to a one year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 11. While probationary the incumbent can be terminated with limited appeal rights.
• The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
• Incumbent must possess and maintain a current Grade 1 Stationary Engineers License issued by the State of Maryland or the District of Columbia or equivalent license from another state OR posses within one year of hire from the State of Maryland.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element) : Ability to do the work of a(n) Boiler Plant Operator ~ without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform common Boiler Plant Operator tasks. I can operate boiler plants operations process such as water treatment, fuel systems, steam generation, and pollution control; responds to emergency calls in order to execute the proper action; monitor a control system to include interpreting codes to determine correct course of action. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

In addition to the Screen Out Element, you must also meet the Selective Placement Factor (listed below):

Selective Placement Factors: Incumbent must possessprior to appointment (and be willing to maintain) a current Grade 1 Stationary Engineers License issued by the State of Maryland. (NOTE: Must submit a copy of the Grade 1 Stationary Engineers license with your application package. Applicants will need to submit a copy of their licenses along with the application. Failure to attach license will result in an ineligible rating).

• Physical Effort: Occasionally may work in awkward or cramped positions when making minor repairs. Frequent walking, standing, and climbing is required when checking equipment. The use of ladders is required. Boiler plant operators frequently work in confined areas in and around boilers and supporting equipment (i.e., auxiliary and pollution control equipment). The work required moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Workers frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilograms) unassisted, and occasionally items weighing over 50 pounds (23 kilograms)with assistance from other workers or with the use of weight handling equipment.
• Working Conditions: Boiler plant workers work indoors and occasionally work outside for short periods where they are subject to prevailing weather conditions. Incumbent is subjected to high temperatures from boilers, hazard from possible boiler explosions, toxic fumes, high noise level, scalding, minor cuts and bruises. Various protective devices such as safety shoes, gloves, respirators, safety glasses, and coveralls are provided, when job requires, to minimize these conditions. Operator being exposed to high noise levels, use either ear plugs or ear muffs to minimize noise exposure. In addition, they work on catwalks and ladders where there is the potential to fall.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• This is a(n) Construction, Engineering, & Infrastructure Career Field position.
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit for more information.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
• This is a(n) Construction, Engineering, & Infrastructure Career Field (CF) position.
• The following special programs/incentives MAY be offered if it is appropriate to the position being filled and in the best interest of the government:
  • Recruitment Incentives
  • Relocation Incentives
  • Student Loan Repayment
  • Salary negotiations for those candidates who are new to Federal service may be authorized.
  • Credit for prior non-federal work experience and certain military service for determining annual leave accrual rate may be authorized.

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.

Help

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.