This is a helper position is located at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, MO and assigned to the Central Boiler Plant of the Facilities Management Service (FMS). The trainee participates in the Boiler Plant Operator apprentice training program, designed to prepare the trainee for a journeyman-level position.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/29/2025. 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 Follow Oral Directions Handle Weights and Loads Likelihood of Success 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: Works from ladders, scaffolding, platforms, and elevated catwalks. Work may be at or above ground level. 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 weighing up to 50 lbs. unassisted. Occasionally carries items weighing over 50 lbs. with assistance. Working Conditions: Mainly works indoors but occasionally works outside for short periods of time. Subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating 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. Work on catwalks and ladders
Duties include but are not limited to: Assists higher graded Boiler Equipment Mechanics with the process of Lighting off (starts up), warmup and shutdown of boilers, operating, securing, and maintaining, boilers and auxiliary support equipment. Inspects boilers and auxiliary equipment. Performs monthly safety checks following all safety procedures on boiler plant equipment. Assists with preventive maintenance inspections (PMI) on boilers and associated boiler/steam production equipment. Cleans equipment and performs general housekeeping duties as assigned. Performs water treatment and chemical testing on boiler feed condensate. Observes meters and gauges to ensure proper combustion and prescribed temperatures and pressures. 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: Full-Time 8-Hour shifts to include Nights, Weekends, and Holidays Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Equipment Mechanic - Helper/PD10341A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized