Power Plant Operator jobs in Tuscaloosa, AL

Duties

The incumbent operates four fire tube power boilers fueled by natural gas and fuel oil, each rated at approximately 400 Bhp (Boiler Horsepower). Boilers require constant attention to maintain efficiency. Starts, operates, adjust stops, maintains and performs various operational repairs on multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary equipment. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining efficient combustion levels through the use of manual and automatic control systems. Monitors, adjusts and controls all phases of Boiler Plant Operations. Uses electronic controls, meters, gauges, industri1l control software, distributed control systems (DCS) software, Yokogawa FAST/TOOLS, and recorder data to determine adjustments and corrections necessary for proper boiler operations and changing load requirements. Operates, adjusts and maintains auxiliary equipment such as electrically driven pumps, forced draft fans, air compressors, de-aerating equipment, feed water heaters, economizers and demineralizing system. Adjusts fuel feeds and the volume and velocity of draft and other firebox variables to achieve maximum combustion efficiency with variations in fuel quality. Regularly observes and records the operational metrics of the Boiler Plant's performance by readings, gauges, indicators, thermometers, etc. and maintains information in written or electronic/magnetic form to detect danger signals in operations. Determines the treatment and chemicals to be used to control chemical concentrations, remove impurities and entrapped gases, in order to stabilize fluctuating water conditions in the boiler and condensate return systems. Checks the operation of safety equipment such as flame extinction, low water cut-outs, high pressure cut-outs and purge type combustion safeties. Performs maintenance and repairs of moderate complexity on mechanical parts and systems and are required to perform limited basic electrical repairs (lubricates equipment, power cleans water tubes, repairs or replaces valves, gauges and pumps, etc.). The incumbent is required to perform test and replace electrical components, switches, circuit boards, processors, electronic equipment, and compute1 hardware and software including applications and programming. Monitors electrical generators to meet the Medical Center and Plant requirements when main electrical source is unable to provide the necessary power. The operator will not, at any time, leave the plant unattended or be relieved by unqualified personnel. He/she is responsible for maintaining an accurate and complete log of conditions and events during his/her tour, and the turnover of items requiring further attention. The incumbent is required to perform housekeeping duties in the Boiler Plant to ensure that pathways are kept free of debris and overall conditions are kept clean. Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD97661A
Physical Requirements: Physical exertion includes such action as lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying objects of varying weights and sizes. Work requires kneeling, stretching, pushing, pulling, crouching, stooping, bending, climbing, walking and standing for long periods on concrete floors and corrugated steel catwalks and negotiating confined spaces. Must be able to use appropriate respiratory protective equipment while working in conditions involving adverse elements such as carbon, cement, fire clay, fibrous glass, silica and soot dust, chemical and organic vapors. Must have vision of no less than 20/40 (corrected) and be able to distinguish basic shades of color. Must be able to perform work at heights in excess of thirty feet and inside confined spaces requiring entry and exit through standard manual openings. Boiler plant operators will receive annual physicals to ensure they are physically fit to perform the assigned duties.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  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.

• Required Documents

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  Documents Accepted:
  

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Other (1)
  • Professional Certification
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

  
  Documents Required:
  

  • Resume

  
  Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application. Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
  
  Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
  
  Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

• How to Apply

  All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
  
  To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/28/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12337903.
  
  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
  
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  
  To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  Brian Cross

  Email

  Brian.Cross3@va.gov

  Address

  Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center
  3701 Loop Road East
  Tuscaloosa, AL 35404
  US

  Next steps

  After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.