BOILER PLANT OPERATOR HELPER

Summary This is an entry level Trainee Boiler Plant Operator Helper position located at the Canandaigua Veterans Administration. Medical Center under the supervision of the Maintenance Supervisor (Boiler Plant), assigned to the Facilities Management Service (FMS). Responsibilities Duties include but not limited to: Assists higher graded shop personnel in Boiler Plant operations. Under the direct supervision of a Maintenance Mechanic (Boiler Plant) Journeyman. Assists with preventative maintenance (PM), and the maintenance and repair of boilers and associated steam production equipment. Moves and holds heavy or awkward items and attachments; carries, lifts, and holds materials in place during operations; operates power saws, grinders, pipe threaders, drills, cutting torches, etc., for the repair or installation of equipment as instructed by a journeyman. Assures safety requirements and housekeeping rules are followed and that personal protective equipment are properly used. Performs proper safety procedures prior to working on any type of HVAC/R equipment, fan motors, fans, pumps, etc. Lubricates and cleans shop equipment utilizing standard procedures, tools, and cleaning and lubricating agents. – Keeps shop tools properly stored, sweeps and cleans work area, and keeps work area clean and orderly. Performs other related duties and functions as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 0730 – 1530 Position Description Title/PD#: BOILER PLANT OPERATOR HELPER/PD08428O Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Pre-employment physical required Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/23/2024. 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: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision Follow Directions Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc. Use of Measuring Instruments 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/Working Conditions: Frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. The work requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing (including on concrete floors), climbing (including ladders), bending, and crouching. The incumbent shall frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to (50 pounds) unassisted and occasionally items weighing over (50 pounds) with assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. Moderate physical effort is necessary to turn valves and controls. Working Conditions: Work indoors and/or outdoors where they are subject to prevailing weather conditions. Workers are subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes in the work area. Is subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam, and contact with piping and boilers. In addition, he/she works on catwalks and ladders. The incumbent shall be required to follow prescribed safety practices and use safety equipment such as face shields, gloves, hard-toe shoes, respirators, and protective clothing. Some of these safety items may be uncomfortable to wear and may be worn or used for long periods Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional Information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicants criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.