Boiler Plant Operator
Veterans Health Administration · Department of Veterans Affairs
This job in plain English
This is a full-time Boiler Plant Operator job at the Phoenix VA Health Care System in Phoenix, Arizona, part of the Veterans Health Administration. The operator keeps the central boiler plant running around the clock for patient and staff safety, and shifts include overnight, weekend, and holiday work. The job uses direct hire and stays open continuously, and the announcement says it will close after 50 applications.
It may close early. This job will close when 50 applications are received, which may happen before the closing date. Because it is open continuously, qualified applicants are referred every week until positions are filled.
Can you apply?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen: this job is open to everyone.
- Open to everyoneAny U.S. citizen or national can apply. Some jobs also accept non-citizens; the announcement says so.
- Agency employees onlyOnly current employees of the hiring agency.
- Displaced federal employeesFederal employees who lost or are losing their job through a reduction in force (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).
Other groups listed above may get extra consideration, for example veterans' preference.
Only U.S. citizens, nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S. can apply. The job is open to the public, and the announcement uses Direct-Hire Authority, so traditional veterans' preference rules do not apply.
What you would do
- Operate boiler plant equipment, pumps, water softeners, and control systems.
- Test boiler water daily and adjust chemicals to keep water quality right.
- Record hourly plant readings and keep detailed operating logs.
- Perform daily and scheduled preventive maintenance on plant equipment.
- Repair and adjust boiler combustion controls and safety devices.
Do you qualify for WG-9?
With experience: A specific number of years is not required, but you must show training or experience that fits the duties of this job. The announcement lists 5 to 6 years of boiler plant experience as preferred, and applicants are rated under OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards for grade WG-9.
With education: This job does not have an education requirement.
How to apply well
What to send:
- Resume (required, two pages maximum, PDF recommended)
- Resume showing relevant boiler plant experience with dates and hours per week
- Cover letter (optional, accepted)
- Transcripts, listed as part of the complete application package
- Other accepted documents only if they apply to you, such as SF-50, DD-214, disability letter, or separation notice (RIF)
How you will be rated: Applicants first pass a screen-out question on the online questionnaire, usually question 1, to meet minimum qualifications. Those who pass are rated on job elements such as working without more than normal supervision, equipment knowledge, tool use, dexterity and safety, and operating equipment. Applicants who do not submit required documents will be found ineligible.
Tips for this job:
- Keep your resume to two pages and list boiler plant duties with dates and hours per week, since the VA will not assume experience.
- Describe hands-on tasks like water testing, chemical adjustment, and boiler control repairs in clear detail.
- The page says telework is not available, but the text says it may be authorized, so ask the contact at edgar.uriarte@va.gov.
Good to know before you apply
Schedule: Full-time. Various tours of duty and shifts, including mornings, evenings, overnight, weekends, and holidays, based on service needs. Examples include 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm, or 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.
Incentives and relocation: A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for well-qualified candidates.
Conditions of employment:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Background and suitability investigation
- Designated or random drug testing may be required
- Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959
- Fingerprinting, background check, credentialing, and medical exam within 3 days of a tentative offer
- Online onboarding with identification that meets Form I-9 rules
- Driver's licenses that are not REAL ID compliant are not accepted
- 1-year probationary period
- Frequently lift over 40 pounds and occasionally over 90 pounds
- Work at heights, on ladders, and in confined spaces such as boiler drums
- Exposure to extreme heat, cold, dust, dampness, and hazardous chemicals
- Wear personal protective equipment when necessary
We wrote this summary automatically from the official announcement. The announcement on USAJOBS is the only one that counts: read it before you apply.
Job details
- Salary
- $34.00 – $40.00 per hour
- Pay scale and grade
- WG-9 · Wage Grade (trades and crafts)
- Location
- Phoenix, Arizona
- Appointment
- Permanent
- Work schedule
- Full-time
- Service
- Competitive
- Openings
- 2
- Security clearance
- Not Required
- Travel
- Not required
- Drug test
- Not required
- Supervisory
- No
- Occupation
- Boiler Plant Operating (5402)
- Announcement
- CBSX-13105923-27-EU
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