Boiler Plant Operator

$48 - $52 an hour

Location: Mather, CA, or French Camp, CA, with required cross-coverage at both VA facilities
Position type: Full-time contractor position supporting the VA Northern California Health Care System
Schedule: Four 10-hour shifts per week; evening or overnight assignments, including weekends and scheduled holidays
Openings: Four anticipated positions—two primarily assigned to each location

The Boiler Plant Operator supports safe, reliable, and continuous operation of boiler plant and associated utility systems at the Sacramento VA Medical Center in Mather and Stockton VA Medical Center in French Camp. This position operates and monitors equipment, performs water testing and treatment, maintains operating records, and responds to alarms and abnormal conditions.

Operators must complete VA orientation and cross-training and maintain the ability to work at either facility when required.

• Operate and monitor gas- or propane-fired water-tube and fire-tube boilers, electronic controls, and auxiliary equipment.

• Monitor pressures, temperatures, water levels, combustion conditions, fuel-to-air relationships, gauges, meters, and safety devices; make authorized operating adjustments.

• Operate boiler feed-water treatment systems, perform water testing, add authorized treatment chemicals in proper proportions, and document results.

• Navigate and monitor building automation systems, including Johnson Controls Metasys and Siemens Desigo, as applicable to the assigned facility.

• Inspect boiler controls, combustion equipment, steam regulators, oxygen recording and trim systems, feed pumps, flow meters, gas regulators, and related equipment.

• Identify alarms, equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, and utility interruptions; take authorized action and promptly notify designated VA Engineering personnel.

• Perform authorized troubleshooting, minor operational maintenance, and repairs within assigned responsibilities and qualifications.

• Maintain accurate operating logs, inspection records, water-treatment records, and shift documentation.

• Participate in shift turnover and communicate equipment status, alarms, deficiencies, and work in progress.

• Maintain safe, clean, and orderly work areas and continuous coverage during assigned shifts.

• Complete required VA training and follow facility procedures, manufacturer instructions, and applicable safety requirements.

• Formal or informal education and training in utility systems operations.

• At least one year of documented plant operator experience, with documented Boiler Plant Operator duties performed within the past three years.

• Ability to independently perform common journeyman-level Boiler Plant Operator duties after completing required VA training and access requirements.

• Demonstrated knowledge of boiler controls, combustion systems, water-level and steam regulation, safety devices, instrumentation, water treatment, and auxiliary equipment.

• Working knowledge and demonstrated ability to navigate and monitor Johnson Controls Metasys and Siemens Desigo systems, as applicable.

• Ability to interpret operating procedures, instructions, specifications, and equipment readings and respond appropriately to abnormal conditions.

• English proficiency sufficient to safely perform duties and complete required documentation.

• Computer skills sufficient for electronic training, email, operating logs, and documentation.

• Ability to successfully complete a Tier 1 background investigation, receive a favorable determination, and maintain required VA access.

• Availability to work assigned evening or overnight shifts, weekends, scheduled holidays, and either facility following cross-training.

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