Boiler Plant Operator

The position is located in the Boiler Plant Unit, Facilities Management Services (Engineering) of Edward Hines, Jr. Veteran's Hospital in Hines, IL. The primary purpose of this position is to provide utility steam, cold domestic water, and hot domestic water required for many processes in order to support sanitation, infection control, and a healthful environment for the delivery of health care.

The plant is operated in a safe and economical manner.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/13/2026.

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.

• Knowledge of the structure and operating characteristics of boilers and associated auxiliary equipment. Knowledge of the location/function of numerous pumps, valves, regulators, and gauges.
• Knowledge of the chemical and physical characteristics of fuels and principles of combustion, steam generation, and heat transfer.
• Knowledge of the relationship between fuel quality and efficient combustion characteristics.
• Knowledge of water analysis and basic chemical treatments.
• Skill in adjusting air temperature, draft, and other furnace conditions.
• Ability to recognize malfunctioning equipment/systems and potentially dangerous operating conditions. Skill in the use of hand tools, electric, and pneumatic power tools.
• Skill in applying preventative maintenance procedures, and limited operational repairs (e.g. cleaning equipment, greasing, and oiling moving parts).
• Ability to read and work from blueprints, drawings, and diagrams to diagnose and locate problem areas for repair.

Frequently work in confined areas in and around boilers. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, crouching, stooping, turning, kneeling, and stretching. Frequently lift above head 25 pounds and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, carries items weighing over 40 pounds.