Become a Boiler Plant Operator: A Vital Career at the Memphis VA
The Lt. Col. Luke Weathers VA Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee, serves as a cornerstone for healthcare in the region, supporting over 206,000 veterans across a tri-state area. Behind the scenes of this complex medical facility lies a dedicated engineering team responsible for the life-support systems of the hospital. We are currently hiring a Boiler Plant Operator to ensure that the steam, heat, and hydraulic systems remain functional 24/7. If you have a passion for mechanical work and want to serve those who have served our country, this is your opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As a Boiler Plant Operator, you are the front-line technician for the hospital’s mechanical backbone. Your duties include:
- Operational Excellence: Managing four large multi-drum water tube boilers.
- Maintenance: Performing repairs on valves, pumps, and feed systems.
- Emergency Response: Serving as the after-hours contact for facility trouble calls, coordinating with the environmental team, and calling in secondary repair teams when necessary.
- Safety & Compliance: Conducting rigorous water sampling, chemical treatment, and safety device testing.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Boiler Plant Operator |
| Location | Memphis, TN |
| Salary | $27.41 - $31.94 / hour |
| Schedule | Rotating Shifts (includes nights/weekends) |
Requirements
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Physical Fitness: The role requires frequent walking, standing, and lifting up to 50 pounds. You must be able to navigate small openings and work in confined spaces.
- Experience: While no specific certification length is mandated, you must provide clear evidence of your ability to handle boiler machinery, read blueprints, and use technical measuring instruments.
- Probation: A 1-year probationary period is required.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly wage ranging from $27.41 to $31.94, depending on the pay scale and experience level. As a federal employee, you also gain access to long-term financial security and benefits.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health and life insurance.
- Federal retirement system access.
- Generous leave accrual (annual and sick).
- Professional stability in a government environment.
Application Tips
To be successful, your resume must be descriptive. Don't just list your job titles; describe the machinery you operated and the specific technical tasks you mastered. Ensure your application includes the necessary questionnaires as outlined on the portal.
Join the Memphis VA team and take your mechanical career to a higher level of purpose. Apply today to begin the process of serving our nation's veterans through your expertise and dedication.
Why This Boiler Plant Operator Job Matters
Power the mission of caring for our nation's heroes. Join the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Boiler Plant Operator and ensure the critical infrastructure of a Level 1 Tertiary Care Facility remains operational for those who served.
Boiler Plant Operator Job Overview
The Lt. Col. Luke Weathers VA Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee, is seeking a dedicated Boiler Plant Operator to join its Engineering Service. This role is essential to maintaining the complex heating, cooling, and utility systems that support a sixty-bed spinal cord injury unit and a vast network of outpatient clinics. You will be responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing large-scale industrial boiler equipment in a fast-paced clinical environment.
Requirements for Boiler Plant Operator
- U.S. Citizenship
- Selective Service registration for males born after December 31, 1959
- Proficiency in written and spoken English
- Successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period
- Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks including climbing, lifting up to 50 lbs, and working in confined spaces
Preferred Qualifications for Boiler Plant Operator
- Documented experience in boiler plant operations and maintenance
- Proficiency in blueprint reading and technical specifications
- Ability to safely operate industrial machinery and chemical treatment systems
- Demonstrated experience in emergency troubleshooting and decision-making during off-hours
- Knowledge of safety protocols and personal protective equipment usage
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly federal pay
- ✓Federal employee retirement and savings plans
- ✓Accrual of annual and sick leave
- ✓Health and life insurance options
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in a clinical engineering environment
💡 How to Apply Boiler Plant Operator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Boiler Plant Operator Job
- Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare your resume detailing your experience with boiler plant equipment, technical repairs, and mechanical operations.
- Submit your application package online via the official portal before the closing date.
- Complete the mandatory occupational questionnaire.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS dashboard after the announcement closes.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume provides specific examples of how you have operated and repaired heavy machinery; avoid general statements.
- Clearly state your weekly hours for all previous jobs to ensure your experience is calculated accurately.
- Double-check that all required supporting documentation is uploaded before clicking submit.
- Review the job-related questionnaires carefully to ensure your answers reflect your technical abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the schedule for this position?
This position operates on a Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm basis, but it involves rotating shifts where you may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
Is veterans' preference applied for this job?
This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority; therefore, traditional veterans' preference rules do not apply, though veterans are highly encouraged to apply and will be given full consideration.
What if I cannot apply online?
If you require an alternate method to submit your documentation, please contact the Agency Contact listed in the announcement at 253-304-3238.
What is the primary focus of this role?
Ensuring the continuous and safe operation of the heating and utility systems at the Memphis VA.
Are there benefits provided?
Yes, full federal benefits apply, including health insurance and retirement plans.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to honoring President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for him who shall have borne the battle." The Memphis VA is a Level 1 Tertiary Care Facility. It is not just a clinic; it is a high-tech teaching hospital providing services in neurological surgery, spinal cord injury care, oncology, and more. Working here means you are part of an organization that values both clinical excellence and the well-being of the staff who make that care possible.