Become a Boiler Plant Operator at the Butler VA Medical Center
Are you a skilled technician looking for a stable career with a meaningful mission? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently seeking a motivated Boiler Plant Operator to join the facility management team at the Butler VA Medical Center in Pennsylvania. This role is vital to the daily operation of a world-class healthcare facility.
Job Responsibilities
As a Boiler Plant Operator, your primary duty is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant's steam generation equipment. Key responsibilities include:
- System Monitoring: Watching alarms and engineering controls to ensure peak performance.
- Chemical Analysis: Testing and treating boiler feed water to prevent system corrosion and scale.
- Maintenance and Repair: Troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic systems.
- Safety Compliance: Adhering to environmental regulations and maintaining safety devices.
Comparison of Responsibilities
| Task Type | Focus Area | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Preventative Repairs | Prevents costly outages |
| Operations | Combustion Efficiency | Saves fuel and energy |
| Safety | Pressure/Valve Checks | Ensures staff and facility security |
Requirements
Applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to pass a background check. You must demonstrate sufficient experience to handle the work without constant supervision. Physical demands include lifting up to 50 lbs and entering tight, confined spaces.
Salary Overview
The pay range for this position is $30.26 to $35.30 per hour.
Benefits
Employees enjoy generous federal benefits including health insurance, retirement planning, and accrued leave.
Application Tips
- Mind the length: Your resume must not exceed two pages.
- Be specific: Detail your past work with boilers, tools, and plant systems.
- Review your submission: Ensure all documents are uploaded before the July 15 deadline.
Serving our nation’s veterans is a noble career path. Apply today to help keep the Butler VA Medical Center running at its best.
Why This Boiler Plant Operator Job Matters
Launch a rewarding career ensuring the safety and efficiency of critical infrastructure for those who served our nation.
Boiler Plant Operator Job Overview
The Butler VA Medical Center is seeking dedicated professionals for the role of Boiler Plant Operator. In this critical facility maintenance position, you will be responsible for the continuous operation, monitoring, and repair of the medical center’s steam production systems. This is an essential role in a fast-paced environment where your technical expertise directly supports the health and safety of our veterans.
Requirements for Boiler Plant Operator
- U.S. citizenship is mandatory.
- Must pass a background and suitability investigation.
- Must be willing to undergo drug testing if required.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Submission of a professional resume (maximum two pages).
- Must be capable of performing strenuous physical tasks, including walking, standing, climbing, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to work in confined spaces and handle rotating shift schedules.
- Completion of a one-year probationary period.
Preferred Qualifications for Boiler Plant Operator
- Demonstrated experience in operating and maintaining high-pressure boiler systems.
- Technical knowledge of electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic control systems.
- Proficiency in chemical water treatment and analysis for industrial boilers.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot and repair auxiliary plant equipment independently.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly compensation.
- ✓Federal employee benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Accrual of annual and sick leave.
- ✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- ✓Potential service credit for annual leave accrual based on prior non-federal experience.
💡 How to Apply Boiler Plant Operator Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Boiler Plant Operator Job
- Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather required documentation, such as your two-page resume.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary supporting documents (e.g., SF-50, transcripts, veteran documents).
- Submit your final application package before the closing date of July 15, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly limited to two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
- Use clear, descriptive language when detailing your experience; do not assume the recruiter knows your past duties.
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact during the upload process.
- Ensure your responses to the online questionnaire align with the skills highlighted in your resume.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the work schedule for this position?
This position requires an 8-hour rotating shift schedule every 6 to 7 days, covering 24/7 operations, including day, evening, and night shifts.
Is a specific boiler operator license required?
While no specific certification is explicitly listed as a barrier to entry, you must demonstrate sufficient scope and quality of experience to perform the technical duties described in the job summary.
What is the deadline to apply?
All applications must be submitted by July 15, 2026.
Can I submit a five-page resume?
No, resumes longer than two pages will result in ineligibility.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States. We serve those who have served our country. Working at the VA means joining a team dedicated to the core values of Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.