Become a Leader in Facility Operations: Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor at the VA
Are you an experienced plant operator looking to step into a leadership role where your work directly supports the health and safety of Veterans? The Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) is seeking a motivated and skilled Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor to oversee the critical systems that keep our facility running efficiently.
About the Memphis VAMC
The Memphis VAMC is a major tertiary care facility and a pillar of the community. Providing care to over 206,000 Veterans across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi, our facility features state-of-the-art medical technology, a spinal cord injury unit, and comprehensive outpatient clinics. As an operator supervisor here, you aren't just working in a boiler plant; you are the backbone of a medical center that relies on your expertise for heating, sterilization, and essential utility services.
Job Responsibilities
As the supervisor of the Boiler Plant section, you will hold full responsibility for the operational success of the unit. Your daily duties will include:
- Supervision: Managing a team of seven operators, assigning work, and mentoring staff to ensure high-quality production.
- Operations Management: Overseeing the function of boilers, testing automatic equipment, and managing safety protocols.
- Maintenance: Developing and implementing maintenance plans, ensuring the plant is equipped with necessary tools and parts.
- Contractor Coordination: Managing third-party contractors for new construction, facility upgrades, and equipment maintenance.
- Reporting: Maintaining accurate operational logs and submitting reports to central administration.
Comparison: Standard Operator vs. Supervisor
| Feature | Boiler Plant Operator | Operator Supervisor |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Equipment maintenance | Plant-wide operations |
| Leadership | Individual contributor | Team lead / Manager |
| Documentation | Daily logs | Comprehensive reporting & planning |
| Authority | Technical execution | Resource & staff allocation |
Requirements
To be considered for this vital role, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Documentation: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be considered.
- Physical Ability: You must be able to stand, walk, crouch, and lift up to 50 lbs, as the role involves working in small, confined areas and climbing scaffolding.
- Background: You will be subject to a thorough suitability investigation.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive hourly wage range of $37.15 to $43.49. As a federal employee, you will also gain access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your long-term career goals.
Benefits
- Retirement: Access to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Leave: Federal employees accrue paid annual leave based on years of service, with potential credit for prior relevant military or non-federal experience.
- Insurance: Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance options for you and your family.
Application Tips
- Focus Your Resume: Given the two-page limit, prioritize your supervisory experience and technical certifications.
- Use PDF: Always upload your documents as a PDF to preserve your formatting.
- Be Specific: Describe your exact duties in your previous roles. Vague descriptions lead to lower ratings.
- Apply Early: Don't wait until the last minute. Technical issues are the applicant's responsibility.
If you have the technical knowledge and leadership skills to maintain the boiler systems at a high-complexity medical facility, this is your chance to make a difference. Join the Memphis VA team and serve those who served us. Apply today!
Why This Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor Job Matters
Lead the heartbeat of the Memphis VA Medical Center: Take charge of our critical boiler operations and ensure the reliability of life-saving facilities.
Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a dedicated and experienced Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor to join our Engineering Service team in Memphis, Tennessee. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the boiler plant operations that provide vital steam for heating, sterilization, and hot water systems across our massive 1.3 million-square-foot medical complex. You will lead a team of seven operators, ensuring high standards of safety, maintenance, and operational efficiency, directly contributing to the comfort and care of our nation’s Veterans.
Requirements for Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must pass a background and suitability investigation.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service.
- Resume must not exceed two pages in length.
- Must complete a one-year probationary period.
- Must demonstrate technical knowledge in boiler plant maintenance and safety.
- Must be physically capable of standing, walking, climbing, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
Preferred Qualifications for Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor
- Proven experience in supervising technical or mechanical teams.
- Expertise in boiler water testing and chemical treatment protocols.
- Proficiency in coordinating with contractors for large-scale maintenance or construction projects.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain operational logs and facility reports.
- Strong understanding of safety protocols in confined space boiler environments.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Generous paid annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including a pension plan (FERS).
- ✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k-style savings with employer match).
- ✓Potential for service credit toward annual leave based on prior experience.
- ✓Stable work environment at a premier medical teaching facility.
💡 How to Apply Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Review and complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documentation, such as SF-50 or transcripts, if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume concise: federal regulations now limit resumes to two pages for this role.
- Be specific about your technical experience; the VA does not make assumptions about your qualifications.
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting remains intact across different viewing platforms.
- Use a clean, sans-serif font like Arial or Helvetica for readability.
- Ensure your responses to the occupational questionnaire align with your stated resume experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a specific boiler license required?
A specific length of training or license is not explicitly mandated, but you must demonstrate sufficient scope and quality of experience to perform the work, which will be evaluated against federal wage system standards.
What is the physical nature of the job?
This is a physical role requiring frequent climbing, bending, and work in confined spaces. You must be able to lift items up to 50 lbs and work from ladders or scaffolding.
How long is the probation period?
Newly hired employees must serve a one-year probationary period to evaluate performance and conduct.