Become a Boiler Plant Operator with the VA in Little Rock

Are you looking for a stable career where your mechanical skills directly contribute to the well-being of those who served our country? The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) is currently seeking a highly skilled Boiler Plant Operator to manage and maintain critical plant infrastructure in Little Rock, AR.

Job Responsibilities

The Boiler Plant Operator is responsible for the heart of the facility’s utility system. You will:

Monitor Systems: Oversee multi-fuel boiler systems and medical-waste disposal equipment.
Perform Maintenance: Execute preventive and corrective maintenance on pumps, motors, valves, and VFDs.
Ensure Compliance: Adjust combustion variables to meet air-pollution laws and maintain emission standards.
Analyze Data: Test and monitor feedwater and condensate to ensure peak efficiency.

Comparison: Standard vs. Federal Operations

Feature	Standard Private Sector	VA Boiler Plant Operations
Scope	Site-specific	Mission-critical for Veteran Care
Benefits	Varies	Comprehensive Federal Benefits
Advancement	Limited	Defined Federal Career Path
Schedule	Fixed	Rotating Shifts (6 AM - 6 PM)

Requirements

To be considered, candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet the following criteria:

Resume: Strictly limited to two pages.
Physical Fitness: Ability to work in confined areas and lift items weighing 40+ lbs.
Screening: Successful completion of a background check and potential drug screening.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive hourly rate of $27.66 – $32.27. Beyond the paycheck, you will gain access to federal benefits, including health insurance, retirement planning, and paid leave. You may also be eligible to request credit for previous non-federal experience toward your leave accrual rate.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality: Highlight your experience with industrial machinery and safety protocols in your resume.
Mind the Rules: Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
Track Your Status: Use your USAJOBS dashboard to monitor your application progress.

If you have the mechanical expertise and a desire to serve, we encourage you to apply. This is an exceptional opportunity to utilize your technical skills in an environment where your work truly matters. Submit your application through the official portal today.

Why This Boiler Plant Operator Job Matters

Join the team at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System as a Boiler Plant Operator and provide essential, mission-critical support for the heroes who served our nation.

Boiler Plant Operator Job Overview

The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Boiler Plant Operator to join its Engineering Service team in Little Rock. This role is essential for maintaining the safe and efficient operation of the facility's steam production systems. You will work within a rotating schedule, managing multi-fuel boiler systems, monitoring environmental controls, and performing vital mechanical maintenance to ensure the hospital remains fully operational for our Veterans.

Requirements for Boiler Plant Operator

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must undergo a background and suitability investigation.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must pass a pre-employment physical.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages in length is mandatory.
May be subject to random drug testing.
Must be able to work a rotating schedule including various shifts.

Preferred Qualifications for Boiler Plant Operator

Hands-on experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of industrial boiler systems.
Proficiency in monitoring automated and microprocessor-based control systems.
Ability to diagnose and perform mechanical and electrical repairs on pumps, valves, and related equipment.
Experience in water chemistry testing and maintaining environmental compliance standards.
Demonstrated technical skills in using measuring instruments and interpreting complex operational specifications.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and pay progression.
✓Opportunities for federal career advancement.
✓Comprehensive health and retirement benefits package.
✓Accrual of annual and sick leave based on federal service time.
✓Credit for job-related non-federal experience or military service for leave accrual purposes.

💡 How to Apply Boiler Plant Operator Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Boiler Plant Operator Job

Create or log into your account on the official federal hiring portal.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, including DD-214 or SF-50 if applicable.
Submit your application package before the deadline of September 8, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly lists the job title, description of duties, and the start/end dates for each position.
Keep your resume under the 5MB file size limit and use a standard, readable font.
Double-check your responses to the online questionnaire, as this is the primary tool for initial screening.
Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary range for this position?

The hourly wage for this position ranges from $27.66 to $32.27.

Are there specific education requirements?

A specific degree is not required; however, you must demonstrate the necessary skills, training, or experience to perform the core duties of the job.

What is the page limit for the resume?

Per updated federal guidelines effective September 2025, resumes must not exceed two pages. Applications with longer resumes will be deemed ineligible.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise to care for our nation’s Veterans. The CAVHS facility in Little Rock is a cornerstone of this mission, providing compassionate, world-class healthcare to our heroes. Working for the VA means more than just a job; it is a commitment to the 'I CARE' values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.