Become a Boiler Plant Operator at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently hiring for a Boiler Plant Operator for a 120-day detail at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington. This position is perfect for experienced operators looking to contribute their skills in a mission-driven environment while supporting the healthcare needs of our nation's Veterans.
Job Responsibilities
As a Boiler Plant Operator, you will:
- Monitor and operate high-pressure gas/oil-fired boilers.
- Perform routine equipment checks and interpret gauges and flow meters.
- Manage reverse osmosis and water softening systems.
- Perform system repairs and emergency protocol drills.
- Maintain precise operational logs.
Position Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | $31.28 – $36.50/hr |
| Location | Walla Walla, WA |
| Duration | 120-Day Detail |
| Schedule | Rotating (Sun-Thu) |
Requirements
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must provide Supervisory Concurrence.
- Maximum two-page resume requirement.
- Physical ability to lift 40 lbs and work in confined spaces.
Benefits
Working for the VA provides a unique opportunity to serve those who have protected our freedom, combined with federal wage-grade compensation and the chance to expand your technical resume within a major healthcare facility.
Application Tips
Ensure your application is submitted with the required supervisory memo. Use a clean, sans-serif font and verify your resume is under the two-page limit before uploading to the USAJOBS portal.
If you have the technical skills to maintain complex boiler systems and a desire to help Veterans, this role offers an ideal, short-term detail opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Why This Boiler Plant Operator-Detail Nte 120 Days Job Matters
Take your engineering career to the next level by supporting those who served our nation at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center.
Boiler Plant Operator-Detail Nte 120 Days Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a skilled Boiler Plant Operator for a 120-day detail opportunity in Walla Walla, Washington. This role is pivotal in maintaining the safe and efficient operation of high-pressure boiler systems and auxiliary equipment, ensuring our healthcare facilities remain fully operational to serve Veterans.
Requirements for Boiler Plant Operator-Detail Nte 120 Days
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to perform moderate to heavy physical labor including lifting up to 40 lbs
- Successful completion of a background and suitability investigation
- Submission of a maximum two-page resume
- Supervisory Concurrence memo (required for detail consideration)
- Performance Appraisal documentation
Preferred Qualifications for Boiler Plant Operator-Detail Nte 120 Days
- Experience operating and monitoring high-pressure gas/oil-fired boilers
- Proficiency in reading blueprints and technical specifications
- Capability in performing water quality testing and chemical treatments
- Experience in emergency communications and fire alarm systems
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly compensation
- ✓Professional development through VA facility experience
- ✓Opportunity to serve the Veteran community
- ✓Access to federal employment benefits
💡 How to Apply Boiler Plant Operator-Detail Nte 120 Days Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Boiler Plant Operator-Detail Nte 120 Days Job
- Ensure you have written supervisory approval for the detail assignment.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Upload required documents including your resume and supervisory memo.
- Submit your application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume clearly highlights your technical experience as the VA cannot make assumptions regarding your background.
- Use a professional, easy-to-read font like Lato or Arial.
- Double-check that your supervisory approval memo is attached; failure to do so will disqualify your application.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting and page count limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No, federal agencies now strictly limit resumes to two pages. Applications exceeding this length will be ineligible.
Is supervisory approval mandatory?
Yes, because this is a detail opportunity, you must provide a signed supervisory concurrence memo with your application.
What is the closing date?
The application closes on November 3, 2026.
Are veterans' preference rules applied here?
Since this is a Direct-Hire Authority position, traditional veteran preference rules do not apply, though all qualified veterans are given full consideration.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in the military. Walla Walla, located near the Blue Mountains, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventure, making it an excellent location for professionals seeking a high quality of life.