Boiler Operator Jobs
Boiler Operator jobs are open across manufacturing, utilities, hospitals, and institutional facilities, from entry-level helper to lead and chief engineer, with specializations in high-pressure steam systems, combustion controls, and HVAC-integrated operations. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Summary
This position is located in the Maintenance and Operations section (M&O, under Engineering Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), VA Medical Center, in Marion, IL. The primary purpose of this position is to perform a variety of functions, including operating and maintaining the facility's boilers.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Duties
Major duties and responsibilities will include:
- Performs all duties required to maintain the safe and efficient operation of a boiler plant, operating steam pressure of boilers, consisting of four (3) fire tube boilers automatic and manually fired combination oil and natural gas burning.
- Conducts water analyses and applies proper chemical treatments
- Operates the feed water system, the steam system, domestic water, natural gas, fuel oil, and local control panels at each individual boiler and the main control panel with plant and boiler master controls along with all associated transmitters and recorders.
- Operates the feedwater system consists of backflow preventers, water softeners, make-up tank, transfer pumps, a Deaerating Feedwater Heater and feed water pumps.
- Check all equipment to determine that no hazards exist that will endanger equipment or personnel.
- Starts, operates and stops manually controlled equipment, to include boiler feed water pumps, chemical pumps, condensate return unit, transfer pumps, water softener unit, and oil pumps.
- Periodically checks equipment to evaluate and determine proper operation and makes adjustment and takes corrective action as required.
- Periodically checks boilers, tanks and piping for leaks, vibration, soundness and unusual conditions.
- Performs operator level routine maintenance and repairs to include minor leak repairs, component replacement and safety testing.
- Responsible for maintaining the oil system free from leaks, identifying leaks and taking appropriate action.
- Maintains hourly and daily logs, charts and other records as required.
- Calculates steam production, steam usage, water usage, fuel usage, boiler hours and efficiency for each 8 hour shift and 24 hour day calendar.
- Performs boiler feed water tests and treats boilers with chemicals as determined by tests.
- Adjusts continuous blowdowns as required by tests.
- Regenerates water softening system manually when required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Pre-employment physical required
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Qualifications
(SCREEN-OUT) Ability to perform the duties of the Boiler Plant Operator Leader without more than normal supervision. Experience includes safe and efficient operation and maintenance of all Boiler Plant equipment; knowledge of installation, modification, maintenance and repair, and troubleshooting of commercial fire tube boilers; checking inventory of shop supplies and materials to ensure that proper quantity is on hand at all times; ordering needed equipment, parts and supplies to complete repairs; assigning work orders; planning, coordinating and directing the work of personnel assigned to their work section. (Your experience must be documented in your resume to receive full credit.)
A Quality Ranking Factor* has been requested by the facility to help determine which of the basically qualified applicants are likely to be better qualified for a position. The quality ranking factor for this position is: " Experience conducting water chemistry tests and applying the correct chemical treatment procedures?"
- Quality Ranking Factors are skills, knowledge, abilities, or other worker characteristics which could be expected to result in superior performance on the job. Quality ranking factors will not be used for screening but may be used as ranking criteria. Applicants with higher proficiency levels may rank above those with lower proficiency levels on a quality ranking factor.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Frequently work in confined areas in and around boilers. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted. Occasionally carries items weighing over 40 pounds (with assistance)
WORKING CONDITIONS: Mainly works indoors but occasionally work outside for short periods of time. Subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil and fumes. Subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam and contact with boilers. Work on catwalks and ladders.
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications. For this position, the job element method is used to match what you, the applicant, can do against what the work calls for. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be compared to the knowledge, skills and abilities (called job elements) needed for success. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element (WG-2 and higher only; screen-outs are not applicable to WG-1). Applicants who appear to meet the screen out element are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligibles are rated against the remainder of the job elements. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume.
You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:
- Dexterity and Safety
- Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
- Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
- Measuring Instruments
- Operation of Equipment/Machinery
- Quality Ranking Factor
- Technical Practices
- Without more than normal supervision
IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
There is no educational substitute at this grade level.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
Your responses to the assessment questionnaire will be reviewed along with the information provided in your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you are qualified for the position. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered and/or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
Candidates who apply under All U.S. Citizens announcements will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The categories are defined as follows:
- Best qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position;
- Well qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the job; and
- Qualified - applicants possessing experience and/or education that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
IMPORTANT: Please ensure your resume include up-to-date contact information (phone number(s), email address(s), etc.)
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Other (1)
- Other (2)
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation, i.e., Letter of Intent, related to your active-duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must refer to the SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" and submit required documents as applicable and stated on the form. Documentation is mandatory to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/22/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13066555.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.
Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:
- Prioritize most relevant and recent experience
- Use concise, results focused language
- Align language from the job announcement
- Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies
- Remove outdated or unrelated experience
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder
- https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit
- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more before any Veterans preference points) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Agency contact information
2401 West Main Street
Marion, IL 62959
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications per Category Rating procedures to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. If initial application submission is updated and resubmitted with a new resume, only the most current resume will be reviewed for consideration. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.
Overview
- 5402 Boiler Plant Operating
- Suitability/Fitness
Summary
This position is located in the Maintenance and Operations section (M&O, under Engineering Service at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), VA Medical Center, in Marion, IL. The primary purpose of this position is to perform a variety of functions, including operating and maintaining the facility's boilers.
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
Duties
Major duties and responsibilities will include:
- Performs all duties required to maintain the safe and efficient operation of a boiler plant, operating steam pressure of boilers, consisting of four (3) fire tube boilers automatic and manually fired combination oil and natural gas burning.
- Conducts water analyses and applies proper chemical treatments
- Operates the feed water system, the steam system, domestic water, natural gas, fuel oil, and local control panels at each individual boiler and the main control panel with plant and boiler master controls along with all associated transmitters and recorders.
- Operates the feedwater system consists of backflow preventers, water softeners, make-up tank, transfer pumps, a Deaerating Feedwater Heater and feed water pumps.
- Check all equipment to determine that no hazards exist that will endanger equipment or personnel.
- Starts, operates and stops manually controlled equipment, to include boiler feed water pumps, chemical pumps, condensate return unit, transfer pumps, water softener unit, and oil pumps.
- Periodically checks equipment to evaluate and determine proper operation and makes adjustment and takes corrective action as required.
- Periodically checks boilers, tanks and piping for leaks, vibration, soundness and unusual conditions.
- Performs operator level routine maintenance and repairs to include minor leak repairs, component replacement and safety testing.
- Responsible for maintaining the oil system free from leaks, identifying leaks and taking appropriate action.
- Maintains hourly and daily logs, charts and other records as required.
- Calculates steam production, steam usage, water usage, fuel usage, boiler hours and efficiency for each 8 hour shift and 24 hour day calendar.
- Performs boiler feed water tests and treats boilers with chemicals as determined by tests.
- Adjusts continuous blowdowns as required by tests.
- Regenerates water softening system manually when required.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized
Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job
- Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
- Pre-employment physical required
- Subject to background/security investigation
- Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment.
- Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP)
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Qualifications
(SCREEN-OUT) Ability to perform the duties of the Boiler Plant Operator Leader without more than normal supervision. Experience includes safe and efficient operation and maintenance of all Boiler Plant equipment; knowledge of installation, modification, maintenance and repair, and troubleshooting of commercial fire tube boilers; checking inventory of shop supplies and materials to ensure that proper quantity is on hand at all times; ordering needed equipment, parts and supplies to complete repairs; assigning work orders; planning, coordinating and directing the work of personnel assigned to their work section. (Your experience must be documented in your resume to receive full credit.)
A Quality Ranking Factor* has been requested by the facility to help determine which of the basically qualified applicants are likely to be better qualified for a position. The quality ranking factor for this position is: " Experience conducting water chemistry tests and applying the correct chemical treatment procedures?"
- Quality Ranking Factors are skills, knowledge, abilities, or other worker characteristics which could be expected to result in superior performance on the job. Quality ranking factors will not be used for screening but may be used as ranking criteria. Applicants with higher proficiency levels may rank above those with lower proficiency levels on a quality ranking factor.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Frequently work in confined areas in and around boilers. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted. Occasionally carries items weighing over 40 pounds (with assistance)
WORKING CONDITIONS: Mainly works indoors but occasionally work outside for short periods of time. Subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil and fumes. Subject to cuts and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam and contact with boilers. Work on catwalks and ladders.
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualifications. For this position, the job element method is used to match what you, the applicant, can do against what the work calls for. Your knowledge, skills and abilities will be compared to the knowledge, skills and abilities (called job elements) needed for success. Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element (WG-2 and higher only; screen-outs are not applicable to WG-1). Applicants who appear to meet the screen out element are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated from consideration. The potential eligibles are rated against the remainder of the job elements. While a specific length of training and experience is not required, your responses to the questionnaire must be supported by detailed descriptions of your experience on your resume.
You will be rated on the following Job Elements as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position:
- Dexterity and Safety
- Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair
- Interpret Instructions, Specifications (other than blueprint reading)
- Measuring Instruments
- Operation of Equipment/Machinery
- Quality Ranking Factor
- Technical Practices
- Without more than normal supervision
IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
There is no educational substitute at this grade level.
Additional information
Receiving Service Credit for Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.
If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement.
Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
Your responses to the assessment questionnaire will be reviewed along with the information provided in your resume and supporting documentation to determine if you are qualified for the position. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your rating may be lowered and/or you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position.
Candidates who apply under All U.S. Citizens announcements will be rated and ranked using Category Rating procedures. Qualified candidates will be assigned to a quality category. The categories are defined as follows:
- Best qualified - applicants possessing experience that substantially exceeds the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are highly proficient in all requirements of the job and can perform effectively in the position;
- Well qualified - applicants possessing experience that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors, and who are proficient in some, but not all, of the requirements of the job; and
- Qualified - applicants possessing experience and/or education that meets the minimum qualifications of the position including all selective factors.
It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment.
Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.
Required Documents
IMPORTANT: Please ensure your resume include up-to-date contact information (phone number(s), email address(s), etc.)
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:
- Resume
The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), documentation to support Veterans Preference or ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).
- Cover Letter
- DD-214/ Statement of Service
- Disability Letter (VA)
- Other (1)
- Other (2)
- Resume
- Separation Notice (RIF)
- SF-15
- SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
- Transcript
Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation, i.e., Letter of Intent, related to your active-duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must refer to the SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" and submit required documents as applicable and stated on the form. Documentation is mandatory to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference.
How to Apply
All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/22/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13066555.
- To begin, click Apply Online to create a USA JOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
- Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
Resumes must be legible so they can be reviewed for eligibility, minimum qualifications and other position requirements listed in the job announcement.
Your resume must be 5MB or less. We recommend saving and uploading your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and number of pages. We also accept GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, TXT, PDF, ODT or Word (DOC or DOCX). We do not accept PDF portfolio files. We recommend using a sans-serif font size like Lato, if available. Other widely available options are Calibri, Helvetica, Arial, Verdana, Open San Source Sans Pro, Roboto or Noro Sans. Make your page margins 0.5 inches. Consider using 14-point size font for titles and 10-point for the main text in your resume. The resume builder can help you create a resume using these recommendations and uses the information in your USAJOBS profile to help you get started.
Helpful Hints for Creating a Two-Page Resume:
- Prioritize most relevant and recent experience
- Use concise, results focused language
- Align language from the job announcement
- Focus on demonstrating skills and competencies
- Remove outdated or unrelated experience
- Use the USAJOBS resume builder
- https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/page-limit
- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/applicant-guidance-on-the-two-page-resume-limit/
The Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) provide eligible displaced Federal competitive service employees with selection priority over other candidates for competitive service vacancies. To be qualified you must submit appropriate documentation and be found well-qualified (have a final rating of 85 or more before any Veterans preference points) for this vacancy. Information about ICTAP and CTAP eligibility is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website at http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.
Agency contact information
2401 West Main Street
Marion, IL 62959
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications per Category Rating procedures to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. If initial application submission is updated and resubmitted with a new resume, only the most current resume will be reviewed for consideration. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made.
You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center.
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Overview
- 5402 Boiler Plant Operating
- Suitability/Fitness
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Find Boiler Operator JobsBoiler Operator Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Construction & Real Estate
- Investment & Asset Management
- Airlines
- Chemicals & Materials
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in boiler operator jobs.
- Valid state boiler operator license at the required pressure grade
- Experience operating and maintaining high-pressure steam or hot water boilers
- Knowledge of combustion systems, burner controls, and fuel handling
- Ability to read gauges, charts, and mechanical diagrams accurately
- Familiarity with OSHA boiler safety regulations and lockout/tagout procedures
- High school diploma or GED combined with a vocational or apprenticeship program
Tips for Your Boiler Operator Job Search
List every license grade you hold
Your resume should name each boiler operator license by grade and the state that issued it. Hiring managers screen for specific pressure ratings and jurisdictions, so burying your credentials in a summary paragraph will cost you callbacks that a clear credentials section would have earned.
Highlight hours logged on specific equipment
Employers want to know whether you've run fire-tube, water-tube, or electric boilers, and for how long. Quantify your operating hours on each boiler type in your work history so a maintenance supervisor can immediately see whether your background matches what's in their plant.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists boiler operator openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter openings by shift structure
Many boiler rooms run continuous 24/7 operations, so postings often specify rotating shifts, overnight work, or weekend coverage. Target listings that match your availability upfront rather than raising a scheduling conflict at the offer stage, where it's harder to resolve without losing the role.
Prepare for a hands-on skills assessment
Many facilities ask candidates to walk a boiler room with the chief engineer before extending an offer. Practice explaining your startup and shutdown sequence out loud, and be ready to identify components by sight, because interviewers routinely point to gauges, valves, and controls and ask what you do with each.
Negotiate shift differentials separately from base pay
Overnight and weekend differentials are often set by union contract or facility policy and treated as fixed, but the base rate and any tool or uniform allowances are negotiable. Ask about each component individually during the offer conversation so you understand the full compensation structure before you accept.
Boiler Operator Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most boiler operators?
CBRE, State of Colorado, and PURIS are hiring the most boiler operators right now, with openings concentrated in Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Minnesota, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Industrial manufacturers, hospital systems, and university campuses tend to post the highest volumes year-round.
How many boiler operator jobs are remote?
About 7% of boiler operator openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how equipment-dependent the work is. The sub-areas most likely to offer any remote component are remote monitoring roles, technical training positions, and operations consulting, where oversight of automated systems can occasionally be handled off-site.
How do you become a boiler operator?
Start by completing a vocational program or apprenticeship that covers boiler systems, combustion, and steam controls. Then log the operating hours your state requires before sitting for a licensed boiler operator exam. Most states issue licenses by grade tied to the maximum allowable working pressure, so check your state's requirements early and build toward the grade your target employers need.
Can you get hired as a boiler operator with little experience?
Yes, entry-level boiler operator roles exist as helper, tender, or apprentice positions, and most facilities expect to provide on-the-job training for candidates who hold the required license grade. Emphasize any mechanical maintenance background, HVAC coursework, or hands-on work with combustion or pressure systems, since these signal the mechanical aptitude employers need even before formal boiler hours are logged.
What does the boiler operator interview process look like?
Most interviews begin with a phone screen focused on your license grade and shift availability, followed by an in-person meeting with the chief engineer or plant manager. Expect a plant walkthrough where you'll be asked to identify components, describe startup and shutdown procedures, and explain how you've handled abnormal pressure readings or equipment failures. Safety knowledge and calm problem-solving matter as much as technical credentials.
Where can I find and apply to boiler operator jobs?
You can find and apply to boiler operator jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your license grade, shift preference, and location, then apply directly to each one that fits your background.
See All 103+ Boiler Operator Jobs
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Find Boiler Operator Jobs