Boiler Operator

Boiler Operator

The posting is intended to describe the general content and requirements of this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Operate, monitor, inspect, maintain, repair, and optimize boilers and boiler support systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operation supporting mission‑critical steam and hot‑water infrastructure for campus and hospital facilities. Perform routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance on boilers, combustion systems, control systems, water treatment equipment, and associated mechanical and electrical components. Conduct inspections, operational testing, efficiency analysis, and water chemistry testing;

adjust and calibrate equipment and controls to maintain performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. Document operational data and maintenance activities, maintain a clean and orderly boiler plant, and coordinate with contractors and inspectors during maintenance, repair, and inspection activities.

• Operate, monitor, and inspect boilers and boiler support systems for safe, reliable, and efficient performance.
• Continuously monitor boiler and hot water system alarms and trends and provide operational response and escalation in accordance with established procedures.
• Provide operational support for steam and hot water systems serving all UAB Campus and Hospital buildings.

• Perform routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance on boiler system and components such as combustion systems, feedwater systems, pumps, motors, valves, compressors, heat exchangers, safety devices, and related mechanical/electrical components. Tasks include cleaning, inspecting, adjusting, lubricating, tightening, repairing, replacing, and testing.

• Install, test, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and replace control systems and components, including combustion controls, water treatment controls, safety interlocks, BAS interfaces, sensors, transmitters, relays, dampers, meters, valves, and control panels.
• Use appropriate test instruments for diagnosis.

• Perform routine testing of boiler water/condensate (suspended solids, hardness, chlorides, alkalinity, pH)
• Adjust and maintain chemical feed systems and treatment processes.

• Maintain, repair, modify, install, and replace boilers and support equipment (water side/fireside tubes, refractories, exhaust/flue systems, pumps, motors, valves, compressors, heat exchangers, and associated piping/components).
• Document all work.

• Support inspections by insurance carriers, regulatory agencies, and authorized inspectors in accordance with applicable boiler, pressure vessel, and safety requirements.
• Provide operational information and assist with testing.
• Support contractors on special projects within the chilled water plant and across campus.

• Record operational data, inspection findings, maintenance activities, test results, and performance information in accordance with departmental and regulatory requirements.
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and manufacturer specifications related to boiler and mechanical systems.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly boiler plant.
• Perform minor painting/corrosion protection of surfaces and equipment as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support plant operations.

High school diploma or GED

Three (3) years of related experience operating and maintaining boilers and boiler support equipment

Technical/vocational training in industrial maintenance or power plant operations; experience with high‑pressure steam systems, boiler efficiency testing, and water chemistry treatment. Graduation from an accredited vocational school in HVAC will also be considered.

Preferred Certification:
High‑Pressure Boiler Operator or Power Engineer certification issued by the American…