Boiler Operator

Position Overview

The Boiler Operator position will be responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of low- or high-pressure steam boilers and related mechanical equipment and systems in an institutional power plant. The work involves operating and maintaining low or stationary high-pressure boilers, water softeners, chillers, compressors, generators, and other equipment in a central heating and power plant. The operator will maintain constant surveillance over equipment operation by reading gauges, meters, and charts and by testing water and recording this information to ensure efficiency and safety.

The work also includes assisting in minor maintenance and repair work in the power plant. Operations are performed in accordance with established procedures and are subject to inspection by the shift supervisor. This position requires the operation of work-issued vehicles.

Four days on shift, with three days off. Overtime and after-hours call back as needed.

• Saturday 8 p.m. – Sunday 8 a.m.
• Sunday 8 p.m. – Monday 8 a.m.
• Monday 8 p.m. – Tuesday 4 a.m.
• Tuesday 8 p.m. – Wednesday 4 a.m.

Operates boilers, pumps, air compressors, deaerators, water softeners, valves, regulators, and pneumatic controls to maintain proper steam pressure, temperature, and water level. Checks for proper operation of safety alarms, pumps, valves, and piping systems. Reads gauges, thermometers, and charts and records information. Assists with or performs personal inspections of boilers, pumps, valves, piping systems, and associated auxiliary equipment for proper operation to determine repair or preventive maintenance scheduling and performs water testing.

Requires ascending/descending multi-level stairs, vertical ladders, and working from inside the boilers accessible through openings approximately 12" by 16". Notifies proper personnel of malfunctions. Maintains daily operational records of boilers, pumps, deaerators, and air compressors. Requires basic math and the ability to read and comprehend controlling instruments.

Assists in or performs personally the fabrication, assembly, installation, and maintenance of piping systems, valves, and equipment for boilers, pumps, steam, condensate, feed-water, cooling water, pneumatics, and lubricating systems in accordance with National Plumbing, ASTM, and ASTE Codes. Selects materials specified in blueprints, technical manuals, schematics, and drawings and plans the sequence of installation or repair using appropriate pipe cutters, threaders, and fittings, joining piping by means of flanging, threading, soldering, or fusing.

Assists in or performs personally the cleaning, replacement, installation, lubrication, and repacking of filters, pipes, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and auxiliary equipment in order to maintain the power plant in good operating condition and to make emergency repairs on boilers and to prepare boilers for inspection. Assists Boiler Operator Seniors in overhauling pumps on steam-generating and heating equipment by replacing defective bearings, seals, packing, shafts, and other pump parts.

Performs routine cleanliness tasks to keep power plant and equipment in compliance with national fire and safety codes.

Assists Boiler Operator Seniors in correcting problems in the case of water breaks, steam distribution irregularity, or problems with electrical feeders until boilers, feed lines, etc. are stable. Assists with snow removal and surface treatment.

Performs other duties as assigned.

• Lift and carry up to 20 pounds constantly and up to 50 pounds occasionally with or without accommodation.
• Reach, grasp, lift, carry, and place moderately heavy loads frequently and heavy loads occasionally with or without accommodation.
• Ascend/descend multi-level stairs and vertical ladders in performance of routine duties.
• Work under a variety of temperature and weather extremes, both inside and outdoors.
• Work in environments with constant loud noise.
• Work in confined spaces.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Respond to…