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. Duties include operating and maintaining low or stationary high‑pressure boilers, water softeners, chillers, compressors, generators and other equipment, as well as maintaining constant surveillance over equipment operation by reading gauges, meters and charts, testing water, and recording information to ensure efficiency and safety.

Minor maintenance and repair work in the power plant is also performed under established procedures and is subject to inspection by the shift supervisor.

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.

• Up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year
• 96 hours of sick leave earned per year
• Nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day
• Retirement program
• Medical & dental insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Additional benefit plan options
• State of Kansas discounts offered by vendors
• Educational and professional development opportunities
• Tuition assistance up to 12 credit hours per year
• Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS)

KU is not able to provide immigration sponsorship for this position.

30% - Operation and Inspection: Operates boilers, pumps, air compressors, deaerators, water softeners, valves, regulators and pneumatic controls to maintain proper steam pressure, temperature and water level. Checks safety alarms, pumps, valves and piping systems, reads gauges, thermometers and charts, records information, and performs inspections to determine repair or preventive maintenance schedules. Requires working in multi‑level stairs, vertical ladders, and confined places accessible through openings approximately 12" by 16".

30% - Piping Systems: Assists or performs 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.

25% - Equipment Maintenance: Cleans, replaces, installs, lubricates and repacks filters, pipes, pumps, valves, heat exchangers and auxiliary equipment, and performs emergency repairs. Assists in overhauling pumps and maintains compliance with national fire and safety codes.

10% - Related Duties: Assists seniors in correcting water breaks, steam distribution irregularities or electrical feeder problems, and assists with snow removal and surface treatment.

5% - Other Duties: Performs additional 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 performing routine duties.
• Work under various 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 after‑hours emergencies as needed.
• Report to work during declared periods of inclement weather.

• High school diploma or completion of G.E.D. equivalency.
• Six (6) months experience in boiler and/or hot water heater work. Associate’s degree or vocational school certification may substitute for the required experience.
• Valid driver’s license at time of hire and maintenance throughout employment.

• Knowledge and experience in the theory and mechanics of boiler operation and steam generation.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems such as air compressors, water softeners, steam and condensate system piping, pump and valve repair.
• Work experience requiring the use of equipment manuals, reading measuring instruments and maintaining accurate records.
• Knowledge of water chemistry.
• Knowledge of safe operating codes.

Starting at $50,000.