Boiler Operator

Boiler OperatorThe Boiler Operator position performs boiler plant operation and maintenance work in the County inpatient nursing facility. A position in this class fires boilers and controls the generation of a continuous supply of steam for heating Gracedale Nursing Home, for supplying power to machinery and auxiliary equipment, and for laundry and sterilizing equipment. This position requires on-call duty, twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week. Additionally, this position works a rotating swing shift: •Six (6) days on 1st shift •Two (2) days off •Six (6) days on 2nd shift •Two (2) days off •Six (6) days on 3rd shift •Two (2) days off Employees in this position are paid a shift differential, on top of base salary, for 2nd and 3rd shift weeks.This position reports directly to the Boiler Plant Supervisor. This position is not responsible for the supervision of other employees.Tours boiler room to observe operating equipment, meters, and gauges to ensure that operation is in accordance with specified instructions. Manipulates valves to control the flow of water and fuel, and to increase or decrease steam pressure as required. Adjusts equipment controls to correct malfunction. Notifies supervisor when major repairs or assistance is required. Maintains a log of meter, gauge, and graph readings and repair work performed. Uses specified chemicals to periodically test and treat the boiler water. Performs minor repairs such as replacing worn gaskets, tightening joints, and replacing defective meters. Cleans the inside of the boilers by turning valves to admit jets of steam to water columns, boiler tubes, and boiler stacks to remove sludge and soot. Operates emergency generator to restore electrical power to boiler plant as necessary. Performs various janitorial or routine repair duties in and around boiler house.Required Minimum Qualifications EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE – High school or general equivalency diploma; AND Holds a Certified Boiler Operators license; OR Holds a certificate from an accredited technical training program in a related field; OR At least one (1) year of full-time, or full-time equivalent, boiler plant operations and/or building equipment maintenance/mechanical or plumbing experience; AND Completion of safety and operational training on low- or high-pressure boilers is preferred.Knowledge of goals, objectives, principles, and practices of pressure boiler plant operation. Knowledge of the methods, techniques, hazards, and safety precautions pertaining to boiler plant operation and maintenance. Knowledge of operating, sequence, parts, gauges, safety devices, tools, and other elements of boiler plant equipment, and their interrelationships, to effect repairs. Ability to read and interpret gauges and test results, and to take corrective action. Ability to keep records of activities and operations and prepare reports of same. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other facility staff, patients, and their visitors. Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver into position a variety of boiler operations tools and materials. Ability to operate a personal computer to enter information into, and secure information from, established programs. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English to perform the duties of this position.Tools and equipment Personal computer, including word processing and specialized software, phone, calculator, fax machine, copy machine, hand tools, brooms, brushes, cleaners, gauges, wrenches, screw drivers, chemicals, boiler analyzer, and other related equipment.Physical demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, walk, sit, and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Work environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works with hand tools and other boiler operating supplies and may encounter wet and/or humid conditions, fumes, toxic, or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderately noisy.Selection guidelines Formal application, rating of education and experience, interview, and reference check as well as job related tests may be required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. FLSA STATUS: FLSA NON-EXEMPT (ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME) DESIGNATION: CAREER SERVICE PAY GRADE: GU/GR08 UNION STATUS: AFSCME GRACEDALE Updated November 2026BenefitsFull-time employees of the County of Northampton are afforded a package of benefits which includes the following: Medical Insurance Vision and Prescription Dental Life Insurance RetirementI. Medical Insurance Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Cost to the employee to participate in the plans varies by the coverage selection and number of dependents; and may be subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. The employee may also elect to opt out of the County's medical insurance if proof of coverage through the spouse's employer is provided. Under this arrangement, the employee is provided with an annual $1,500.00 opt out payment.II. Vision and Prescription Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member. Coverage under the vision plan varies and depends upon the employee's choice of doctor and frame selection.III. Dental Coverage Coverage begins for the employee the first of the month following full-time employment for employees and their eligible dependents. Copayments may vary, subject to collective bargaining, if a union member.IV. Life Insurance A life insurance policy is afforded to full-time employees beginning on the first day of employment, unless specified differently in a collective bargaining agreement. It remains in effect as long as the employee is actively employed and terminates upon resignation or retirement. $20,000 is afforded to all eligible employees.V. Retirement All full-time employees and part-time employees working more than 1000 hours per year qualify for County of Northampton retirement benefits, in which employees must contribute 5% of their earnings, and employees may choose to add additional voluntary contributions, not to exceed an additional 10%. Additionally, employees may participate in an optional deferred compensation plan [457(b)] which may provide present tax advantages and future retirement savings. Such arrangements are made directly with the providers and the County will administer payroll deductions only.