Per Diem Boiler Operator

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Mechanical Plant Supervisor, this position is responsible for all Boiler Plant duties. Incumbent has been trained and demonstrates a high level of proficiency in the safe, economical operation of all Boiler and Chiller plant equipment and auxiliaries. Fires, operates, controls, maintains and repairs high pressure boiler and steam generating systems, including auxiliary equipment to provide and control a continuous and efficient supply of steam to heat and power Hospital systems and equipment. Boilers may be fired by natural gas or fuel oil. Performs scheduled tours, inspect and documentation of Boiler room to observe operating conditions of equipment, meters and gauges to insure that operation is in accordance with specified function or instructions.

Job Description

Essential Functions

1. Calculates materials needed and develops materials lists.

a. Orders appropriately and in a timely manner, calculates quantity of material needed and develops material lists for chemical treatment and other similar supplies. Selects stock, tools and supplies.

b. Uses and properly maintains plant tools and equipment. Operational duties are performed using proper tools and equipment, and records of the necessary data are made on proper forms and in log books.

c. Maintains records, schedules and documentation, prepares reports relating to energy consumption and labor and material expenditures and develops cost estimates.

d. Ensures safe, dependable and cost-effective operation of equipment is maintained to include Boiler and central air conditioning chiller operation. Ensures appropriate numbers and alignments of equipment are maintained.

2. Performs planned/preventative maintenance (PM) to Boiler Plant equipment and auxiliary systems.

a. Performs and logs daily pre-established Power Plant rounds.

b. Completes all assigned monthly PM work assignments, documenting same.

c. Maintains and evaluates logs and reports of equipment status, repairs and follows up with preventative maintenance.

d. Gathers equipment data for input into PM tracking systems. Ensures rounds are properly made and documented as scheduled each watch.

e. Performs and documents water treatment to prevent scale corrosion. Keeps current with all water treatment performed by others, offers advice on methods and performs treatment as directed by Supervisor of Power Plant. Ensures proper water chemistry specifications are maintained and that safe, efficient treatment dosages are made at all times.

f. Inspects and tests plant safety and signal/alarm systems. As per regulatory compliance and direction of Supervisor of Power Plant, examines and tests Boiler Plant standard Safety/Cutout devices.

g. Performs operational and low level planned maintenance on central air conditioning and power plant equipment and system. Takes equipment readings, makes appropriate log book entries, makes adjustments and properly puts equipment on/off line. Work is performed on schedule and documented.

3. Performs all responsibilities/duties required by the unit/Manager's notes/Examples: Performs corrective type maintenance based on Work Order Request assignments and deficiencies noted during tours. Performs and logs daily pre-established Power Plant rounds.

a. Completes all daily Work Order Requests assignments and rounds. Documents same.

b. Makes decisions on interpretation of data, trends and equipment. Takes appropriate actions.

c. Exercises good judgment in keeping the Supervisor of Power Plant and Manager of Facilities Maintenance informed of deviations from proper operating conditions or schedules.

d. All work is documented on Work Order Requests.

e. All Work Order requests are properly filled out to include all over-time and call-in activity, all proper Cost Centers/Department and Project Numbers, Action Taken are processed in a timely manner.

f. Demonstrates the ability to effectively work from verbal instructions, work orders, operating/technical manuals, building drawings and electrical diagrams. Performs corrective maintenance on Boiler Plant equipment and auxiliary systems.

g. Investigates, troubleshoots repairs. Demonstrates the ability to interpret data taken during rounds and to take appropriate corrective action. Always takes appropriate action during emergency operating conditions such as loss of fuel, low/high water level, fuel leak, etc.

4. Must be eligible for overtime status. Is able to work reasonable extended hours to accomplish priority repairs and to fill-in for disaster, vacation or illness coverage.

a. Is usually available for O.T. support during normal extended work situations, project deadline needs and emergency conditions such as weather emergencies.

5. Performs other duties as assigned.
a. Operating as a Power Plant "Team", ensures availability of all Power Plant equipment.

b. Within the guidelines of State, Federal, SSH Bargaining Unit agreements, operates boiler, chiller and incinerators and auxiliary equipment. After documented orientation, provides emergency Incinerator and Power Plant shift coverage subject to seniority lists and availability of normal shift personnel.

c. As it relates to Power Plant services, may be needed to assist in maintaining the safety and security of SSH facilities during: "CODE RED", "CODE BROWN", "CODE GREEN", "CODE BLUE" and other emergencies. Response to codes is prompt and appropriate.

d. Makes repairs and paints Power Plant buildings and equipment. Working from Work Order Requests, completes all daily corrective maintenance assignments within the Power Plant area, documents all work on Work Order Forms and, as applicable, on time cards as it relates to cost centers and updates supplies/material request forms. During periods when fired boilers are not operational, performs testing, repairs or replacement of steam traps in areas outside the area of the power plant, repairs automatic dampers, control valves, air separators, vent valves, etc.

e. Develops material lists for job orders and processes them through proper department procedures.

f. Observes the unloading and proper storage of fuel deliveries.

g. Performs duties of the department within his/her capabilities as assigned by the Plant Supervisor and the Manager of Facilities Maintenance.

6. Communicates with, advises and trains other nonexempt personnel, provides guidance to other departments, contractors and regulatory inspectors.

a. Utilizing expertise gained during equipment rounds and in the adjustment and repair of Boilers, and related auxiliary systems, may provide guidance to other licensed boiler and incinerator operators, contractors and designers/construction crews. Investigates, troubleshoots repairs and advises licensed operators and repair crews in the operation, repairs or adjustment of Power and Incinerator Plant equipment and systems.

b. Works in cooperation with and coordinates with other Hospital maintenance shops, construction workers and Licensed Operators on multifaceted or major jobs. Reports delays or unusual occurrences or problems to supervisor.

7. Working from Work Order Request forms, verbal instructions or detailed specifications, diagrams, sketches or plans, coordinates activities with other hospital trade sections to expedite work.

a. From own knowledge of field methods, uses proper techniques and materials as required to accomplish work, complies with codes and standards applicable to the work.

b. Possesses and demonstrates knowledge, understanding and ability to work independently in determining proper techniques used in new construction and equipment repair.

8. Provides for the safety of department employees.

a. Accepts responsibility for ensuring a safe work site as it relates to his/her work and its impact to surrounding areas. This includes use of department "Lock-out/Tag-out" procedures, working overhead, use of proper safety equipment, electrical safety, etc.

Non-Essential Functions
1. Other duties as required.
2. Performs all responsibilities/duties required by the unit/Manager's notes/Examples: Performs corrective type maintenance based on Work Order Request assignments and deficiencies noted during tours.
3. Performs minor additions and alterations type maintenance to the Power Plant. At the direction of the Power Plant Supervisor, assists with project work.
4. Assists in limited snow removal and sanding operations. Is expected to assist in limited snow removal and sanding/salting of hospital grounds to maintain a safe environment and to assist outside contracted services in removal of snow.

 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education - Preferred

High School or Vocational School graduate-preferred

Minimum Work Experience

Three (3) years’ boiler room/steam plant operation and maintenance experience.
Required Licenses / Registrations

1st Class Fireman or greater (1st, 2nd or 3rd Engineer) license required.

Required additional Knowledge, and Abilities

Has demonstrated understanding of Power Plant Systems concepts in addition to individual equipment operation, with demonstrated experience with chiller and air conditioning systems.