Boiler Plant Operator

Boiler Plant Operator

Coho Technology Solutions is seeking a qualified Boiler Plant Operator to support operations at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane in Martin County, Indiana. This position is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of large industrial boiler plants, including high-pressure and low-pressure steam systems burning natural gas and fuel oil. The Boiler Plant Operator ensures continuous, efficient, safe, and environmentally compliant steam production in support of mission-critical facility operations.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Operate, maintain, and perform preventive maintenance on high-pressure and low-pressure power boilers and associated auxiliary systems.
• Operate boilers using manual and automatic combustion controls to maintain required steam quality, pressure, and load demand.
• Start, stop, and monitor boilers, feed-water pumps, chemical metering systems, air compressors, fuel systems, emergency generators, and related equipment.
• Perform water sampling, testing, and chemical treatment to maintain proper boiler water chemistry.
• Adjust combustion controls and burner settings to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operations.
• Monitor plant instrumentation including gauges, meters, alarms, LED displays, and human-machine interfaces.
• Maintain operational logs and communicate plant status to supervisors and incoming shifts.
• Respond promptly and safely to alarms, malfunctions, and emergency situations.
• Receive, transfer, and store fuel oil; operate and maintain fuel systems.
• Place boilers and auxiliary equipment in and out of service.
• Maintain plant cleanliness and eliminate fire, spill, and tripping hazards.
• Ensure facility security by controlling plant access.
• Maintain confidentiality of Government-furnished information and operational data.

Essential Job Qualifications and Requirements:

• License and Certifications:
  • Valid state driver's license required
  • Must possess a valid Third-Class Operator License (National Association of Power Engineers or equivalent)
  • CPR certification required (or ability to obtain)

• Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Comprehensive knowledge of high-pressure boiler plant operations and steam generation systems
  • Knowledge of combustion principles, fuel characteristics (natural gas and fuel oil), and air pollution controls
  • Knowledge of fuel delivery systems, feed-water treatment systems, steam distribution systems, and auxiliary equipment
  • Knowledge of electronic and pneumatic control systems; ability to shift between automatic and manual operations
  • Ability to interpret technical drawings, diagrams, and manufacturer operating instructions
  • Ability to monitor equipment performance and implement corrective action
  • Skill in coordinating boiler plant variables (draft, air temperature, furnace conditions) to meet load requirements efficiently

• Work Schedule & Requirements
  • Rotating shift work supporting 24/7 operations
  • Overtime required as needed
  • May be designated Essential Personnel and required to report during emergencies (weather events, disasters, heightened security conditions)

• Physical Requirements
  • Standing, walking, bending, climbing ladders, crouching, and stooping.
  • Ability to lift up to 40 pounds unassisted
  • Full use of arms, legs, hands, and fine motor skills for valve and control manipulation
  • Ability to work in environments with intermittent exposure to heat, fumes, dust, soot, chemicals, and boiler flue gases
  • Normal vision and adequate hearing required
  • May be required to enter confined spaces

• Working Conditions
  • Primarily indoor (approximately 90%) with some outdoor exposure
  • Exposure to high heat, machinery noise, energized equipment, high-pressure systems, and industrial hazards
  • Potential exposure to asbestos insulation and lead paint in legacy systems.
  • Risk of cuts, burns, bruises, falls, and entanglement in machinery inherent to steam plant operations
  • Must wear required PPE (safety glasses, hardhat, safety shoes, hearing protection, etc.)