Boiler Plant Operator

Boiler Plant Operator

Major duties include, but not limited to:

• Starts, operates, monitors, adjusts, and shuts down multiple-fuel boiler systems, medical-waste disposal systems, and related plant equipment to ensure safe, reliable operation.
• Performs preventive and operational maintenance on boilers, pumps, motors, Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), air compressors, fans, valves, dampers, steam traps, tanks, controls, and water-treatment equipment.
• Monitors boiler plant operations through manual, automatic, and microprocessor-based control systems; interprets gauges, meters, detectors, recorders, zone charts, and computer-generated data to identify and correct abnormal operating conditions.
• Adjusts fuel feeds, combustion air, draft, furnace conditions, and other firebox variables to maintain efficient combustion and meet changing load requirements and fuel-quality variations.
• Maintains compliance with applicable air-pollution laws and regulations by operating and maintaining pollution-control equipment and monitoring combustion efficiency and emissions-related controls.
• Tests and analyzes feedwater, boiler water, and condensate; determines appropriate chemical treatment and adds chemicals to control concentrations, remove impurities and gases, and maintain required steam quality.
• Performs Boiler Efficiency Institute (BEI) testing and verifies proper operation of boiler safety devices, alarms, interlocks, pressure switches, safety valves, fuel shutoff systems, flame scanners, and combustion controls.
• Diagnoses and completes limited-to-moderate mechanical and electrical repairs, including repairing or replacing pumps, valves, gauges, sight glasses, belts, packing, wiring, switches, relays, fuses, contactors, controls, and associated equipment.
• Maintains accurate computerized and paper records of boiler plant operations, service and emergency calls, maintenance actions, medical-waste processing, and safety documentation; coordinates after-hours service dispatches and emergency elevator-rescue communications.

Work Schedule: Rotating Schedule, Varies, 6:00am - 6:00pm (Subject to change based on the needs of the Agency)

Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD04516A

Physical Requirements: The position frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment. The work requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Will frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 40 pounds without assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment. Makes repairs from ladders, scaffolding, and platforms to reach equipment in out-of-the-way places. When working on ladders and scaffolds, must be able to climb and carry tools and materials.

Working Conditions: Works indoors and occasionally works outside for short periods where they are subject to prevailing weather conditions. Subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes in the work area. Subject to strains, cuts, eye damage/irritation, bruises, infection, and abrasions from the use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam, and contact with piping and boilers. In addition, they work on catwalks and ladders. Work is at heights and/or in close quarters, as each assignment dictates, to accomplish the work in the physical plant. Required to use appropriate personal protective equipment. Works around operating equipment, steam tunnels, manholes, and mechanical rooms. The plant and building contain hazardous chemicals that require special handling procedures and protection.