Boiler Plant Operator

Boiler Plant Operator

The incumbent is responsible for the safe and efficient operation, repairs, lubrication, and adjustment of the Boiler Plant equipment. The equipment maintained and operated consists of three water tube high pressure steam boilers in the central heating plant. In addition, the Boiler Plant has hot water generators and pumps that generate and circulate hot water for domestic use; a heating system for Buildings 3, 4, 5, 6, 7; and a pumping system for pumping city water to the receiving tanks. The incumbent is responsible for the operation and maintenance of this equipment while on duty. The three oil/gas fire boilers are rated at 31,000 lbs. steam per hour and are automatically controlled by I combustion equipment, which consists of air fuel ratio controls, inlet and outlet controls. In addition to the above responsibilities, the incumbent will also be required to:

• Monitor and operate the air conditioning plant.
• Operate the Boiler Plant in a safe and economical manner to provide a continuous supply of steam to the station; and adjust combustion controls, and other controls when necessary.
• Maintain log sheets by gathering operating data such as feedwater temperature boiler pressure. Make regular water tests and treats boiler feedwater with chemicals as required.
• Perform preventive maintenance such as lubrication, adjustment, minor parts replacement, and necessary minor repairs designed to keep plant and equipment in good operating condition.
• Perform general maintenance such as lubrication, adjustment, minor parts replacement, and necessary minor repairs designed to keep plant and equipment in good operating condition.
• Perform other duties as assigned: miscellaneous painting of equipment and utility lines, general cleaning of the boilers, equipment, utility lines, general areas, etc.
• Monitors and place request, to the Utility Systems Supervisor, for fuel oil as needed during the heating season.
• Incumbent has direct contact with vendors for all materials, supplies and fuels required to maintain the Boiler Plant; and as required, will initiate requests to the Utilities Systems Supervisor.
• On occasion, shift coverage is such that two boiler plant operators are on the day shift. When required, one Boiler Plant operator will be detailed to the HVAC Shop or Mechanical Maintenance Shop for maintenance and repair work throughout the facility.
• Maintains and updates preventive maintenance procedure and inspections on a recurring basis for all equipment related to the Boiler Plant per VHA Directive 2003-050.
• When required on other than normal working hours of Facilities Management Service (FMS) staff, the incumbent will receive emergency calls and will dispatch them to appropriate individuals as instructed by the Chief of FMS and outlined in FMS emergency call back procedures.

Work Schedule: Rotating shifts

Position Description Title/PD#: Boiler Plant Operator/PD478-03169A

Physical Requirements: Incumbent must be physically able to do a considerable amount of walking, standing, climbing ladders and stairs, crawling inside of tight spaces such as boilers, and heavy lifting. Must be able to work in bent, prone or crouched positions; must have good or corrected eye sight for observing water columns and gauges; must have good hearing for detecting noises that would indicate trouble with boilers, A/C chiller and auxiliary equipment.