POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Boiler Operator I
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 8819
GRADE 24
CLASSIFICATION Nonexempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Powerhouse Supervisor
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Boiler Operator I performs skilled work in the operation of high pressure boilers and other auxiliary equipment that provide the required flow of steam for heating and cooling of University buildings and facilities on a continuous around-the-clock basis. This position operates boiler feed pumps, circulating pumps, and water softeners, maintains a chemical treatment program for open and closed systems, charts consumption, and inspects and adjusts the equipment to regulate and maintain a constant steam flow; monitors the performance of heating, cooling, and related systems by interpreting the building management system alarms and temperature and pressure differentials, troubleshoots problems, and makes adjustments, when necessary; conducts general building maintenance in the power house and associated utility distribution systems as required. Position complies with federal regulations governing environmental protection, hazardous waste disposal and the use of chemical substances and materials. The Boiler Operator I is the on-site boiler plant safety expert and performs skilled work in the operation of high-pressure boilers, associated auxiliary equipment, and other utility systems that provide the required utilities to University buildings and facilities on a continuous, around the clock basis to ensure the continuity of University operations.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A high school diploma or the equivalent and up to one year (30 credit hours) of technical training, certification, and / or vocational classes or course work in a related specialized area. Graduation from a recognized trade school is preferred. An equivalent combination of years of experience and education may be considered for substitution of educational requirements.
Experience: A demonstrated knowledge of the principles and methods involved in high pressure heating/cooling systems, water chemistry and conditioning is required, with four years experience preferred.
Skills: Demonstrates the ability to read and understand piping and wiring diagrams, blueprints and specifications. Numerical ability required in order to make proper calculations. Computer literacy in MS Office, CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System), BMS (Building Management System) and Boiler Controls is preferred. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Effort: Must be able to lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis, prolonged standing and frequent bending, stooping, and reaching on a daily basis; operate valves, manual and electrically-powered tools and boiler room equipment; move throughout the Power House, including climbing stairs and ladders in order to perform maintenance work. Work is performed primarily indoors, in environments that are noisy, or which could have work hazards. Employees in this job classification are designated as essential employees and schedules may vary to cover different shifts
License: A Stationary Engineer license is preferred.
Other: The scope of the position requires exposure to and use of chemicals, solvents, and cleaners common to boiler room work that may be hazardous and/or cause injury if specific instructions regarding their mixture, use, and disposal/storage are not properly followed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Performs skilled work in the operation of high pressure heating/cooling systems by operating boiler feed pumps, circulating pumps, and water softeners, testing water to determine degree of hardness, mixing boiler compound and treating the water to assure the appropriate degree of softness, maintaining a chemical treatment program for effluent systems, charting consumption and regulating steam flow, and inspecting and adjusting the equipment to maintain a constant steam flow; responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the boiler plant and other essential systems in order to ensure continuous utility service to the campus and safeguard the continuity of University business and services.2. Corrects equipment malfunctions when indicated by direct observation or in response to instrument indication and notifies the Powerhouse Supervisor or the scheduled Boiler Operator II when major repairs, assistance or services are required.
3. Uses the BMS to monitor the performance of heating, cooling, and related systems by interpreting alarms and temperature and pressure differentials, troubleshoots problems, and makes adjustments, as needed.
4. Processes emergency work orders via the CMMS after normal campus office hours (and when work management is transferred to the powerhouse) by responding to calls from other members of the campus community as required.
5. Practices preventive maintenance of boiler room equipment by regularly inspecting the Power House and equipment at auxiliary locations (including confined spaces such as utility tunnels) to determine their working condition, performing periodic washing and cleaning of boilers, tubes, pumps, screens, pipes, burners and strainers, replacing broken sight glasses, worn gaskets, and defective meters, and keeping accurate records on each piece of equipment indicating all repairs/breakdowns, required and performed maintenance.
6. This position maintains various logs on specified equipment in a timely manner. The CMMS is utilized for keeping accurate records on each piece of equipment indicating all repairs / breakdowns, required and performed maintenance.
7. Reduces the likelihood for liability regarding the University’s compliance with federal regulations by complying with policies, laws and regulations governing environmental protection, safety, hazardous waste disposal and the use of chemical substances and materials.
8. Contributes to an accident-free work environment by complying with operator's instructions for the use of power tools, wearing protective equipment such as goggles, hearing protectors, back supports, and work gloves, reporting incidents of unsafe work activity to supervisors, and following standard safety precautions during work.
9. Focuses on customer needs and customer satisfaction, projects a positive customer service environment to both internal and external customers and promotes and encourages an attitude of exemplary service and high integrity to all of the staff within Facilities Management.
10. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing, professional contacts with colleagues, and attending professional development courses, training meetings, and other courses as assigned.
11. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
12. Contributes to the overall success of the Facilities Management – Maintenance Department by performing other essential duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Boiler Operator I is supervised by the Powerhouse Supervisor and generally does not exercise supervision of others.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JULY 2022
