GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The STATIONARY BOILER OPERATOR operates and maintains a high pressure steam boiler system and auxiliary equipment. Does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a single classification and not currently part of a series of classes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Boiler Operation and Monitoring. Typical tasks: fires high pressure boilers; operates fuel and water supply systems that feed boiler; checks operation of all safety features; conducts hourly pressure and temperature checks; operates feed water pumps, fuel oil pumps, and chemical pumps; measures and records temperature, pressure, steam flow, oil, water, fuel levels; maintains heating plant log; ensures proper distribution of heat to individual or groups of buildings; operates emergency generators to maintain electrical power to boiler plant in case of power failures.
2. Boiler Equipment Repair and Maintenance. Typical tasks: inspects and corrects oil and grease levels; repairs or replaces valves, pipes, and controls; cleans and services filters and fuel oil strainers; removes materials that did not burn from boiler; checks all boiler parts for wear; makes adjustments and minor repairs; makes recommendations and arrangements for major repairs.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class are in daily contact in person with various levels of staff within the institution regarding operation of the plant system. They have occasional in person and telephone contact with outside consulting and engineering firms regarding boiler efficiency, water treatment and other operational factors, and with various suppliers and trades workers to respond to requests and order supplies. Depending on the institution where they are employed, employees in some positions may have occasional in-person contact with inmates, patients or students in the normal course of performing their duties.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees in this class receive general supervision from a physical plant employee of a higher classification who reviews work for completeness and compliance with guidelines to maintain proper operation of the heating plant. Guidelines used on the job include State and Federal safety regulations and procedure manuals and manufacturer's specifications for operation of stationary boilers.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions are found in central and remote locations throughout State government (e.g., general government agencies, human or natural resource agencies, correctional, mental health, or higher education institutions, hospitals, etc.). They require the willingness to work within the environment associated with the position location. They require the willingness to work in an environment containing extreme heat, high levels of noise, high pressure steam and noxious chemical mixtures added to water. They require the willingness to lift heavy equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Two years experience as a boiler operator; OR

Completion of an approved boiler operator apprenticeship program.