"Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer"

Job Details

Unit: E and U Operations

Department: Engineering and Utilities

The steam plant is a 24/7/365 day operation, and the main steam plant consists of three 125,000 lbs/hour boilers with typical loads ranging from 35,000 lbs/hour (summer) and up to 135,000 lbs/hour (winter).

The Boiler Operator is responsible for operation of MCV and MPC steam plants and distribution systems, ensuring that each plant operates reliably, efficiently, and at all times in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Control boilers and other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for Hospital, Academic, and State buildings
• Ensure long equipment life, operating efficiency, and equipment availability by following accepted procedures
• Use solid inspection techniques to detect and correct problems at an early stage to avoid costly problems later
• Utilize troubleshooting skills to remedy malfunctions and return equipment to full functionality in minimum time
• Work 12-hour (6 to 6) day and night rotational shifts as assigned, including weekends and overtime where required; work during inclement weather
• Rotating shift schedule is as follows:
  • 6am-6pm for 4 days, then 4 days off, then 6pm-6am for 4 nights, then 4 days off, then repeat
  • Results in approximately 15 days off each month and 24 hours of built in overtime bi-monthly
• At times work other than normal shifts, 24-hour rotational on-call status is required
• Make minor repairs and perform preventive maintenance tasks as needed
• Follow safety procedures to guard against burns, electric shock, noise, dangerous moving parts, and hazardous exposures
• Interface with customers ensuring needs are met should problems arise
• Demonstrate competency through formally recognized professional licensing programs

Steam Plant Operations

• Conduct routine and emergency boiler startups and shutdowns, ensuring remaining online boilers can carry the steam load before shutting down.
• During ongoing operations, verify equipment is operating safely, efficiently, and within the boundaries of regulatory permits.
• Check condition of accessory equipment and interlocks used to start, stop, and operate boilers such as pressure controls, fuel trains, and water supply pumps.
• Follow emergency procedures to reduce the possibility of injuries or damage to equipment.
• Perform water column and gauge glass blowdown, bottom blowdown, and low water testing.
• Check and log boiler water levels, steam pressures, and flame conditions.
• Check and log all running water pumps, fuel pumps, gas supply, and draft fans for proper operating temperature, pressure, and lubrication.
• Record boiler operation data, testing, and maintenance in boiler plant logs. Properly maintain boiler plant logs to allow for evaluation of past boiler performance.
• Operate boilers and equipment in manual control where required.
• Contribute to maximum energy efficiency by implementing improved operating procedures.
• Conduct routine water/steam analysis, testing, and treatment. Maintain a clean boiler plant.
• Expertly supervise and oversee automatic equipment operations.
• Carefully observe and inspect, detecting possible irregularities before situations develop.
• Continuously monitor for energy waste. Monitor fuel usage and steam production supply.
• Conduct proper shift turnovers by passing on important information concerning boilers and auxiliaries, record information in logbook and explain all issues verbally.

Steam Plant Maintenance

• Use hand and power tools to perform basic maintenance.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance. Lubricate moving parts, replace filters, and remove corrosion that makes equipment less efficient.
• Test and perform basic maintenance on boilers and accessories using proper procedures.

Steam Plant Safety and Environment

• Follow proper safety procedures at all times. Practice safety habits that reduce the possibility of personal injury, injury to others, and damage to equipment.
• Understanding of all potential hazards and the safety systems that provide protection.
• Conduct routine safety checks, identifying and correcting issues. Scrutinize the facility and equipment carefully without making assumptions about existing conditions.
• Familiarity with all regulatory agencies affecting boiler operation procedures.
• Practice required Lockout/Tagout procedures when equipment is offline.
• Regularly inspect safety equipment. Know the locations of all fire extinguishers, emergency showers, and eyewash stations. Check for good condition.

Essential Qualities

• Detail Oriented: Must monitor intricate machinery, gauges, and meters to ensure that equipment is operating properly.
• Dexterity: Must use precise motions to control, maintain, or repair machines. Grasp tools and use hands to perform many tasks.
• Mechanical Skills: Must know how to use tools and work with machines. Must be able to operate, maintain, and repair equipment.
• Problem Solving Ability: Must figure out how things work and quickly solve problems.
• Good work ethic and responsible attitude.

Work Environment

• Typically work in boiler rooms and mechanical rooms.
• May be exposed to high temperatures, dust, dirt, and loud noise from equipment.
• Maintenance duties may require contact with oil, grease, fuel oil, and smoke.
• Much time is spent on feet.
• May have to crawl inside boilers and work while crouched, or kneel to inspect, clean, or repair equipment.

Training

• Train on-the-job under the supervision of experienced boiler operators.
• OJT may be supplemented by courses at trade, vocational, or technical schools.
• Monitor various parameters in the boiler plant. After demonstrated competence, move on to more complicated tasks. Use each task to refine knowledge and skills.
• Update skills in the profession regularly, especially when new equipment is introduced.
• Learn energy-related calculations associated with flash steam use, condensate return, and similar operations.
• ATP Training Workbooks: LP and HP Boilers. Boiler Operator’s Workbook.
• ATP Training Workbook: Steam Plant Operations.

Obtain Facility Operational Licensing

• Attend American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE) licensing training
• Pass applicable Facility Operating Engineer licensing examinations

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• General maintenance knowledge or experience in steam or industrial settings
• General computer skills
• Familiarity with basic safety and environmental rules / procedures
• Good interpersonal communication, role model, operational, and professional excellence skills
• Valid Driver’s license required
• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.

Preferred Qualifications

• Several years knowledge and experience in steam boiler or industrial steam plants preferred
• Licensed Stationary Engineering, Power Plant, Facility Plant, or Boiler operator Engineering, Military, or combined experience
• Experience in University, Boiler Plant, Power Plant, or Central District Heating systems preferred
• Interest in learning highly technical subjects like boiler operation and maintenance, safety, chemistry, instrumentation and controls, and electronic and computer controls, along with a willingness to keep learning
• Previous mechanical and/or technical experience preferred
• Strong technical abilities for analyzing and working on various systems
• Strong communication skills to collaborate with colleagues and interact with clients preferred

Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000

Benefits: All full-time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave granted up front, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax-deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well-being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Shift/Hours of Work: 12-hour shifts as required; on-call as required

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: No

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 17093N - Boiler Operator/Stationary Engineer FM 3