Steam Fireman I

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

Fires and maintains the operation of steam boilers and ventilating systems in a power plant; assists in repairs to operating parts; maintains good housekeeping in the power plant and other areas as required. Performs related work as required. Operates and maintains HVAC systems.

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Operates high pressure and low pressure boilers and steam absorption units under direction of the plant engineer.
2. Builds and keeps fires at a proper heat intensity.
3. Operates and maintains feed and vacuum pumps and other boiler room apparatus.
4. Scrapes out tubes and boiler plates.
5. Assists in making repairs to boiler and boiler room equipment or ventilating systems.
6. Maintains and operates HVAC equipment and systems.
7. Maintains proper appearance of equipment by polishing brass and painting pipes, fixtures and woodwork.
8. Takes and records meter readings of pressure, water level, and oil levels.
9. Keeps power plant clean and in good order by sweeping, washing and polishing.
10. May supervise helpers and/or assistants engaged in related tasks.
11. Observes flow meters, charts, etc., to determine steam production, fuel usage. Determines whether to build or lower fires, use pressure reducing valves, start or stop pumps, etc.
12. Collects and tests boiler water for acidity, causticity, alkalinity. Adds appropriate chemicals as needed for boiler water treatment. Does any other water testing as required.
13. Repairs, replaces and maintains a variety of heating and cooling equipment such as valves, thermostats; do some repairs; and responsible for heating and cooling trouble calls as directed by the supervisor.
14. May be required to make physical rounds of campus buildings to record repairs; adjust valves, steam controllers, condensate pumps throughout campus.
15. Replaces filters in air handling equipment as required.
16. Keeps all equipment under Firemen’s supervision well lubricated and changes oil in compressors as schedule requires.
17. Perform related work as required.

Qualifications Required at Hire:

1. At least one (1) year of proven experience as a steam fireman in a high pressure boiler plant.
2. Must have a valid Second Class Fireman’s License.
3. Must have a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
4. Working knowledge of methods, tools and practices relating to the operation of steam boilers in a power plant.
5. Working knowledge of the operation of a ventilating system.
6. Ability to perform heavy manual labor.
7. Ability to read and record data, perform boiler water testing, and maintain an operating log.
8. Ability to operate steam boilers.
9. Ability to operate and maintain a ventilating system.
10. Must be able to satisfactorily pass a check conducted by the Criminal History Systems Board (CORI check); a background check satisfactory to the university and must be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 or have a documented and approved exemption.

Qualifications Acquired on Job:

Knowledge of Massachusetts laws, regulations, codes relative to personnel, construction, purchasing, contracting, etc.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

At least one (1) year of proven experience as a steam fireman in a high-pressure boiler plant.

License and/or Certification Requirements:

1. Second Class Fireman’s License
2. Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator’s License