Utilities Plant Operator-Boiler Operator

Operate and maintain boilers supplying steam for the campus; make rounds of the steam plant at regular intervals; read gauges; adjust equipment consumption meters; make routine tests of H20 to determine that it conforms to established standards for institutional use; maintain H2O treatment equipment as required.

• Conducting shift change checks: Inspecting equipment, valves, and controls to ensure everything is in working order before turning over operations to next shift lead.

• Monitoring operations: Regularly checking gauges, meters, and control panels to ensure the boiler is operating within safe parameters.

• Performing routine maintenance: Carrying out tasks such as lubricating equipment, and replacing worn or damaged parts as needed. (additional cost may be acquired based on customer's approval)

• Conducting water treatment tests: Testing boiler water for pH levels, dissolved solids, and other parameters to ensure proper water chemistry and prevent corrosion and scaling.

• Recording data: Keeping accurate records of boiler operations, including temperatures, pressures, and maintenance activities. (Hourly logs to be sent via email to VBMI & Customer)

• Responding to alarms and abnormalities: Taking prompt action to address any alarms or unusual readings, such as adjusting controls, shutting down equipment if necessary, or calling for assistance.

• Ensuring safety compliance: Following all safety protocols and regulations, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and conducting safety inspections as required.

• Communicating with supervisors and other team members: Reporting any issues or concerns, coordinating maintenance activities, and sharing important information related to boiler operations.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit

The T. E. Neal Heating Plant maintains the flow and desired steam pressure from the boiler plant thru high pressure distribution lines to steam reduction stations within the mechanical equipment (ME) rooms and throughout the facilities for domestic hot water, food preparation, heating and sanitation. The Heating Plant operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in 3 shifts (1st shift/8am-4pm, 2nd shift/4pm-12mid, 3rd shift/12mid-8am).

Work Hours 8-hour shift - exact schedule determined by plant supervisor; ½ lunch break taken inside the plant; works overtime on short notice; required to work a different shift with a 24-hour notice when emergencies arise; also must respond to emergency call backs Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies.

Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies

Required Competency Knowledge - Technical Duties

1.Utilizes a pipe threader to cut, ream and thread black malleable iron pipe to precise measurements for a particular job or to the plant supervisor's specifications with 98% accuracy.

2.Identifies by name and dimension a variety of pipe fittings (i.e. ells 1/2", bushing ¾", union 1-1/2" with 98% accuracy.

3.Utilizes basic accounting principles to assist the plant supervisor in conducting a semi-annual inventory of spare parts for the plant.

Boiler Maintenance and Repair:

• Periodically checks on the boilers located at the farm.

• Ensures that the quantity and quality of steam is sufficient to satisfy to satisfy air compressor is adequate for proper operation of the pneumatic controls.

• Ensures that the quantity of air for combustion is adequate on boiler(s} to prevent unburned combustibles.

• Cleans and descales boiler(s) as determine by plant supervisor.

Chemicals:

• Completes one chemical analysis test on condensate H2O, boiler H2O, H2O softener per shift.

• Distributes chemicals into chemical feed units based upon readings from H2O analysis test.

Take hourly readings and records findings in log book for the following: equipment gauges, motors, pumps, chemical tanks, fuel oil tanks, D.A. tank, condensate tanks, I.D. fans, and conditions inside dike wall.

• Conducting shift change checks: Inspecting equipment, valves, and controls to ensure everything is in working order before turning over operations to next shift lead.

• Monitoring operations: Regularly checking gauges, meters, and control panels to ensure the boiler is operating within safe parameters.

• Performing routine maintenance: Carrying out tasks such as lubricating equipment, and replacing worn or damaged parts as needed. (additional cost may be acquired based on customer's approval)

• Conducting water treatment tests: Testing boiler water for pH levels, dissolved solids, and other parameters to ensure proper water chemistry and prevent corrosion and scaling.

• Recording data: Keeping accurate records of boiler operations, including temperatures, pressures, and maintenance activities. (Hourly logs to be sent via email to VBMI & Customer)

• Responding to alarms and abnormalities: Taking prompt action to address any alarms or unusual readings, such as adjusting controls, shutting down equipment if necessary, or calling for assistance.

• Ensuring safety compliance: Following all safety protocols and regulations, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and conducting safety inspections as required.

• Communicating with VBMI supervisors and other team members: Reporting any issues or concerns, coordinating maintenance activities, and sharing important information related to boiler operations.

Required Competency Safety and Health Compliance Duties

Must have regard for the safety of others, by the awareness of safety and health laws and regulations, by identifying and fixing potential safety problems and by using regulation safety equipment. Demonstrates knowledge of emergency procedures and plans necessary to work safely and effectively during a disaster, utilities failure, fire, or other emergency situation. Works safely, follows all applicable safety standards, procedures, and regulations. Uses tools and machinery correctly and uses personal protective equipment when needed. Maintains a safe work environment by keeping work spaces clean and orderly.

Required Competency Equipment Operation Duties

Prepares boilers for inspection, replaces seals, pumps, traps, strainers, etc., and performs maintenance on boiilers located at the farm. Must possess the ability to use hand tools (i.e. hammer, screwdriver, wrenches, saw) and power tools (i.e. grinder, drill, saw, needle guns).

Required Competency Problem Solving Duties

'Possesses the ability to troubleshoot and solve problems in the operation of boilers and plant equipment. Able to start-up, shutdown, troubleshooting, perform maintenance and service on boilers. Perform skilled maintenance, repairs, operations, installation, assembly, calibration, and testing of systems, components, and equipment associated with commercial/industrial heating and boiler systems boilers.