BOILER PLANT OPERATOR

Full Job Description

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The primary purpose of this position is to operate power boilers that produce steam or high temperature hot water, and to perform preventive maintenance and various operational repairs on them.

In order to qualify, you must meet the quality level of experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook X-118C.

QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-5400 Industrial Equipment Operation Family..

Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying.

Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

The screen out element for this position is Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.

JOB ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.

Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Use of Measuring Instruments Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc.

(other than blueprinting reading) Dexterity and Safety RECRUITMENT KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA): Knowledge of technical practices in order to perform various operational repairs and preventive maintenance on boilers, auxiliary, and pollution control equipment.

Knowledge of equipment such as single or multiple fuel power boilers fueled by coal, oil, refuse-derived-fuel, wood, or a combination of these fuels and auxiliary pollution control and other equipment in a steam or high temperature hot water boiler plant.

Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.

Skill in the use of measuring instruments such as gauges, meters, recorders, analog displays, and computer generated data to determine operational status and make necessary adjustments.

Ability to operate power boilers that produce steam or high temperature hot water; perform preventive maintenance and various operational repairs on them without more than normal supervision; and operate auxiliary equipment and pollution control equipment.

Ability to interpret diagrams, drawings, operating manuals, or special facility procedures to be followed during emergencies, equipment failure, or system malfunction.

Physical Effort: The physical requirements of this position as determined by the manager are: Frequently works in confined areas in and around boilers and support equipment; i.e., auxiliary and pollution control equipment.

Work requires moderate to strenuous physical effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending and crouching.

Frequently lifts and carries boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 40 pounds with assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment.

Working Conditions: Employee normally works indoors. Occasionally works outside for short periods. When working outside is subject to prevailing weather conditions and works on catwalks and ladders.

Employee is subject to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes in the work area.

Subject to cuts and abrasions from use of tools and equipment and burns from acids, caustics, hot water, steam, and contact with pipes and boilers.

PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work.

You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Major Duties:

Starts, operates, adjusts, and stops single or multiple fuel power boilers fueled by coal, oil, refuse-derived-fuel (RDF), wood, or a combination of these fuels and auxiliary pollution control and other equipment in a steam or high temperature hot water boiler plant.

Operates and controls auxiliary pollution control equipment requiring continuous attention to monitor efficiency and control formation of pollutants in accordance with local, state, and Federal pollution control requirements.

Performs various operational repairs and preventive maintenance on boiler, auxiliary, and pollution control equipment.

Collects water samples and tests feed water, boiler water, and condensate using standard chemical tests; determines appropriate treatment to control corrosion and chemical concentrations; removes impurities and entrapped gases; and stabilizes fluctuating water conditions.

Utilizes safety practices, rules, regulations, and procedures to maintain a safe and clean work environment.