Boiler Operator Senior

Position Overview

Facilities Services supports KU's mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by operating and maintaining the University's physical plant and grounds.

The incumbent will be responsible for the skilled operations, maintenance and repair of boilers, water softeners, compressors, pumps, valves and other related power plant equipment.

Work involves the operation of work issued vehicles and includes inspecting equipment, recording gauge or meter readings, testing water, performing preventive maintenance and installing, adjusting, repairing valves, pipes, pumps and other mechanical equipment.

Work is performed according to established procedures and is reviewed by the supervisor through periodic inspections and on the basis of results achieved.

In addition to a competitive salary, KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors.

KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.

Work Schedule :

Saturday 8pm Sunday 8am

Sunday 8pm Monday 8am

Monday 8pm Tuesday 4am

Tuesday 8pm Wednesday 4am

Four days on and three days off with overtime and after hours call back as needed.

Job Description

30% - Operation and Inspection : Operates boilers, pumps, air compressors, de-aerators, water softeners, valves, regulators and pneumatic controls to maintain proper steam pressure, water level, combustion emissions, steam and water quality.

Inspects boilers, pumps, valves, piping systems and associated auxiliary equipment for proper operation to determine repair or preventive maintenance scheduling and performs water chemistry testing.

This requires ascending / descending multi-level stairs, vertical ladders and working from inside the boilers accessible through openings approximately 12 by 16 .

Records readings and maintains daily consumption and quality records. Requires ability to perform basic mathematical computations, read and comprehend instruments such as pressure gauges, draft indicators, alarms, etc.

and generated data, maintain current / accurate records.

30% - Piping Systems : Fabricates, assembles, installs and maintains piping systems, valves and equipment for boilers, pumps, steam, condensate, feedwater, cooling water, pneumatics and lubricating systems in accordance with National Plumbing, ASTM and ASTE Codes, on the basis of knowledge of piping and specific power plant operations.

Selects materials specified in blueprints, technical manuals, schematics and drawings and plans the sequence of installation or repair, using appropriate pipe cutters, threaders and fittings, joins piping by means of flanging, threading, soldering or fusing.

20% - Equipment Maintenance : Repairs, replaces, installs, repacks, cleans and lubricates filters, piping systems, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, air compressors and auxiliary equipment within the Power Plant.

Performs pump, air compressor and valve overhaul in accordance with the manufacturer's technical manual specifications. Performs necessary repairs on boiler refractory and prepares boilers for inspection.

Maintains, repairs and calibrates Power Plant pneumatic components and systems ensuring proper boiler combustion, fuel economy, stack emissions, boiler water levels, steam quality and demands.

Performs general cleanliness tasks to keep Power Plant and equipment clean and in compliance with the National Fire and Safety Codes.

15% - Related Duties : Assists supervisor in orientation and training of other Boiler Operators. Develops preventive maintenance repair and training schedules.

Orders parts, chemicals and supplies as needed for operation, safety, maintenance or repair and reports needs to the supervisor.

May perform duties of supervisor in his / her absence as required by shift rotation. Performs other related work as assigned.

May assist with snow removal and surface treatment.

5% - Performs other duties as assigned .

Position Requirements

• Must have a valid Driver’s License at time of hire and maintain that license throughout employment.
• Lift and carry up to 20 pounds constantly and up to 50 pounds occasionally with or without accommodation.
• Reach, grasp, lift, carry, and place moderately heavy loads frequently and heavy loads occasionally with or without accommodation.
• Ascend / descend multi-level stairs and vertical ladders in performance of routine duties.
• Work under a variety of temperature and weather extremes, both inside and outdoors.
• Work in environments with constant loud noise.
• Work in confined spaces.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.
• Report to work during declared periods of inclement weather.
• Must enter work order information digitally.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or completion of equivalency.
• Two years of experience in steam generation and / or boiler work. Associate’s degree or vocational school certification.

may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

Experience with boiler water chemistry as listed and detailed in application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of mechanical systems ( pumps, valves, air compressors, water softeners, steam and condensate system design).
• Knowledge of water chemistry.
• Knowledge of computer control systems, which operate and monitor boilers.
• Knowledge of safe operating codes.
30+ days ago