Boiler Operator

Summary

VCU’s Facilities Management Department is seeking to hire a Boiler Operator in the Steam Plant. 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.

Additional duties 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, maximizing revenue and profitability, and minimizing maintenance costs
• Work assigned rotational shifts including weekends and overtime as required; work during inclement weather
• 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 exposure to hazardous materials
• Interface with customers ensuring needs are met should problems arise
• Demonstrate competency through formally recognized professional licensing programs

Minimum Hiring Standards

• High school graduate, 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 experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU

Preferred Hiring Standards

• 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

Required Licensure/Certification

• Valid Driver’s license required

Physical and Cognitive Requirements

Typical Physical Demands & Activities

Light Lifting (<20 lbs): Essential
Moderate Lifting (20-50 lbs): Essential
Heavy Lifting (>50 lbs): Marginal
Pushing/Pulling: Marginal
Standing: Essential
Sitting: Marginal
Repetitive Motion: Marginal
Walking: Essential
Climbing: Essential
Reaching: Essential
Bending: Essential

Environmental Conditions

Extreme heat/cold: Essential
Extreme Noise: Essential
Vibrations: Essential
Fumes: Marginal
Mists/gases: Marginal

Emotional Demands

Fast pace: Essential
Average Pace: Essential
Multiple Stimuli: Essential
Intense Customer Interaction: Essential
Frequent Change: Essential

Mental/Sensory Demands

Memory: Essential
Reasoning: Essential
Hearing: Essential
Reading: Essential
Analyzing: Essential
Logic: Essential
Verbal Communication: Essential
Written Communication: Essential

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

Work Days/Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm, 12-hr shifts and weekends as needed for shift coverage and on-call

ORP Eligible: No

VCU Job Code: Trades Specialist FM 1-3 (17121-17123)

Close Date: March 17, 2024

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

Position Details:

Department: Facilities Management, Steam Plant
Employment Type: UF - University Employee FT
Restricted Status: No
FTE: 1
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt