Boiler Plant Operator

The Copper River Family of Companies•North Bethesda, MD

3h•$48 - $52•Onsite

About The Position

Coho Technology Solutions is seeking a Boiler Plant Operator to provide independent boiler plant labor support at various locations within the NAVFAC Washington Area of Responsibility. The position is based at NSA Bethesda, Maryland, and supports NAVFAC Washington’s operational objectives. The stated schedule is first shift, 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, although work on any shift, including weekends and holidays, may be ordered to align with facility operating hours. The operator runs boiler plant and auxiliary equipment to produce and regulate steam or high-pressure hot water. Duties also include operating air-conditioning and cooling systems; monitoring plant equipment and operating conditions; testing and treating boiler water; troubleshooting and performing minor repairs; conducting routine maintenance; following emergency procedures; and maintaining plant logs, records, and cleanliness. The role requires independent judgment in responding to complex operating demands and adherence to established procedures. The position requires a Class 1 Boiler Operator License from Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C., or a Class 1 license from ASOPE or NIULPE; specified experience operating large air-conditioning or refrigerant systems, or experience as an air-conditioning equipment mechanic helper or apprentice; and completion of OSHA 10-hour Construction Training. The work includes confined industrial spaces, high temperatures, noise, machinery, and exposure to soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes, as well as moderate to strenuous physical activity and lifting.

Requirements

Hold a Class 1 Boiler Operator License issued by Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C., or a Class 1 Boiler Operator License from ASOPE or NIULPE.
Have at least six months of experience operating large (100 tons or more) air-conditioning and/or refrigerant equipment, or two years of experience as an air-conditioning equipment mechanic helper or apprentice.
Demonstrate knowledge of repair, installation, assembly, and troubleshooting of boiler plant systems.
Demonstrate ability to interpret instructions, specifications, and guidelines used in boiler plant operations.
Demonstrate dexterity and safe use of tools and equipment.
Demonstrate ability to perform the work without more than normal supervision.
Demonstrate ability to perform preventive maintenance and operate safely.
Demonstrate ability to work in confined areas around industrial and support equipment, including pumps, water heaters, fans, and unfired pressure vessels.
Demonstrate ability to perform moderate to strenuous physical work involving extended periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching.
Be able to carry parts and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds without assistance and occasionally handle heavier items with assistance or weight-handling equipment.
Be able to work in high temperatures, constant noise, around rotating machinery, and in areas with soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes.
Have at least a record of completion for the OSHA 10-hour Construction Training Course.
Have knowledge of plant equipment controls, meters, gauges, prescribed boiler-water tests and chemicals, and plant drawings and circuit diagrams.
Have thorough knowledge of fuels used, combustion-related chemical reactions, proper fuel-air ratios, maintenance requirements, and procedures or adjustments for controlling pollutants.

Responsibilities

Operate boiler plant equipment to produce and control steam or high-pressure hot water in response to demand.
Ignite fires, place boilers in service, shut boilers down, and take boilers offline as needed.
Make periodic rounds and monitor meters, charts, equipment, fuel use, and operating conditions.
Adjust boiler firing, fuel feeds, air drafts, pressure-reducing valves, and water pumps to meet demand and support efficient combustion.
Operate auxiliary equipment, including pumps, water heaters, fans, and de-aerating equipment.
Collect boiler-water samples, perform prescribed tests, and determine chemical treatment needs.
Monitor the system for defects; repair malfunctions when possible or notify the supervisor, and follow emergency procedures until problems are corrected.
Maintain plant logs, records, and other required operating data.
Perform routine operational maintenance, including cleaning burners and strainers, lubricating moving parts, and packing valves and pumps.
Locate and repair limited electrical problems in oil-burning controls and safety devices when required.
Operate air-conditioning and cooling systems; start, stop, and adjust equipment and regulate refrigerant, water temperatures, and pressures.
Tour the plant to perform minor repairs and maintenance, including thawing frozen valves and replacing fuses and defective recording devices.
Keep plant machinery and spaces clean.
Independently plan and carry out work using established operating methods and procedures.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
Flexible Spending Account for healthcare and dependent care
Health Savings Account for the high-deductible medical plan
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Open leave policy
Paid holidays
Tuition reimbursement
Transportation expense account
Employee assistance program
Additional benefits may be available; eligibility depends on employment classification and applicable contract requirements.