Boiler Plant Operator

Department of Veterans Affairs•Wilmington, DE

36d•Onsite

About The Position

The position is organizationally located in the Wilmington Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC), Facilities Management Service, Utilities Section under the direct supervision of the Utility Engineer in Wilmington, DE. The Boiler Plant Operator is a key position in maintaining the safe, uninterrupted operations of the boiler plant, which is a very complex, potentially dangerous and critically needed resource of the Medical Center. Major duties include, but are not limited to:

Responsibilities

Conduct tests including adjusting, maintaining and repairing boiler safety devices such as flame safeguard systems, pressure switches, pressure differential switches, limit switches, timers, water column safety devices, electric/electronic probes and sensors, steam safety valves and automatic and manual fuel valves used to ensure avert pressure vessel failures and/or furnace explosions.
Inspect boiler settings and refractory linings for signs of deterioration and failure due to heat stress.
Use manual, automatic, semi-automatic and microprocessor controls to monitor, adjust and controls all phases of boiler plant operations.
Use electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic controls, charts, recorders, meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements.
Use tools such as manometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometer and dead-weight gauge testers to maintain, calibrate and repair safety devices.
Operate, adjust, maintains and repair auxiliary equipment.
Adjust fuel feeds, volume and velocity of draft and other firebox variables to maintain combustion efficiencies, prevent unexpected shutdowns and prevent possible furnace explosions.
Observe and documents information such as pressures, temperatures, levels to detect signs of system malfunction.
Perform pre-boiler water treatment.
Perform mechanical de-aeration.
Make use of water softeners to remove all hardness and oxygen in the make-up waters.
Gathers water samples daily from boilers.
Test for various levels of chemicals and concentrations.
Treat water to ensure that the boiler operation is consistent with prescribed standards.
Adjust chemical dosages and documented application.
Test return waters for proper pH levels to reduce corrosion.
Maintain and repair domestic pumps and systems located in the Boiler Plant.
Maintain and monitor the Veeder Root System for fuel oil capacities and tank leaks.
Maintain, monitor and calibrate the carbon monoxide and combustible system.
Troubleshoot, perform various checks, tests and adjustments to determine performance, repair and or operation needs.
Conduct preventive maintenance using the Medical Center's computer system.
Inspect and check machinery and equipment for appearance, cleanliness, excess heat and working condition of moving parts.
Lubricate machinery and equipment as necessary.
Make minor repairs such as stopping leaks by tightening connections, tightening and replacing belts, repacking or replacing valves, covering and insulating pipe and performing other repairs.
Make major repairs of equipment such as rebuilding pumps, air compressors, regulators and motors.
Replace piping, repair and refinishes valve seats.
Replace steel piping, cut and tread pipe using low grade welding and cutting torches.
Replace motor bearings using hydraulic presses.
Cutting and solder copper piping.
Perform minor, major repairs and replacement of refractory, tile and baffle brick.
Rebuild and replacing steam reducing valves.
Replace large safety valves.
Rebuild, repair or replacing steam traps and heat exchangers and water softeners.
Rebuild or replacing steam traps and heat exchangers.
Operate the facility's emergency fire pumps and systems according to guidelines.