Boiler Plant Operator

Department of Veterans Affairs•Perry Point, MD

33d

About The Position

The Boiler Plant Operator is a part of the Environmental Shop, Facilities & Engineering Service at Perry Point VA Medical Center, a division of the VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS). This shop is responsible for the Boiler Plant, Chiller Plant, Water Treatment Plant, sewage disposal plant, swimming pools, steam and water distribution systems. The Perry Point campus includes over 100 buildings on 365+ acres. The Boiler Plant operates 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Major Duties: Operates a multiple fuel boiler using natural gas as the primary fuel with No. 2 fuel oil providing backup. Oversees the unloading of tanker fuel oil trucks and transferring the fuel to a 150,000 gallon above ground fuel storage tank. Provides assessment and initial response to an emergency in this process. Maintains efficient combustion levels and ensures compliance with air pollution laws and/or regulations. Uses electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic controls, and zone charts in conjunction with meters, gauges, and computer generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements. Adjusts fuel feeds and the volume and velocity of draft and other fire box variables to achieve maximum combustion efficiency with changing load demands or variations in fuel quality. Operates emergency electrical generators to meet plant electrical requirements when the main electrical source is unable to provide the necessary power. Works in conjunction with electric power controllers in starting and stopping steam generating units and auxiliary electrical equipment in accordance with electrical load requirements during peak demand times. Tests and analyzes feed water, boiler water, and condensate using standard chemical tests. Tests, adjusts, maintains, and repairs 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/manual fuel valves. Visually inspects boiler settings and refractory linings for signs of deterioration and failure due to heat stress. Through the use of manual, automatic, semi-automatic, microprocessor controls or systems, the incumbent monitors, adjusts and controls all phases of boiler plant operations. Uses 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. Uses tools such as manometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometer, and deadweight gauge tester, to maintain, calibrate, and repair safety devices. Operates, adjusts, maintains and repairs auxiliary plant equipment. Adjusts fuel feeds, volume and velocity of draft and other firebox variables to maintain combustion efficiencies, prevent unexpected shut downs and prevent equipment failures. Repairs, troubleshoots and maintains boilers and auxiliary equipment. Monitors and tests the operation of boiler systems in order to identify malfunctions and potential problems with equipment such as automatic controls, valves, piping, pumps, and related components. Performs preventative and scheduled maintenance on equipment including boiler feed water pumps, fuel oil pumps, air compressors, turbines, generators, and other boiler plant systems. Maintains burner management control systems including electronic and electro-mechanical controls utilizing infrared, ultra-violet, and related testing devices. Applies broad experience and specialized knowledge of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic theory and a working knowledge of electronics to diagnose, isolate, and repair malfunctions, and to achieve and maintain critical accuracies, sensitivity levels, and precise tolerances in aligning and adjusting complex instrument systems, components, and mechanisms. Designated as the "operator in charge" (OIC) of the complete plant on the second and third shifts and all day on weekends and holidays, and as such is responsible for following written instructions from the supervisor or the OIC on the previous shift as well as relaying instructions to the next shift operator, including problems encountered and action taken. Evaluates and makes decisions with the steam distribution system, hazardous spills, safety problems, as well as problems concerning other trades such as electrical, plumbing, locksmith and environmental controls (HVAC); initiates immediate action to correct any of those situations that are determined emergencies. Independently cut off and re-route steam to the medical center buildings. In the absence of written contingency procedures, determines when to bring another boiler on line or remove a boiler from operation, in the least amount of time, to meet changing load demands while maintaining safe levels and efficient combustion. Responsible for determining what work must be done and the authority to call in off-duty maintenance staff from other shops to make repairs and isolate problems. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

Operates a multiple fuel boiler using natural gas as the primary fuel with No. 2 fuel oil providing backup.
Oversees the unloading of tanker fuel oil trucks and transferring the fuel to a 150,000 gallon above ground fuel storage tank.
Provides assessment and initial response to an emergency in this process.
Maintains efficient combustion levels and ensures compliance with air pollution laws and/or regulations.
Uses electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic controls, and zone charts in conjunction with meters, gauges, and computer generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements.
Adjusts fuel feeds and the volume and velocity of draft and other fire box variables to achieve maximum combustion efficiency with changing load demands or variations in fuel quality.
Operates emergency electrical generators to meet plant electrical requirements when the main electrical source is unable to provide the necessary power.
Works in conjunction with electric power controllers in starting and stopping steam generating units and auxiliary electrical equipment in accordance with electrical load requirements during peak demand times.
Tests and analyzes feed water, boiler water, and condensate using standard chemical tests.
Tests, adjusts, maintains, and repairs 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/manual fuel valves.
Visually inspects boiler settings and refractory linings for signs of deterioration and failure due to heat stress.
Through the use of manual, automatic, semi-automatic, microprocessor controls or systems, the incumbent monitors, adjusts and controls all phases of boiler plant operations.
Uses 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.
Uses tools such as manometers, multi-meters, combustion analyzers, test gauges, infrared thermometer, and deadweight gauge tester, to maintain, calibrate, and repair safety devices.
Operates, adjusts, maintains and repairs auxiliary plant equipment.
Adjusts fuel feeds, volume and velocity of draft and other firebox variables to maintain combustion efficiencies, prevent unexpected shut downs and prevent equipment failures.
Repairs, troubleshoots and maintains boilers and auxiliary equipment.
Monitors and tests the operation of boiler systems in order to identify malfunctions and potential problems with equipment such as automatic controls, valves, piping, pumps, and related components.
Performs preventative and scheduled maintenance on equipment including boiler feed water pumps, fuel oil pumps, air compressors, turbines, generators, and other boiler plant systems.
Maintains burner management control systems including electronic and electro-mechanical controls utilizing infrared, ultra-violet, and related testing devices.
Applies broad experience and specialized knowledge of electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic theory and a working knowledge of electronics to diagnose, isolate, and repair malfunctions, and to achieve and maintain critical accuracies, sensitivity levels, and precise tolerances in aligning and adjusting complex instrument systems, components, and mechanisms.
Designated as the "operator in charge" (OIC) of the complete plant on the second and third shifts and all day on weekends and holidays, and as such is responsible for following written instructions from the supervisor or the OIC on the previous shift as well as relaying instructions to the next shift operator, including problems encountered and action taken.
Evaluates and makes decisions with the steam distribution system, hazardous spills, safety problems, as well as problems concerning other trades such as electrical, plumbing, locksmith and environmental controls (HVAC); initiates immediate action to correct any of those situations that are determined emergencies.
Independently cut off and re-route steam to the medical center buildings.
In the absence of written contingency procedures, determines when to bring another boiler on line or remove a boiler from operation, in the least amount of time, to meet changing load demands while maintaining safe levels and efficient combustion.
Responsible for determining what work must be done and the authority to call in off-duty maintenance staff from other shops to make repairs and isolate problems.
Performs other related duties as assigned.