BOILER OPERATOR 61432

05/01/92 G

This is the second level class in the Boiler Operations series. Positions in this class perform skilled labor tasks to operate, monitor, maintain, and/or repair coal, oil, wood, or gas fired boilers and perform routine chemical testing in a power plant. It is distinguished from the Boiler Operator Assistant by the greater complexity of duties performed and the requirement to work independently and make decisions, as well as the greater overall knowledge required regarding power plant practices and procedures, principles of combustion, and the requirement to perform basic water chemistry.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty with responsibility for operating coal, oil, wood, or gas fired boilers by observation of gauges, controls and monitoring equipment and making adjustments to the feed water and the fuels firing rate to maintain desired steam flow. Must recognize and correct boiler upset conditions for continuity of steam production. Duties also include performing necessary routine maintenance tasks such as ash removal, equipment lubrication, and minor repairs to operating boiler auxiliaries such as fuel feed systems, pumps, fans and stokers. In a multiple boiler operation, incumbent would independently decide when additional equipment should be placed in or removed from service, accomplish it, and inform supervisor of actions. May be required to train Boiler Operator Assistants, and to do some sampling and testing of boiler feedwater chemical treatments. Other duties may include hauling coal and loading coal into bunkers.

Supervision Given: Supervision typically is not a factor; however, this class may give technical guidance to Boiler Operator Assistants.

Supervision Received: Receives supervision from a Power Plant Shift Supervisor or a higher level power plant supervisor.

Scope: Performs work which affects reliability of other processes or services and may affect occupant comfort level in buildings serviced.

Impact of Actions: Moderate impact with some costs in time, money, and services. An error or violation of safety practices could endanger lives.

Personal Contacts: Infrequent internal and external contact which may include occasional contact with vendors.

Knowledge: Working knowledge of the principles of combustion and boiler firing practices.

Skills: Working skill in the operation of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to make minor repairs and maintain a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment; read and interpret gauges, recorders, and monitoring equipment; perform simple recordkeeping tasks; to react quickly and make decisions, and provide on-the-job training to assistants.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Level and Type of Experience: Some experience in the operation of boilers.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program and includes tasks and duties previously performed by stationary Boiler Fireman A and B and Power Plant Shift Supervisor A and B classes, effective May 1, 1992.