BOILER OPERATOR/MAINTENANCE WORKER
65110
(Competitive)
The work involves responsibility for operating and repairing automatic steam-producing boilers as well as performing steamfitting and plumbing installation and repairs. Under the general supervision of a Power Plant Supervisor, an employee in this class is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of automatic high pressure steam-producing boilers, auxiliary and associated equipment at the Department of Long Term Care, Department of Corrections or the Onondaga County District Heating and Cooling Plant. The boilers may be of either the fire tube or water tube design, powered by fuel, oil or gas. Internal pressures of the various boilers range from 15 to 250 pounds per square inch. An incumbent in this class also performs various plumbing and steamfitting tasks involving replacement, repair or installation of pipes, fittings and fixtures of water, drainage and steam heating systems. Lay out is generally provided by a higher level employee. Although there may be Boiler Operators assigned to the Power Houses to monitor the boiler operation, the Boiler/Maintenance Worker must be on call during the entire shift to return immediately to the Power House from any building maintenance task to perform both routine and emergency repairs to the operating boilers or auxiliary equipment such as pumps, compressors, and motors. Work is periodically reviewed by a higher level employee through visual, performance and other checks. Supervision may be exercised over a small number of Boiler Operators and Power Plant Workers. Does related work as required.
Monitors visually gauges and meters on boilers, water tanks, fuel tanks, air compressors, turbine generators and other auxiliary equipment for proper boiler flame level and proper level, pressure and flow of water, steam and fuel (i.e. oil or gas), using standard operating procedure and one's own knowledge and judgment to determine safe and efficient operation of equipment.
Corrects routine malfunction of boilers or auxiliary equipment such as water pumps, fuel pumps and air compressors and water and fuel tank, by manipulating valves to adjust boiler flame level and the level, flow or pressure of fuel or water.
Removes boiler water sample and applies standard predesigned chemical tests by adding reagents and observing the results; based upon manufacturer's instructions and the chemical test results, determines the amount of solids, the alkalinity and hardness of the water in the boiler; and based upon the findings, adds the pre-determined amount of chemical compounds such as caustic soda, sulfite or phosphates to the boiler-fed water to correct water condition.
May oversee the participation of Boiler Operators and Power Plant Workers in monitoring the operation of boilers and auxiliary equipment, diagnosis and correction of routine equipment malfunctions, and performing standard chemical tests on boiler water.
Performs plumbing, steamfitting and electrical repair tasks on boilers and auxiliary boiler room equipment. That is, repairs and replaces water and steam pipes, gaskets, valves; repacks and reseats water and steam valves; replaces electrical contacts, relays, fuses; may rewire mechanism.
Performs preventative maintenance tasks on boilers and auxiliary and associated equipment; such as oiling and greasing machine parts, changing belts, nuts, bolts; repairs ruptures in hoses.
Repairs, maintains and installs plumbing lines, fixtures and appliances such as sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, drinking fountains, dishwashers and various team equipment used in laundries, kitchens and cafeterias. That is, repairs, replaces and rebuilds water pipes, appliances and parts such as pumps, motors, valves, faucets, traps, sewers, vents, and sink and toilet bowls. Replaces washers and leaky faucets. Unplugs toilets, drains and pipes with hand tools and power tools.
Installs, alters and repairs high and low pressure pipe systems that carry water, steam, air or other liquids or gases. Replaces corroded or leaking pipe; lays new pipe or steam line. Adjusts, cleans, reseats, repacks, rebuilds and replaces parts on steam pressure reducing valves, temperature reducing valves and steam traps.
According to plan measures, cuts, threads and bends pipe to required angle. Assembles and installs a variety of metal and non-metal pipe and pipe fittings. Joins piping by means of threaded, caulked, wiped, soldered, brazed, fused or cemented joints. Tests pipe systems for leaks by filling with liquid or air and reading pressure gauges. May weld holding fixtures to steel members.
May make visual, audial, and tactile inspections to detect malfunctions in commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment and tell supervisor of same in order that service contractor is notified that service is needed.
May perform simple preventative maintenance tasks to commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, such as visually checking fluid levels, hot water pressure; adjusting thermostats, tightening fan belts.
65110
Performs repair and preventative maintenance tasks on kitchen equipment such as bread slicers, food mixers, dishwashers, refrigerated food, carts, garbage disposals, air compressors, and condensers; on laundry equipment such as washers, dryers, ironers, holders, and clothes pressers; and on hospital equipment such as bedpan flushers. That is, rewires appliances, rebuilds motors, replaces malfunctioning or worn parts, replaces belts, greases and oils machine parts, cleans filters, replaces freezer and refrigerator door gaskets, replaces broken power cords, and adds from refrigerant to food carts.
Operates, services and repairs air conditioning equipment in checking the sequence of starting and stopping chillers.
When Assigned to the Onondaga County Corrections Department:
Performs maintenance, and repair on physical plant equipment as follows: provides maintenance and repair on heating ventilating and air conditioning equipment and replaces valves, belts and pulleys; test gauges the pneumatic systems to maintain optimum function of air compressor and power control systems; performs test runs on the electrical generating unit, smoke detectors and fire alarms and changes oil, greases and/or replaces parts as necessary; repairs electrical appurtenances on heating and ventilation equipment; and provides maintenance on refrigeration equipment by checking electrical systems and replacing freon as needed.
Monitor and operate plant equipment through a Direct Digital Control System.
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, materials and tools of the operation, maintenance and repair of steam-generating and hot water type boilers and auxiliary boiler room equipment such as water, fuel, and vacuum pumps, air compressors, and water and fuel tanks and other associated electrical and mechanical equipment.
Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work.
Good knowledge of the principles, methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the plumbing and steamfitting trade.
Working knowledge of the practices and techniques of welding, brazing and soldering not requiring complex planning or use of special procedures.
Ability to perform preventative maintenance and repair tasks to the boilers and auxiliary boiler room equipment.
Ability to repair, replace and install plumbing and steam lines, fixtures and appliances.
Ability to perform moderate to heavy manual labor.
Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools and motorized equipment and materials used in plumbing, steamfitting and boiler maintenance and repair.
Ability to read, interpret and work from plans, drawings and specifications.
Ability to use simple arithmetic to compute usage of water, steam and fuel.
Ability to post basic information such as usage of water, steam and fuel on a simple, pre-printed log.
Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
When Assigned to the Department of Long Term Care:
Thorough knowledge of the theories and practices of the operation and repair of high pressure steam boilers, air conditioning equipment and all auxiliary and associated equipment pertaining to their safe operation.
Promotion:
Two (2) years of permanent competitive class status in the title of Boiler Operator.
Open Competitive:
Two (2) years of work experience, or its part time equivalent in the operation, maintenance, and repair of steam and/or high temperature hot water pressure boilers, and one (1) year of work experience, or its part time equivalent in the installation, replacement and repair of plumbing and steam lines, fixtures and appliances.
2/08 Revised