Boiler Operator

Position OverviewThe Boiler Operator position will be responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of low or high-pressure steam boilers and related mechanical equipment and systems in an institutional Power Plant. Work involves operating and maintaining low or stationary high- pressure boilers, water softeners, chillers, compressors, generators and other equipment in a central heating and power plant. Work includes maintaining constant surveillance over equipment operation by reading gauges, meters and charts and by testing water and recording this information in ensure efficiency and safety. Work also includes assisting in minor maintenance and repair work in the power plant. Work is performed in accordance with established procedures and is subject to inspection by the shift supervisor. This position requires the operation of work issued vehicles.

Work Schedule

Four Days on Shift, with Three Days off. Overtime and after hours call back as needed.

Shift Schedule

• Saturday 8pm – Sunday 8am
• Sunday 8pm – Monday 8am
• Monday 8pm – Tuesday 4am
• Tuesday 8pm – Wednesday 4am
  
  

Facilities Services within KU Operations plays a vital role in maintaining an inviting and safe campus environment that supports teaching, learning and research. KU Operations supports KU’s mission of learning, scholarship, and creative endeavor by providing the visible and behind-the-scenes services that make possible the university’s academic and research missions.

KU offers great benefits to employees with up to 176 hours of paid vacation per year, 96 hours of sick leave earned per year, nine paid holidays plus one discretionary day, a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.

Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details available at: https://humanresources.ku.edu/tuition-assistance

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.

KU is not able to provide immigration sponsorship for this position.Job Description30% - Operation and Inspection:

Operates boilers, pumps, air compressors, de-aerators, water softeners, valves, regulators and pneumatic controls to maintain proper steam pressure, temperature and water level. Checks for proper operation of safety alarms, pumps, valves and piping systems. Reads gauges, thermometers and charts and records information. Assists with or performs personally Inspections of boilers, pumps, valves, piping systems and associated auxiliary equipment for proper operation to determine repair or preventive maintenance scheduling and does water testing. This requires ascending/descending multi-level stairs, vertical ladders and working from inside the boilers accessible through openings approximately 12" by 16". Notifies proper personnel to correct malfunction with any of the services provided by the power plant. For instance, steam, water, safety alarms, electrical feeders when non-standard readings are found. Maintains daily operational records of boilers, pumps, deaerators and air compressors. Requires the ability to perform basic mathematical computations and the ability to read and comprehend controlling instruments.

30% - Piping Systems:

Assists in or performs personally the fabrication, assembling, installation and maintaining piping systems, valves and equipment for boilers, pumps, steam, condensate, feed-water, cooling water, pneumatics and lubricating systems in accordance with National Plumbing, ASTM and ASTE Codes, on the basis of knowledge of piping and specific power plant operations. Selects materials specified in blueprints, technical manuals, schematics and drawings and plans the sequence of installation or repair, using appropriate pipe cutters, threaders and fittings, joins piping by means of flanging, threading, soldering or fusing.

25% - Equipment Maintenance:

Assists in or performs personally the cleaning, replacement, installation, lubrication and repacking of filters, pipes, pumps, valves, heat exchangers and auxiliary equipment in order to maintain the power plant in good operating condition and to make emergency repairs on boilers and to prepare boilers for inspection. Assists Boiler Operator Seniors in overhauling pumps on steam generating and heating equipment by replacing defective bearings, seals, packing, shafts and other pump parts. Performs routine cleanliness tasks to keep power plant and equipment in compliance with national fire and safety codes.

10% - Related Duties:

Assists Boiler Operator Seniors in correcting problems in the case of water breaks, steam distribution irregularity or problems with electrical feeders until boilers, feed lines, etc. are stable. Assist with snow removal and surface treatment.

5% - Performs other duties as assigned.Position Requirements

• Lift and carry up to 20 pounds constantly and up to 50 pounds occasionally with or without accommodation.
• Reach, grasp, lift, carry, and place moderately heavy loads frequently and heavy loads occasionally with or without accommodation.
• Ascend/descend multi-level stairs and vertical ladders in performance of routine duties.
• Work under a variety of temperature and weather extremes, both inside and outdoors.
• Work in environments with constant loud noise.
• Work in confined spaces.
• Work overtime as needed.
• Respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.
• Report to work during declared periods of inclement weather.
  
  

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or completion of G.E.D. equivalency.
• Six (6) months experience in Boiler and/or Hot Water Heater work. Associate’s degree or vocational school certification may be substituted for the required experience.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License at time of hire and maintain that license throughout employment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience in the theory and mechanics of boiler operation and steam generation as demonstrated by application materials.
• Knowledge of mechanical systems (e.g. air compressors, water softeners, steam and condensate system piping, pump and valve repair) as demonstrated by application materials.
• Work experience that required the ability to use equipment manuals, read measuring instruments and maintain accurate records.
• Knowledge of water chemistry as evidenced by application materials.
• Knowledge of safe operating codes as evidenced by application materials.
  
  

Additional Candidate InstructionsA Complete Application Will Include The Following

• Current contact information including email and phone number
• Previous work experience including dates of employment
• Name and contact information to three references
  
  

Resume/Cover letter is optional.

Review of applications will begin Monday, June 8th and continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.Contact Information to ApplicantsRobert Mills, r957m277@ku.eduAdvertised Salary RangeStarting at $50,000Application Review BeginsMonday June 8, 2026Anticipated Start DateMonday July 13, 2026Apply to Job