What are the responsibilities and job description for the Internal Only** Boiler Operator Senior position at Inside Higher Ed?
Position Overview*This is an internal search available ONLY to current KU employees*
The Senior Boiler Operator position will be responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of high-pressure steam boilers and related mechanical equipment and systems in an institutional Power Plant. Work involves operating and maintaining high-pressure boilers, water softeners, compressors, pumps, valves and other related equipment in a central heating power plant. Work includes maintaining constant surveillance over equipment operation, performing water quality testing, inspecting equipment, recording gauge or meter readings, performing preventive maintenance and installing, adjusting, repairing valves, pipes, pumps and other mechanical equipment. Work is performed in accordance with established procedures and is reviewed by the supervisor through periodic inspections. This position requires the operation of work issued vehicles.
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.Job Description30% - Operation and Inspection: Operates boilers, pumps, air compressors, de-aerators, water softeners, valves, regulators and pneumatic controls to maintain proper steam pressure, water level, combustion emissions, steam and water quality. Inspects boilers, pumps, valves, piping systems and associated auxiliary equipment for proper operation to determine repair or preventive maintenance scheduling and performs water chemistry testing. This requires ascending/descending multi-level stairs, vertical ladders and working from inside the boilers accessible through openings approximately 12” by 16”. Records readings and maintains daily consumption and quality records. Requires ability to perform basic mathematical computations, read and comprehend instruments such as pressure gauges, draft indicators, alarms, etc. and generated data, maintain current/accurate records.
30% - Piping Systems: Fabricates, assembles, installs and maintains piping systems, valves and equipment for boilers, pumps, steam, condensate, feedwater, 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.
20% - Equipment Maintenance: Repairs, replaces, installs, repacks, cleans and lubricates filters, piping systems, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, air compressors and auxiliary equipment within the Power Plant. Performs pump, air compressor and valve overhaul in accordance with the manufacturer's technical manual specifications. Performs necessary repairs on boiler refractory and prepares boilers for inspection. Maintains, repairs and calibrates Power Plant pneumatic components and systems ensuring proper boiler combustion, fuel economy, stack emissions, boiler water levels, steam quality and demands. Performs general cleanliness tasks to keep Power Plant and equipment clean and in compliance with the National Fire and Safety Codes.
15% - Related Duties: Assists supervisor in orientation and training of other Boiler Operators. Develops preventive maintenance repair and training schedules. Orders parts, chemicals and supplies as needed for operation, safety, maintenance or repair and reports needs to the supervisor. May perform duties of supervisor in his/her absence as required by shift rotation. Performs other related work as assigned. May assist with snow removal and surface treatment.
5% - Performs other duties as assigned.Position Requirements
Application review begins Monday, April 20th. For consideration, please apply no later than Sunday, April 19th.Contact Information to ApplicantsRobert Mills, r957m277@ku.eduAdvertised Salary RangeStarting at $59,000Application Review BeginsMonday April 20, 2026Anticipated Start DateSunday April 26, 2026Apply to Job
The Senior Boiler Operator position will be responsible for the operation, maintenance and repair of high-pressure steam boilers and related mechanical equipment and systems in an institutional Power Plant. Work involves operating and maintaining high-pressure boilers, water softeners, compressors, pumps, valves and other related equipment in a central heating power plant. Work includes maintaining constant surveillance over equipment operation, performing water quality testing, inspecting equipment, recording gauge or meter readings, performing preventive maintenance and installing, adjusting, repairing valves, pipes, pumps and other mechanical equipment. Work is performed in accordance with established procedures and is reviewed by the supervisor through periodic inspections. This position requires the operation of work issued vehicles.
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.Job Description30% - Operation and Inspection: Operates boilers, pumps, air compressors, de-aerators, water softeners, valves, regulators and pneumatic controls to maintain proper steam pressure, water level, combustion emissions, steam and water quality. Inspects boilers, pumps, valves, piping systems and associated auxiliary equipment for proper operation to determine repair or preventive maintenance scheduling and performs water chemistry testing. This requires ascending/descending multi-level stairs, vertical ladders and working from inside the boilers accessible through openings approximately 12” by 16”. Records readings and maintains daily consumption and quality records. Requires ability to perform basic mathematical computations, read and comprehend instruments such as pressure gauges, draft indicators, alarms, etc. and generated data, maintain current/accurate records.
30% - Piping Systems: Fabricates, assembles, installs and maintains piping systems, valves and equipment for boilers, pumps, steam, condensate, feedwater, 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.
20% - Equipment Maintenance: Repairs, replaces, installs, repacks, cleans and lubricates filters, piping systems, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, air compressors and auxiliary equipment within the Power Plant. Performs pump, air compressor and valve overhaul in accordance with the manufacturer's technical manual specifications. Performs necessary repairs on boiler refractory and prepares boilers for inspection. Maintains, repairs and calibrates Power Plant pneumatic components and systems ensuring proper boiler combustion, fuel economy, stack emissions, boiler water levels, steam quality and demands. Performs general cleanliness tasks to keep Power Plant and equipment clean and in compliance with the National Fire and Safety Codes.
15% - Related Duties: Assists supervisor in orientation and training of other Boiler Operators. Develops preventive maintenance repair and training schedules. Orders parts, chemicals and supplies as needed for operation, safety, maintenance or repair and reports needs to the supervisor. May perform duties of supervisor in his/her absence as required by shift rotation. Performs other related work as assigned. May 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.
- Must enter work order information digitally.
- High school diploma or completion of G.E.D. equivalency.
- Two years of experience in steam generation and/or boiler work. Associate’s degree or vocational school certification may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
- Experience with boiler water chemistry as listed and detailed in application materials.
- Valid Driver’s License at time of hire and maintain that license throughout employment.
- Knowledge of mechanical systems (e.g. pumps, valves, air compressors, water softeners, steam and condensate system design) as evidenced by application materials.
- Knowledge of computer control systems, which operate and monitor boilers as evidenced by application materials.
- Knowledge of safe operating codes as evidenced by application materials.
- Current contact information including email and phone number
- Previous work experience including dates of employment
- Name and contact information to three references
Application review begins Monday, April 20th. For consideration, please apply no later than Sunday, April 19th.Contact Information to ApplicantsRobert Mills, r957m277@ku.eduAdvertised Salary RangeStarting at $59,000Application Review BeginsMonday April 20, 2026Anticipated Start DateSunday April 26, 2026Apply to Job
Salary : $59,000