What are the responsibilities and job description for the Boiler & Chiller Operator position at RJY Group, LLC?
Boiler and Chiller Operator Job Description
Overview
The Boiler and Chiller Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of high-pressure steam boilers and industrial chiller systems. Operators will supplement staff to ensure continuous 24/7 coverage, maintaining critical utility systems for hospital operations, patient care, infection control, sterilization, and comfort cooling. This position requires dual qualifications to operate both boiler and chiller systems, with a primary focus on boiler plant operations due to life safety priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Working Conditions
Overview
The Boiler and Chiller Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of high-pressure steam boilers and industrial chiller systems. Operators will supplement staff to ensure continuous 24/7 coverage, maintaining critical utility systems for hospital operations, patient care, infection control, sterilization, and comfort cooling. This position requires dual qualifications to operate both boiler and chiller systems, with a primary focus on boiler plant operations due to life safety priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Boiler Plant Operations:
- Operate and monitor up to four Cleaver-Brooks high-pressure steam boilers (10,000 lb/hr each).
- Maintain optimal steam pressures and combustion efficiency through system adjustments.
- Perform and log water quality testing, adding chemicals as needed.
- Ensure no high-pressure boiler is left unattended, coordinating relief coverage.
- Record operational data at prescribed intervals per VA standards and the 8th Edition of the BEI Safety Device Testing Manual.
- Engage with boiler plant components, including DA tanks, condensate tanks, and associated systems, for monitoring and operator-level maintenance.
- Chiller Plant Operations:
- Operate and monitor large-capacity chiller units (Trane and York Centrifugals; 1,000-ton each), cooling towers, and pumps.
- Maintain chilled water supply temperatures through system adjustments.
- Respond to Building Management System (BMS) alarms and out-of-range conditions.
- Coordinate chiller startups or shutdowns with facility Engineering.
- Equipment Monitoring and Rounds:
- Conduct full equipment inspections (boilers, chillers, pumps, compressors, etc.) at least once per shift.
- Monitor critical utility alarms (e.g., fire pumps, emergency power) via BMS.
- Preventive Maintenance:
- Perform operator-level maintenance, including lubrication, belt changes, cleaning strainers, and resetting trips.
- Maintain plant cleanliness and perform minor painting or touch-up as directed.
- Emergency Response:
- Respond to alarms and utility emergencies campus-wide during after-hours and weekends.
- Stabilize equipment immediately and escalate issues to VA on-call leadership.
- Communication and Reporting:
- Complete turnover briefings with incoming shifts.
- Submit daily logs, incident reports, and maintenance documentation.
- Immediately report regulatory non-compliance, safety hazards, or equipment failures.
- Compliance and Safety:
- Adhere to VHA Directive 1810, OSHA standards, NFPA 85, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and The Joint Commission Environment of Care standards.
- Follow VA infection control, safety, and emergency response procedures.
- Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and comply with VA SOPs.
- Remain drug- and alcohol-free; adhere to the tobacco-free campus policy.
- Operators will work 12-hour shifts (Shift A: 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Shift B: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM).
- Rotation pattern: Sunday–Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday, alternating Wednesdays.
- Shift assignments determined by VA operational needs, coordinated by the Lead Operator/Project Manager
- Minimum of three (3) years of experience operating high-pressure boilers (≥125 psi) and industrial chillers.
- Meet OPM standards for WG-5402, Boiler Plant Operator, WG-9 grade equivalent or higher.
- Completed VA “Safe Steaming Course” (or equivalent) within the past five years or must complete upon assignment.
- Familiarity with the 8th Edition of the BEI Safety Device Testing Manual and VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual.
- Physical capability to climb stairs and lift 50 lbs.
- Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking).
- Ability to pass fingerprint-based background checks and wear VA-provided security badges.
- Completion of annual VA training (HIPAA, Safety, Infection Control, Fire Response, etc.) before unsupervised duty.
Working Conditions
- Work performed at the Central Utility Plant, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033, and surrounding campus as needed.
- Shared operational space in the Central Plant Control Booth (not a private office).
- Access to VA-provided equipment, tools, chemicals, BMS, radios/telephones, SOPs, and manuals.
- Zero tolerance for leaving high-pressure boilers unattended.
- Zero unplanned outages due to operator error or failure to monitor systems.
- Accurate and timely completion of logs, tests, and reports.
- Immediate corrective action for identified deficiencies or safety violations.
