Steam Plant Operator

Purpose of Position/Summary:

Incumbent is responsible for the steam plant shift operation at the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy. Incumbent reports to the steam plant supervisor.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Inspects entire plant, boiler rooms, auxiliary equipment and related areas to ensure conditions are normal, operating within appropriate safety standards, and ensuring maximum efficiency;
• Operates, monitors, troubleshoots and makes minor repairs to high pressure boilers, combustion controls, emissions monitoring equipment, auxiliary equipment, and compressed air system and equipment;
• Conducts and interprets chemical test analysis to determine corrective action and make necessary adjustment for treatment and control of water chemistry;
• Recognizes operational problems and reports them to proper authority, takes corrective measure to limit and control equipment damage and personnel injury in case of boiler or equipment emergency;
• Prepares and maintains operational and maintenance records, charts, logs and reports;
• Provides training, direction and assistance to lower level employees;
• Performs preventive maintenance and assists in periodic overhauls, cleaning, major repairs; and installation and repair of steam lines;
• Cleans boilers, equipment and areas of plant as assigned;
• Performs grounds maintenance of the training site to include mowing and snow removal;
• Assists in building maintenance throughout the training site to include minor and emergency repairs of plumbing, electrical, etc;
• Complies with all appropriate protective and safety requirements in the performance of duties including, but not limited to: use of personal protective equipment (PPE); handling, storage & mixing of hazardous materials according to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS); confined spaces; and complying with safety requirements in the use of tools, equipment, etc;
• Performs related duties as required.

Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent with two-years experience in general industry or industrial process, a portion must include boiler operations;
• Three (3) years of full-time paid experience in a large institutional or industrial steam plant. Must hold at least one of the following certifications or must obtain within twelve (12) months, the “Power Engineer Certification” as issued by the Indiana Association of the National Association of Power Engineers. Accepted Certifications: US Navy Boiler Technician or Machinist Mate Rating. US Coast Guard Marine Engineer License with Steam Endorsement. US Merchant Seaman Certificate with Qualified Member of Engineering Department Endorsement. A local or county government Stationary Engineer License. A valid Stationary Steam License issued from another U.S. state.
• National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers License. A Journeyman Stationary Engineer Certificate from the Union of Operating Engineers. A Company issued certificate from an in-house apprenticeship or training program, reviewed and approved by the State Personnel Department. Substitution: Possession of the Power Engineer Certification at the time of application may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience. An Associate Degree in Power Plant Technology from an accredited college or university may substitute for the required certification plus one year of the required work experience.
• Must have or obtain within 12-months of employment the appropriate Power Engineers Certification from the National Association of Power Engineers;
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to perform all phases of steam plant operation, maintenance and repair;
• Extensive understanding of fossil combustion principles and combustion safety principles;
• Ability to work without close supervision and to supervise, train, and direct the work of subordinate personnel;
• Extensive knowledge of all health, safety and sanitary procedures for the safety of personnel and equipment;
• Ability to respond effectively and quickly to emergency situations;
• Must have and maintain a valid Indiana Driver’s License.
• Incumbent may be required on occasion to work irregular shifts, days, nights, weekends and/or holidays, or a rotating schedule and may be put on-call.

Responsibility:

Incumbent works under the supervision of a Steam Plant Supervisor and is responsible for effective steam plant operation on assigned shift. Duties and instructions are prescribed before the course of work, but irregular daily complications are subject to independent judgement. The shift operator is responsible for reporting personnel performance on an assigned shift and is responsible for coordinating an assigned daily work schedule. Daily decisions by the incumbent affect the efficient operation of the plant and personnel. Errors in judgement could result in malfunction of boilers and systems resulting in loss of heat to the facility and/or possible fire or explosion.

Physical Effort:

Work involves climbing and moderately heavy lifting of tools and equipment (25-50 lbs.). Workers spend much of their time on their feet; they also crawl inside boilers and work in crouching or kneeling positions to inspect, clean or repair equipment. Duties are performed in a variety of different positions which require flexibility and stamina. Such effort is regularly exerted and strain may be intense.

Working Conditions:

Work is generally performed within the steam plant. Work is performed around boiler as well as electrical and mechanical equipment, they must be alert to avoid burns, electric shock and injury from moving parts. Exposure to high temperatures, dust, dirt and high noise levels from equipment is common. General maintenance duties may cause contact with oil and grease, as well as fumes or smoke. Safety goggles, safety shoes, ear protection, gloves, welding helmet/gloves, face mask and cold weather clothes are required to perform some duties due to possible injury from hazardous conditions.

Pay: $22.00 - $24.27 per hour

Application Question(s):

• Do you have at least three (3) years of full-time experience operating and maintaining industrial or institutional high-pressure steam boilers?
• Do you currently hold one of the required Steam/Power Engineer certifications (or are you able to obtain the Indiana Power Engineer Certification within 12 months of employment)?
• Are you willing and able to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and be on-call as needed?

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $24