Boilermaker Apprentice - Rockford Corporation (Union Local 502 Only)

Overview

Rockford Corporation is seeking a Union Boilermaker Apprentice to assemble, inspect, and repair boilers, pressure vessels, tanks, and related components in accordance with blueprints and specifications. This position uses both hand and power tools to ensure structural integrity and compliance with safety and quality standards. The ideal candidate will have strong technical skills and experience working with boiler systems and auxiliaries.

This position is represented by Local 502 Boilermakers.

Responsibilities

Essential functions will include:

• Locates and marks reference points for columns or plates on foundation, sing master straight edge, squares, transit and measuring tape and applying knowledge of geometry.
• Attaches rigging or signals crane operator to lift components to specified position.
• Aligns structures or plates sections to assemble boiler frame, tanks or vats sing plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs or turnbuckles.
• Hammers, flame-cuts, files grinds irregular edges of sections or structural parts to facilitate fitting edges together.
• Bolts or arc-welds structures and sections together.
• Positions drums and headers into supports or bolts or welds supports to frame.
• Aligns water tubes, connects and expands ends to drums and headers using tube expander.
• Bolts or welds casing sections, uptakes, stacks, baffles and such fabricated parts as chutes, air heaters, fan stands, feeding tube, cat walks, ladders, coal hoppers and safety hatch to frame using wrenches.
• Performs minor maintenance or cleaning activities with tools and equipment.
• Installs manholes, handholds, valves, gauges and feed water connection in drums to complete assembly of water tube boilers.
• Signals crane operator in lifting parts to specific positions.
• Assists in testing assembled vessels by pumping water or gas under specified pressure into vessels and observing instruments for evidence of leakage.
• Repairs boilers or tanks in field by unbolting or flame cutting defective sections or tubes, straightening plates using torch or jacks, installing new tubes, fitting and welding new sections and replacing worn lugs on bolts.
• May fasten and caulk sections of vessels, using pneumatic fasteners and caulking hammers.
• May line firebox with refractory brick and blocks.
• May fabricate parts such as, stacks, uptakes, and chutes to adapt boiler to premises in which it is installed.
• Responsible for observing and complying with all safety and project rules. Performs other duties as required.
• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy.
• Apply shop mathematics to solve problems.
• Plan work and select proper tools.
• Compare and see differences in the size, shape and form of lines, figures and objects.
• Visualize objects in three dimensions from plans and drawings.
• Make decisions based on measurable criteria.

Knowledge and Critical Skills/Expertise:

• Flame cutting and knowledge of torch use.
• Able to rate information using standards which can be measured or checked.
• Can compare and see differences in the size, shape and form of lines, figures, and objects.
• Able to observe flat drawings or diagrams and understand how they would look as solid objects.
• Ability to apply basic mathematical skills.
• Will rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Ability to work within precise standards of accuracy.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Enrolled in a credited apprenticeship program.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Candidates must be able to work long hours and all shift schedules that may require up to twelve hours a day, seven days a week for extended durations.
• Candidates also must be able to work in confined spaces (18-36 inches in diameter) and be capable of climbing ladders, scaffolds, and working at heights.
• Must be able to perform work wearing personal protective equipment including but not limited to rain gear, chemical protective clothing, supplied air and air purifying respirators, safety harness, FRC coveralls, hard hat, ear plugs and safety glasses, etc.
• Respiratory Protection Fit-Testing and Pulmonary Function Testing is required. Additional medical examinations, such as Pre-employment physicals exams may be required per client guidelines. Hearing and vision within normal ranges is helpful.
• Candidates must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., unassisted.
• Good manual dexterity for the use of common hand tools, power tools and the ability to navigate around obstacles in a petrochemical environment is necessary.
• Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, pull objects, materials, controls, and tools.
• May be required to lift, carry, and move up to 50lbs.

Working Conditions:

• Confined spaces and working at heights.
• Exposure to loud noises, fumes, sparks, vibrations, dust, dirt, irritants, and smoke may occur.
• Special Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be necessary to control some hazardous environments.
• Additional forms of PPE may be required depending on the project.
• Safety requirements must be verified and meet standards set forth by client permits, policies, and  procedures, and be performed in compliance with all federal, state and local laws or ordinances before work activities can begin.