Boiler Operator

SIRIS is a CVE-verified, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) specializing in construction management, project management, and commissioning services for federal, healthcare, and institutional clients nationwide. We partner with organizations delivering mission-critical infrastructure where safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance are essential. Our teams bring technical expertise, disciplined execution, and collaborative leadership to every project. At SIRIS, we believe strong teams are built on accountability, humility, and the courage to lead when challenges arise.

About the role

We are seeking a Boiler Operator to support the boiler and chiller plant operations at two Department of Veterans Affairs locations in Pittsburgh, PA.

Responsibilities

• Independently operate and maintain utility plant equipment and systems with minimal supervision.
• Maintain one or multiple gas/propane fired water or fire tube boilers equipped with electronic controls and associated auxiliary control equipment.
• Operate a boiler feed water treatment plant, test the water, and add proper chemicals to boiler feed water if necessary.
• Observe boiler controls, gauges, and charts to make necessary adjustments for proper fuel and airflow to maintain system pressure.
• Operate the air conditioning management system, including an automatic data system for gathering and recording plant and remote air conditioning data.
• Perform journeyman-level tasks under close supervision, subject to inspection at the end of each task.
• Read and record temperatures, pressures, and operating data as required within a boiler plant.
• Light off, warm up, place in service, and shut down boilers, chillers, softeners, RO/DI systems, compressed air systems, vacuum systems, electrical distribution systems, and cogeneration systems.
• Fire on each of the available fuels: natural gas and diesel fuel oil.
• Operate all plant equipment and controls, including start-up and shutdown.
• Gradually warm up hot piping systems and place them into service.
• Maintain water quality to protect equipment and piping from damage.
• Handle malfunctions and emergency situations, including emergency or backup generator operation in the central plant.
• Collect and organize equipment and plant performance records.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and prepare equipment for inspections.
• Operate and test all safety devices and control equipment.
• Facilitate and monitor the receipt of fuels and supplies.
• Monitor building automation and fire alarm systems and report any abnormalities.
• Answer the trouble call line and emergency elevator line.

Requirements

• 5+ years of related experience.
• OSHA Hazard Communication Training.
• OSHA Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Familiarity with NFPA 70E standard for electrical safety in the workplace.
• Familiarity with ASME Boiler Pressure Code.
• Ability to work independently after initial facility training.

Physical Qualifications

• Perform heavy work: lifting 50 lbs. frequently and 75 lbs. occasionally.
• Work at heights and climb ladders.
• Work in tight spaces.
• Work in heat—over 100 degrees F.
• Work in a noisy environment (hearing protection required when necessary).
• Work involving potential hazardous exposures such as asbestos, machine parts, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes.
• Ability to function safely while wearing an OSHA-approved respirator and pass a proper fit test.
• Stand and bend for long periods of time.
• Ability to distinguish between audible alarms (not hearing impaired).
• Read warning signs/signals: at least 20/40 vision in the worse eye (with or without correction) and 20/20 in the better eye (with or without correction), and unimpaired depth perception.
• Ability to distinguish between colors—red and green.

Pay

The pay range for this role is $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 USD per year (Pittsburgh, PA).