Boiler Operator I-025

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents. When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service.

About the Role

This position is onsite. As a Boiler Operator, you'll play an essential role in maintaining the Oakland County Central Steam Plant by operating and monitoring high-pressure boilers and auxiliary equipment. In this hands-on position, you'll help ensure County facilities receive reliable heating and steam services while working with a variety of mechanical systems in a safety-focused environment.

Pay

$70,192 - $94,044

Responsibilities

• Independently operate and monitor high-pressure oil and gas-fired boilers and related auxiliary equipment.
• Maintain proper boiler water levels, steam pressure, and system performance through routine monitoring and adjustments.
• Perform boiler blowdowns, collect water samples, and replenish chemical treatment systems.
• Change and clean burners, install meter charts, and perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Operate and monitor feed water pumps, air compressors, and other steam plant support equipment.
• Inspect equipment to identify operational issues and report or address concerns as appropriate.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized central steam plant.
• Utilize Countywide and department-specific software and systems to support plant operations and complete assigned duties.
• Work assigned day, afternoon, or midnight shifts, including weekends and holidays, to support continuous operations.
• Independently operate and maintain proper steam pressure and water level in gas and oil-fired boilers by monitoring pressure and water level gauges and by controlling feed water pumps, heaters, and auxiliary equipment.
• Take samples from boiler water columns and perform chemical tests on water to determine softness and other qualities.
• Operate and maintain fuel oil pumps, strainers, preheaters, pressure regulators, and temperature controllers to ensure continuous, efficient combustion of fuel oil supplied to the burners.
• Change chemical feed tanks by starting timer and adding salt as needed to maintain the quality of boiler water.
• Check log sheet of the previous shift and maintain the log by recording water test results, meter readings, equipment status, and abnormalities such as changes in temperature, pressure, or water level.
• Notify the supervisor on the following shift of any problems according to operating procedure.
• Periodically change and clean burners, perform "blow down" operation to clean out sediments in boilers, mud drums, and operate soot blowers.
• Check air compressor for oil level, adding oil as needed, and check and drain compressor tanks of condensed water as needed.
• Climb stairs to check pumping equipment, meters, alarms, and gauges.
• Listen for noises such as boilers, machinery, blowers, alarms, and whistles to ensure equipment is working properly.
• Read boiler pressures, temperatures, and air input on gauges.
• Climb ladder to check boilers, open and close valves, and check malfunctions.
• Monitor meters, remove, and install meter charts daily for each recording meter, and add ink to meter as needed to ensure efficient operation.
• Inspect steam distribution, condensate pipes, and electrical outlets and lighting in steam distribution tunnel.
• Repair and perform preventative maintenance work on equipment such as steam and condensation lines, valves, traps, strainers, sump pumps, air compressors, expansion joints, motors, and air fans.
• Replace 10” 300# main valves.
• Participate in making repairs on boilers and auxiliary equipment.
• Perform water tests on boilers, feed water, and condensation samples.
• Assist in the repair of heating plant equipment and lubricate pumps, bearings, valves, motors, and other moving parts of equipment.
• Maintain the heating plant and equipment in a clean and orderly condition by painting, mopping, washing walls, changing light bulbs, and cleaning and polishing equipment.
• Assist outside contractors and contracted work crews with safety procedures and reading of blueprints.

Requirements

• High school graduate or have completed the state requirements for a G.E.D. certificate; OR be an emancipated minor; OR have passed their 18th birthday.
• One (1) year of full-time work experience in the operation of high-pressure steam boilers and related auxiliary equipment; OR
• Military experience as defined in the Skills Trade Regulation Act 407 of 2016; OR
• Possess an Associate degree or sixty (60) semester credit hours from an accredited college, university, or technical school with a major in Applied Science, Applied Technology, Stationary Engineering, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Plumbing, or closely related field; OR
• Possess a license or certification from one of the following:
  • International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) completion of high-pressure boiler operator program or completion of low-pressure boiler operator program including a water chemistry course
  • National Association of Stationary Engineers (NASOE)
  • Certification of stationary engineer, operating engineer, or related field from a Proprietary School accredited by the State of Michigan
• Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.
• Successfully complete the six-month probationary period.
• Ability to communicate and use basic motor skills required in the operation of boilers.
• Ability to maintain and repair boilers and associated equipment.
• Physical condition that permits standing and walking for extended periods; negotiating ladders, catwalks, and manholes; working in confined spaces and uncomfortably hot environments.
• Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur license.

Benefits

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit: Oakland County Benefits.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in variable weather conditions, confined spaces, and areas of loud noises.
• May be exposed to machinery and equipment that could affect health conditions.
• May be required to travel to other locations during the course of work.

Desirable Qualifications

• Completed coursework in mathematics, chemistry, and physics.
• Training and/or experience in a mechanical field.
• Reasonable ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Some knowledge of the tools, methods, and practices used in maintaining boilers and auxiliary equipment.
• Some ability to assimilate and apply technical data regarding new equipment, methods, and procedures.
• Some ability to maintain records and perform calculations.