Boiler Plant Operator Leader

About the role

This position is located in the Facilities Management Service of the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. The Boiler Plant Operator is responsible for the operation, adjustment, and maintenance of four high pressure steam boilers rated at 125 PSI (pounds per square inch) and all associated auxiliary equipment required to meet the facility's continuous steam demand.

Responsibilities

• Maintains boiler performance through gauges, meters, recorders, and water level indicators to identify abnormal conditions.
• Adjusts burner controls and fuel air ratios and rotates boilers to maintain stable and efficient operation.
• Performs routine operational maintenance such as cleaning tubes, drums, and firesides and replacing minor components including gauges, valves, and small pumps.
• Troubleshoots mechanical issues within operator capability and identifies conditions requiring licensed trades or contractors, such as welding or structural repairs.
• Performs daily water chemistry testing of boiler water, feedwater, condensate, and make up water.
• Monitors water quality trends and adjusts chemical levels as needed to maintain proper operating conditions.
• Identifies deviations from normal operating parameters and takes corrective action within established procedures.
• Determines when conditions exceed operator authority and notifies the boiler plant supervisor or on-call maintenance personnel.
• Monitors plant alarm panels for fire alarms, medical gas systems, emergency generators, refrigeration and freezer units, security systems, and underground storage tanks.
• Follows established protocols to report alarms to designated responders.
• Records operating data, plant conditions, test results, equipment status, and shift activity in accordance with established logging requirements.
• Performs all duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Physical Effort and Work Conditions: Requires standing and walking for long periods while monitoring boilers and auxiliary equipment. Frequent climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and working in awkward or confined spaces. Lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds, occasionally heavier items with assistance or mechanical aids. Sustained physical stamina in a warm environment with constant noise and exposure to steam, hot surfaces, moving machinery, and heated equipment components.
• Selective Placement Factor: Possess a valid and current state driver's license.
• Quality Ranking Factor: Possess a State of Minnesota 1st Class B Boiler License.