Boiler_Plant_Operator.docx

POSITION DESCRIPTION

BOILER PLANT OPERATOR

WG-5402

I. INTRODUCTION

This position is located in the Boiler Plant, Engineering Section of Facilities Management Service Line.

The incumbent operates and performs basic maintenance on steam generation components within the physical plant.

II. PRINCIPLE DUTIES

The incumbent operates all equipment located in the Boiler Plant inclusive of the boilers and all subordinate support systems. The operator shall be required to operate multiple units simultaneously and provide different head pressures of saturated steam in a dual purpose plant. It is required to supplying both high pressure process steam with a total capacity of 24,000 pounds per hour from two boilers and low pressure latent energy thermal transport steam with a total capacity of 32,000 pounds from three boilers. Support Systems include components such as deaerators, feed pumps, multiple fuel sources, purge air systems, combustion air supply systems, electronically controlled burners, refractory materials, electronic and manual controls, and combustion analysis equipment. Consistency of operation is paramount and the operator will be required to keep an hourly log of operational characteristics for review by themselves and others to monitor and address deviation. The operator is entrusted to determine when a piece of equipment is not performing as intended prior to failure, safely removing it from service, and initiating corrective action to ensure continued operation. Basic daily maintenance such as validating chemical feed and conducting blow-down procedures are to be performed by the operator as a means of minimizing downtime. Ensuring safe operation is of the utmost importance and the operator will be required to have understand as well as regularly check and maintain approximately thirty safety devices to ensure safe operation. The incumbent performs boiler safety testing, document results, maintains currents written test procedures and ensures compliance with all boiler safety testing requirements.

The incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of the theory application of combustion, including ORSAT, O analyzer, etc. Incumbent must possess the ability to troubleshoot basic electrical control systems on boilers and associated support systems. Incumbent must have a basic knowledge of pneumatic and direct digital controls, gauges and flow instrumentation. On a regular basis, the operator will be required to complete specific training the demonstrate competence and provide for continuous improvement.

III. SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

The incumbent operates complex systems such as the following in the Boiler Plant.

1. High and Low Pressure dual-fuel Boiler Systems

2. Utility Plant pumps, fans, and gear motors

3. Oil tank monitors, sensors, and logs

4. Heat extractor pumps, fans, and associated controls and circuitry

5. Electronic, pneumatic, electric and computer operated sensors, controls and actuators

6. Heating system traps, valves, pumps, and controls, including radiators, fan coils, hot water pumps, vacuum pumps, and condensate pumps and controls.

7. The incumbent must have knowledge of standard practices relative to Boiler Plant operations and the described duties. He must have a thorough knowledge of firing and operation of gas/oil fired boilers. Must possess skills, knowledge and qualifications to operated high pressure boilers, independently without supervision

IV. RESPONSIBILITY

Supervisor provides oral/written instructions that may be accompanied by diagrams, drawings, operating manuals or special facility procedures. Familiar with the total plant layout including drawings/circuit diagrams. Make independent decisions and judgments regarding operations. Use a variety of standard mechanical and basic electrical processes. Primary responsibility for checking boilers and auxiliary and pollution control equipment. Initiate immediate action to prevent interruptions to plant operations. Supervisor is available to provide technical assistance on difficult or unusual issues. Work is checked through occasional observation of operational efficiency, production reports and adherence to established operating techniques.

V. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Functions under the general supervision of the supervisor with work subject to review for quality, completeness, timeliness and adherence to policies The supervisor assigns complex work orally through work orders accompanied by building plans, shop sketches, blueprints or technical manuals, but the employee is relied upon to independently make proper judgments and decisions regarding unprecedented technical procedures and techniques, without supervisory technical guidance or consultation including innovative methods of maintaining operational standards while complex systems are affected by modification and changed operating conditions. The mechanic is responsible for knowing and judging the impact of repairs, adjustments, and modifications, or related devices and equipment of the systems he is servicing. He is also responsible for making further tests and alignments to ensure that the completed tasks are properly aligned and functioning properly and proper documentation of these changes.

The mechanic normally is responsible for regular interpretations of work requests, assignments, and priorities; and exercises good judgment and a high degree of initiative, and is allowed considerable discretion in effectively and efficiently carrying out regularly assigned duties, keeping the supervisor appraised of activities and progress.

VI. PHYSICAL EFFORT

Frequently work in confined areas in and around boilers. Requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching. Frequently lift and carry boiler parts and chemical supplies weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted. Occasionally, and with assistance, carries items weighing over 40 pounds.

VII. WORKING CONDITIONS

Most of the work is performed inside, but the mechanic is frequently subject to sudden temperature changes when working on equipment such as boilers, pumps and valves. The mechanic is occasionally subject to cuts, burns, electrical shocks, and respiratory ailments and is also exposed to high voltage, chemicals, cleaners, and solvents.

The mechanic is occasionally required to work outside, on top of tall buildings, in drafty attic spaces, and in cramped areas with low overheads. Uncomfortable facemasks and protective clothing may be occasionally worn where there is possibility of exposure to toxic refrigerants. The mechanic is often exposed to dust, grease, and soiling of the skin and clothing.

VIII. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS

The incumbent keeps himself informed on the latest and newest state of the art equipment in the field and all rules and regulations pertaining to the American Society of Heating, Ventilating and Refrigeration Engineers Handbook. He will act as Utility Systems Repairer/Operator and be assigned work in other areas of the Utilities Unit when required, as determined by the Utilities Systems Repairer/Operator Supervisor.

Customer Service Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.

ADP Security Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion. Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs.

AIS LEVEL 3-NON-SENSITIVE

In this performance of official duties, the employee has regular access to printed and electronic files containing sensitive data which must be protected under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policies. The employee is responsible for (1) protecting that data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion, and (2) following applicable files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in a computer access agreement which the employee signs. Additionally, the incumbent is not permitted access in DHCP to his/her own records, nor is the incumbent permitted to make entries in his/her own record.

Age, Developmental, & Cultural Needs of Patients The primary age of patients treated and cared for are normally at the geriatric level, i.e. 60 years of age or older, although occasionally there may be younger patients between the ages of 18-60 years of age that require care. The position requires the incumbent to possess or develop an understanding of the particular needs of these types of patients. Sensitivity to the special needs of all patients in respect to age, developmental requirements, and culturally related factors must be consistently achieved.

Takes into consideration age-related differences of the various veteran populations served:

Young adulthood (20-40). Persons in general have normal physical functions and lifestyles. Person establishes relationships with significant others and is competent to relate to others.

Middle age (40-65). Persons may have physical problems and may have changes in lifestyles because children have left home or change in occupation goals.

Older adulthood (65-75). Persons may be adapting to retirement and changing physical abilities. Chronic illness may also develop.

Middle old (75-85). Persons may be adapting to decline in speed of movement, reaction time, and sensory abilities. Also, persons may have increasing dependence on others.

Old (85 and over). Increasing physical problems may develop.

Customer Service Meets the needs of customers while supporting VA missions. Consistently communicates and treats customers (veterans, their representatives, visitors, and all VA staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner. Provides the customer with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.

Safety Environment of Care: Follows Life Safety Management (fire protection) procedures. Reports safety hazards, accident and injuries. Reviews hazardous materials/Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)/waste management. Follows Emergency Preparedness plan. Follows security policies/procedures. Complies with federal, state, and local environmental and other requirements preventing pollution, minimizing waste, and conserving cultural and natural resources.

Infection Control Demonstrates infection control practices for disease prevention (i.e. hand washing, universal precautions/isolation procedures, including TB requirement/precautions.