Boiler Operator

The posting is intended to describe the general content and requirements of this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Position Summary

Operate, monitor, inspect, maintain, repair, and optimize boilers and boiler support systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operation supporting mission-critical steam and hot-water infrastructure for campus and hospital facilities. Perform routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance on boilers, combustion systems, control systems, water treatment equipment, and associated mechanical and electrical components. Conduct inspections, operational testing, efficiency analysis, and water chemistry testing; adjust and calibrate equipment and controls to maintain performance, safety, and regulatory compliance. Document operational data and maintenance activities, maintain a clean and orderly boiler plant, and coordinate with contractors and inspectors during maintenance, repair, and inspection activities.

Key Responsibilities

Boiler Operations & Monitoring (40%)

* Operate, monitor, and inspect boilers and boiler support systems for safe, reliable, and efficient performance.

* Continuously monitor boiler and hot water system alarms and trends and provide operational response and escalation in accordance with established procedures.

* Provide operational support for steam and hot water systems serving all UAB Campus and Hospital buildings.

Preventive & Corrective Maintenance (15%)

* Perform routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance on boiler system and components such as combustion systems, feedwater systems, pumps, motors, valves, compressors, heat exchangers, safety devices, and related mechanical/electrical components. Tasks include cleaning, inspecting, adjusting, lubricating, tightening, repairing, replacing, and testing.

Controls & Instrumentation (10%)

* Install, test, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and replace control systems and components, including combustion controls, water treatment controls, safety interlocks, BAS interfaces, sensors, transmitters, relays, dampers, meters, valves, and control panels.

* Use appropriate test instruments for diagnosis.

Water Treatment & Chemistry (10%)

* Perform routine testing of boiler water/condensate (suspended solids, hardness, chlorides, alkalinity, pH)

* Adjust and maintain chemical feed systems and treatment processes.

Mechanical Repairs & Equipment Installation (10%)

* Maintain, repair, modify, install, and replace boilers and support equipment (water side/fireside tubes, refractories, exhaust/flue systems, pumps, motors, valves, compressors, heat exchangers, and associated piping/components)

* Document all work.

Regulatory and Contractor Support (5%)

* Support inspections by insurance carriers, regulatory agencies, and authorized inspectors in accordance with applicable boiler, pressure vessel, and safety requirements.

* Provide operational information and assist with testing.

* Support contractors on special projects within the chilled water plant and across campus.

Documentation and Reporting (5%)

* Record operational data, inspection findings, maintenance activities, test results, and performance information in accordance with departmental and regulatory requirements.

* Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and manufacturer specifications related to boiler and mechanical systems.

General Duties, Housekeeping & Boiler Room Maintenance (5%)

* Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly boiler plant.

* Perform minor painting/corrosion protection of surfaces and equipment as required.

* Perform other duties as assigned to support plant operations

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED

Experience: Three (3) years of related experience operating and maintaining boilers and boiler support equipment

Preferred: Technical/vocational training in industrial maintenance or power plant operations; experience with high-pressure steam systems, boiler efficiency testing, and water chemistry treatment. Graduation from an accredited vocational school in HVAC will also be considered.

Certifications

Preferred Certification: High-Pressure Boiler Operator or Power Engineer certification issued by the American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE) or an equivalent nationally recognized organization.

* Valid Alabama driver's license required.

The driving record should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive vehicles in performance of university business. Current underwriting guidelines include possession a valid driver's license, issued in the United States; at least 21 years of age; at least three years of driving experience; maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (KSAs)

Technical Proficiency

* Operate, maintain, and repair boilers, combustion systems, feedwater systems, pumps, motors, valves, compressors, heat exchangers, and safety devices.

* Conduct boiler water/condensate testing and manage chemical feed/treatment programs.

Safety & Compliance

• Knowledge of OSHA regulations and safe work practices such as lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space, hot work, fall protection, respiratory protection, and PPE best practices.
• Follow relevant codes/standards and inspection protocols; maintain accurate documentation for audits and regulatory compliance.
• Identify hazards (pressure, temperature, chemical, electrical) and implement mitigation measures.
• Ability to follow procedures for chemical handling, confined space entry, and emergency response.

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

* Diagnose system issues using test instruments and trend data. Develop corrective actions.

* Prioritize tasks during abnormal conditions and outages; escalate when required.

* Use root cause analysis to prevent recurrence and improve reliability.

Technology & Tools

• Use computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to document work and system performance.
• Use combustion analyzers, water chemistry test kits, multimeters, manometers, thermal imagers, vibration meters, and BAS/SCADA interfaces.
• Create and update digital maintenance logs/work orders; navigate technical manuals and drawings.

Communication & Collaboration

• Effective verbal and written communication with supervisors, operators, mechanics, contractors, and inspectors.
• Document findings and recommendations.
• Brief teams on safety, status, and action plans.
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members, contractors, and inspectors.

Organizational & Leadership Abilities

• Uphold housekeeping and 5S principles in boiler plant areas.
• Mentor junior staff on safe practices and standard procedures
• Support team effectiveness.
• Capable of prioritizing tasks and managing multiple responsibilities.
• Demonstrates initiative and accountability in plant operations.

Project & Time Management

• Plan preventive maintenance windows and coordinate parts/tools to minimize downtime.
• Track tasks to completion.
• Strong time management skills to meet operational deadlines for inspections, testing, and reporting.
• Ability to support special projects and respond to urgent system needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and work on feet for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 lbs.
• Climb stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and work at heights above 30 feet.
• Perform tasks requiring bending, stooping, kneeling, and walking long distances.
• Perform manual tasks using hand/power tools; reach, stoop, kneel, and work in confined spaces.
• Tolerate hot/cold and humid environments, noise, dust, and chemical exposure with appropriate PPE.
• Visual acuity for gauges/instruments, hearing acuity for alarms and ability to wear respiratory protection when required.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.

Compensation and Benefits

* Starting Pay Range: $21.80-$29.33 (commensurate with experience and qualifications)

* OT Pay: 0-10 Hours OT/Week is expected. May exceed 10 Hours/Week under extraordinary conditions.

* Benefits Include Multiple Health Care Plan options, Dental, Vision, Pre-tax Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Participate in the RSA Pension plan, 403(b) and 457(b) Retirement savings plans, Accident Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Benefits, Life/AD&D & Disability Insurance, UAB Employee Wellness, Employee Assistance and Counseling, Vacation, Sick Leave, 9 Paid Holidays/Year, 3 Personal Holidays Year, Educational Assistance for Employees and Families.

Work Schedule:

The current shift schedule follows a 4 Days On/3 Days Off + 3 Days On/4 Days Off schedule. The current daily work schedules are either 12AM-to-12PM or 12PM-to-12AM.

This position may require overtime, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as operational needs dictate.

Must be able to work a flexible work schedule, including on-call. Work schedules are subject to change to meet the needs of the University.

For full consideration, please apply, resume and cover letter by the posted deadline. The submitted documents should highlight qualifications and experience relevant to the position as described in the posting. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

For more information about UAB Facilities, please visit: http://www.uab.edu/facilities/.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.