Boiler Operator

UTILITY SYSTEMS REPAIRER OPERATOR

 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

 

Conditions of employment include possession of a Class One Steam License from the NIULPE or equivalent certification or Universal CFC Certification. Employee must successfully pass an annual physical examination with medical certification to wear a Negative Pressure Regulator; the employee must meet the requirements contained in the Washington Headquarters Services Random Drug Testing; and the employee position is designated as emergency essential. This position is a non-critical sensitive position and the incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain this level of clearance.

 

TYPICAL WORK PERFORMED

 

Incumbent leads and trains lower grade employees on the safe efficient startup, operation, shutdown, and maintenance of the plant on an assigned shift.

 

Operates, starts and shuts down equipment for proper operation, using computer controls in the control room, local digital controls, or fully manual controls on or near the equipment. Operates the computer system to observe equipment readings and systems parameters. Recognizes abnormal conditions and situations from computer screens, alarms and printouts and knows procedures to follow to restore the systems to a safe condition. Typical major systems that must be operated under normal and emergency operating conditions include steam, condensate, boiler, feed water, condenser-water, multiple fuel systems, ion exchange softeners, compressed air, chemical feed, soot blowers, and others. When necessary, manually records and observes readings of indicating instruments. Determines causes of unusual or improper operation and operating conditions; evaluates the situation and initiates corrective actions to prevent recurrence of improper operation or equipment failure.

 

Independently performs corrective and preventive maintenance on chillers, heating ventilating and air conditioning (RV AC), compressors, and emergency power equipment. Maintains, tests, troubleshoots and repairs mechanical equipment including, boiler tubes and drums, burners, flame safety equipment, chemical feed devices, conductivity system, valves, steam traps, strainers, gauges, pumps, fans, sluice gates, traveling screens, heat exchangers, instrument and service air compressors, fuel oil tanks, chiller compressors, cooling towers, refrigerant transfer system, sewage comminuters, diesel engines, and auxiliary plant equipment.

 

Tests and analyzes samples from the steam, chilled water and condensate systems. The tests shall include titration spectral analysis and electronic detection systems to determine the adequacy and efficacy of the water treatment systems consistent with the requirements of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Based on the analysis of samples, corrective action shall be taken to bring the systems into compliance.

 

In coordination with other Government organizations, tests for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN). Requires a good knowledge, skills and ability to respond to attacks via water or air. Identifies (CBRN) attacks that will require immediate response to alert Pentagon Building officials of any immediate potential dangers or hazards. Requires immediate response to CBRN attacks along with the knowledge of systems shut down and lock-out key supply and return utility systems to the Pentagon.

 

In coordination with the Pentagon Renovation Office, incumbent will be responsible for coordinating, testing, evaluating and operating systems in parallel to assure compatibility and operability of new systems and equipment while assuring no interruption of existing service to the Pentagon Reservation or cian l age to existing systems.

 

Removes and reinstalls components using established rigging practices.

 

Makes inspection tours during the assigned shift to check the operating conditions of plant equipment, gauges, charts and records; ensures that all equipment is operating satisfactorily and is loaded efficiently and safely. Makes changes necessary for good operation, reporting abnormal conditions and unusual situations to the Watch Supervisor.

 

Inspects mechanical and electrical equipment in- and out-of-service in order to check the status of equipment. Determines causes of unusual or improper operation and operating conditions; determines causes of equipment failure, and initiates corrective actions to prevent recurrence of improper operation or equipment failure.

 

Makes recommendations for improvements in operations and safety practices.

 

Prepares, places or removes safety tags in accordance with established lock-out tag-out procedures, taking proper precautions and using safety equipment to assure the safety of plant personnel and equipment.

 

FACTOR STATEMENT

 

A. Skill and Knowledge

 

Knowledge of computerized distributed control systems, including electronic signal processors, analog-to-digital converters, fiber optic transmission links, data networks, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Distributed Process Controllers (DPCs), and microprocessor-based monitoring instrumentation.

 

Knowledge of industrial plant equipment such as: chillers, condenser water system, chilled water distribution system, steam boilers, steam distribution system, feed water system, multiple fuel systems, ion exchange softeners and polishers, instrument air system, chemical water treatment systems, soot blowing, high voltage electric distribution systems, and others.

 

Skilled at using distributed computer controls in the control room, local digital controls, or fully manual controls on or near the equipment.

 

Skilled in and knowledgeable of the maintenance and operation of boilers, chillers, Circulating water systems, compressed air systems, heating, air conditioning, steam distribution and condensate return systems, and fuel oil systems.

 

The incumbent should have the ability to pass the requirements to obtain a National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers, (NIULPE) First Class Power Engineer License or other equivalent license (such as a marine engineering license). Must possess both the First Class Power Engineer License and the CFC Universal Refrigerant Certification within one year after taking the position.

 

Ability to comprehend, trouble shoot and repair basic refrigeration, heating, electric equipment, air conditioning, plumbing, pneumatic, electronic circuits, and devices. Must possess a Universal Refrigeration license.

 

Ability to read and interpret equipment operating and maintenance manuals, blueprints, building plans, wiring diagrams, and electrical drawings, and use formulas basic to the trade to calculate pressures, temperatures, and flows.

 

Skilled in the safe and proper use of a wide variety of power and hand tools.

 

Ability to handle emergency situations that could cause personal injury and/or damage to essential equipment.

 

Skilled in the kind and quality of materials and equipment to be used in performing various checks, tests, adjustments, and troubleshooting tasks, at the system level, to determine the operational performance of the equipment and the need for adjustment or repair. 

 

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. This ability is necessary to present ideas, statements, interpretations, instructions, etc., to subordinates, superiors, agency representatives, contractors, and others. 

 

Knowledge of computerized process control systems, including microprocessor-based controls and instruments, operator workstations, and automatic to manual control procedures.

 

Must have knowledge of controls of all plant systems. Using either computer, local, or manual controls. Must be able to put each system into operation, safely shut each system down, and isolate major components for maintenance or repairs to prevent injury to personnel or equipment and to respond to CBRN and attacks via water or air.

 

Must have knowledge of high voltage systems and safety precautions for energizing and de-energizing high voltage electrical equipment.

 

Qualified to perform emergency first aid in the event of injuries to self or other employees. Has a working knowledge of fire protection and the capabilities of fire fighting equipment.

 

Work involves significant walking, standing, bending, stooping, crawling, climbing of ladders, use of tools and lifting of heavy items to conduct personal inspections of equipment, perform repairs, and correct problems.

 

D. Working Conditions

 

The incumbent works around operating equipment, refrigeration plant, steam tunnels, manholes, etc. The operating areas are noisy, hot or cold, dusty and dirty and contain moving equipment and pressurized piping systems, which can be hazardous if improperly operated. The plant contains hazardous chemicals that require special handling procedures and protection. Conditions require that appropriate safety gear such as hard hats, hearing protection, protective eyewear and gloves be worn.

 

Incumbent must pass physical examination annually with medical certification of ability to wear a negative pressure regulator.