Boiler Operator Jobs | Boiler Jobs | Boiler Work
Boiler Operator Jobs - What is the Job of a Boiler Operator? What Do Boiler Jobs Involve?
Boiler operator jobs are responsible for maintaining a number of systems which can include heating, air conditioning, power plant boilers, diesel engines, power turbines, pumps, and power generators, among other commercial and industrial facility power generating systems.
The equipment that a boiler operator job must maintain is usually used to generate heat or to aid in the process of creating electricity. A boiler operator will start up, repair, monitor, and shut down boiler equipment, making sure that a boiler operates properly and economically, in addition to remaining within safety limits.
Stationary engineers may control boiler equipment by hand in older buildings, mostly by listening to machinery and checking safety devices. Boiler jobs will also typically use computers in newer buildings in order to monitor fire systems, mechanical systems, and electrical systems. These diagnostic boiler systems can usually be monitored from a central hub, using a computer which is linked to the boiler systems.
Routine boiler maintenance is an essential part of the boiler operators job, and most stationary engineers will perform a number of repair tasks on a boiler, which can range from lubricating parts and replacing filters to preventing corrosion, or completely overhauling the boiler itself. From time to time, a stationary engineer job will involve testing the boiler water in order to prevent hard deposits from forming.
Stationary engineers will also check the air quality in the boiler ventilation system to make sure that it stays within regulated guidelines. It is common for boiler operator jobs to perform a number of other tasks such as carpentry work, plumbing, and small electrical repairs.
Boiler operators must also keep a record of the boiler system equipment, monitoring steam pressure, water level, fuel consumption, and emissions. In a larger facility, a boiler mechanic may be in charge assisting stationary engineers who specialize in particular maintenance operations within a power plant facility.
Working Conditions for Boiler Jobs - How is the Working Environment for Boiler Maintenance Jobs?
Boiler jobs are typically noisy and stationary engineers may be exposed to hazardous situations such as smoke and high temperatures. Boiler maintenance workers will also have to work around hazardous machinery and the risk of burn and electrical shock exist.
The workweek of a boiler job is usually 40 hours a week, with some weekend and holiday hours needed.
Boiler Operator Education - How to Become a Boiler Worker - How to Receive Your Boiler Operator Training
Boiler operator training is usually provided to those who have at least a high school degree, and most boiler training is provided on the job. The International Union of Operating Engineers offers apprenticeships for boiler workers, and the program itself usually lasts about four years with 8000 hours of on the job training. Boiler apprentices will also receive 600 hours of classroom instructions over a four year period.
Boiler Maintenance Requirements - How to Become a Boiler Operator
Boiler job licensing is usually required at a state or city level, and a boiler worker may have to pass an examination in addition to experience requirements. A first class stationary engineer can run a large facility, while a third class boiler worker can only work in a limited capacity or in smaller facilities.
Boiler operators will be put in charge of large equipment over time, and most stationary engineers will eventually become boiler inspectors, or plant superintendents, with some deciding to go to school in order to become full engineers.
Boiler Job Employment - What is a Boiler Operator Job?
Over the next 10 years, boiler jobs and stationery engineer jobs should increase by about 3%, as continuing automation makes many boiler jobs increasingly efficient. Job prospects for boiler operators are also slim due to strong competition for higher paying positions.
Boiler Jobs Pay Scale - How Much Do Boiler Operators Earn?
In 2006, boiler operator jobs and stationary engineer jobs had median annual salaries of $46,040, with the highest 10% of boiler jobs earning over $68,690.