BOILER OPERATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Safe steam supply is not automatic. When boiler control loops drift, feedwater chemistry degrades, or over-pressurization devices go unchecked, production halts and regulatory exposure grows. The Boiler Operator is the licensed specialist who prevents that outcome, holding primary accountability for high-pressure steam generation, wastewater treatment compliance, and water quality across all water-carrying systems. Most plants require at minimum a state-issued high-pressure boiler license, and many mandate additional seals such as the NJ Blue Seal or a 1st Class Engineer grade. This role operates within the plant utilities or facilities maintenance function, answering to a Maintenance or Facilities Supervisor.

As the Boiler Operator, you will maintain continuous steam output and environmental compliance by managing high-pressure boiler systems, conducting feedwater chemistry analysis, and performing corrective and preventative maintenance across all plant utility equipment. You will work rotating shifts as part of the plant utilities team, coordinating with maintenance mechanics and production supervisors to keep all water, air, and steam systems running within specification.

Career Impact: Holding a state-level high-pressure boiler license while gaining hands-on experience with cogeneration systems and wastewater treatment positions you for advancement into Stationary Engineer and Chief Engineer roles within industrial plant operations.

Business Impact: When steam pressure is stable and water chemistry stays within specification, production lines run without interruption - the Boiler Operator's daily rounds and chemical adjustments are what make that continuity possible.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to cogeneration, ammonia refrigeration, and multi-system utility management expands your licensure eligibility and opens paths toward senior operator and plant engineer classifications with broader site responsibility.

• Operate high-pressure steam boilers across all phases including start-up, normal operation, and shutdown, following licensed procedures.
• Monitor boiler plant conditions including pressure, temperature, and flow using control room systems and conduct regular equipment rounds.
• Perform feedwater chemistry analysis and adjust chemical treatment dosing to maintain water quality within all regulatory specifications.
• Maintain and test auxiliary systems including air compressors, pumps, cooling towers, water softeners, and deaerators each shift.
• Conduct water quality testing across all carrying systems including condensate return, make-up water, reverse osmosis, and wastewater discharge.
• Perform corrective and preventative maintenance on boilers and related equipment and generate work orders for repairs beyond shift scope.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, regulatory reports, and shift records covering all utility system readings and adjustments.
• Participate in compliance audits, incident investigations, pre-startup safety reviews, and lockout/tagout procedures to meet environmental and safety obligations.

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of relevant technical training and work experience.
• 3 or more years of high-pressure boiler operation experience in an industrial or process manufacturing plant environment.
• Active state-issued high-pressure boiler operator license, such as a 1st Class Engineer grade or equivalent seal required by the operating jurisdiction.
• Thorough knowledge of steam generation systems, over-pressurization protection devices, steam traps, and boiler control diagram interpretation.
• Working knowledge of water treatment processes including reverse osmosis, chemical dosing, water softening, and wastewater pH management.
• Ability to perform routine maintenance and minor repairs on pumps, valves, compressors, and piping systems.
• Strong math skills and ability to record, interpret, and act on operational and laboratory data accurately.
• Familiarity with safety protocols including confined space entry, lockout/tagout, PPE requirements, and HAZMAT awareness.

• Technical or trade degree in industrial maintenance, power engineering, or a related mechanical field.
• Experience operating cogeneration systems or ammonia refrigeration equipment in a plant utility context.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, or environmental compliance frameworks applicable to food, pharmaceutical, or chemical manufacturing.
• Forklift certification and experience operating powered industrial trucks in a plant environment.

• Boiler uptime percentage, measuring continuous steam availability to production systems each shift.
• Feedwater chemistry readings within specification, tracked against acceptable hardness and pH ranges per shift log.
• Preventative maintenance completion rate, reflecting how consistently scheduled equipment checks and lubrication tasks are performed.
• Work order response time for corrective maintenance, measuring how quickly off-spec equipment is returned to service.
• Regulatory log accuracy rate, reflecting completeness and legibility of shift records submitted for compliance review.
• Typical tools: Control room monitoring systems (commonly energy management software or DCS platforms), water testing kits, maintenance tracking systems (commonly SAP or equivalent CMMS).

• Base Salary Range: $52,000 to $72,000 per year depending on licensure and plant type.
• Bonus: shift differential and occasional performance bonuses common in unionized plant settings.
• Equity: not typically offered at this level in industrial manufacturing.
• Health Benefits: medical, dental, and vision coverage standard, often with employer contribution.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually plus paid holidays, with additional accrual over tenure.
• Common Perks: Rotating shift premiums, PPE provided, safety boot allowance, and tuition support for license upgrades.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for all applicants, and employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check, pre-employment drug screening, and physical evaluation consistent with the demands of operating high-pressure industrial equipment. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law.

The Boiler Operator owns safe operation and maintenance of two high-pressure gas-fired boilers, conducting flue gas analysis, tuning control loops, and managing water treatment systems across the steam generating plant. The work directly supports uninterrupted steam production and ensures all water-carrying systems meet quality and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and adjust high-pressure gas boilers safely in the steam generating plant.
• Monitor boiler plant operations using control and monitoring software from the control room.
• Set up and tune boiler control loops.
• Conduct flue gas analysis and adjust fuel combustion trimming controls accordingly.
• Operate and maintain waste water and waste water treatment systems.
• Maintain gas valves, distribution systems, over-pressurization devices, and steam traps.
• Maintain records and reports relative to steam plant operations.
• Approach every task with safety as the first work consideration and adhere to all safety policies and procedures.
• Identify and mitigate hazards before and during work tasks.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Minnesota State 1st Class Engineer - Grade B Boiler license required.
• Thorough knowledge of the proper operation and maintenance of high-pressure steam generation plant equipment.
• Knowledge of steam safety standards, procedures, and over-pressurization protection design concepts.
• Ability to read and understand typical boiler control diagrams and their design.
• Proficiency in word processing software.

Embedded within the Utilities team, the Boiler Operator operates and maintains a dual fuel steam plant with large electric centrifugal chillers, calibrating water quality analyzers and maintaining computer logs of plant operations across rotating shifts. Working closely with HVAC mechanics and technicians, the Boiler Operator ensures utility problems are identified and resolved to support continuous campus operations at Lehigh.

Core Functions

• Start and shut down boilers and perform chemical analysis on operating boilers.
• Inspect utility plant equipment, cooling towers, and building mechanical rooms.
• Start and stop air compressors, air dryers, and centrifugal chillers.
• Troubleshoot operating difficulties, take corrective action, and respond to emergencies.
• Calibrate water quality analyzers and operate water softeners.
• Record plant operating parameters and maintain computer logs of plant operations and conditions.
• Dismantle, adjust, lubricate, clean, repair, and replace defective parts of machinery and equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance and start devices to test performance.
• Work with HVAC mechanics and technicians to perform assigned tasks.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent combination of education.
• Experience required, technical or trade degree preferred.
• Black Seal High Pressure License preferred.
• Three to five years of related work experience.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Reporting to plant leadership, the Boiler Operator operates and maintains high-pressure wood-fired boilers, loading and unloading kiln charges and maintaining moisture content to maximize quality output. Partnering with all departments, the Boiler Operator supports continuous improvement initiatives and ensures environmental compliance across boiler and kiln operations.

Primary Duties

• Operate high-pressure wood-fired boilers safely and efficiently using knowledge of steam, instrumentation, and controls.
• Maintain adequate moisture content throughout each charge to maximize quality.
• Load, unload, and change kiln charges and operate them with controls.
• Perform repairs and maintenance to boilers and related equipment as needed.
• Assist with equipment maintenance including washing, greasing, and other minor maintenance functions.
• Communicate proactively with all departments to build and maintain working relationships and achieve plant goals.
• Identify and suggest new approaches or best-known methods to support continuous improvement.
• Ensure environmental compliance related to operating and repairing boilers.
• Operate rolling stock including all sizes of forklifts, front-end loaders, and skid steers.

Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience operating a high-pressure wood-fired boiler required.
• Experience in boiler instrumentation and controls, kiln operations, and mechanical aptitude with some welding skills.
• Understanding of environmental compliance related to boiler and kiln operation.
• Strong computer skills with the ability to use or learn multiple software applications.
• Ability to analyze operational data to improve operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Flexible and highly self-motivated team player able to work weekends, off-shifts, and overtime.

Sitting at the intersection of power plant operations and building systems maintenance, the Boiler Operator safely operates high-pressure, oil and gas-fired steam boilers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Central Utility Plant, managing pressure, temperatures, and flow across feed water and distribution systems. Operating across boiler, chiller, and compressed air equipment, the Boiler Operator performs corrective and preventative maintenance to ensure reliable utility supply to the campus.

Duties

• Operate and monitor high-pressure, oil and gas-fired steam boilers and auxiliary equipment safely and reliably.
• Control boiler and feed water quality and oversee fuel oil and natural gas transfer and storage at the plant.
• Operate and maintain auxiliary equipment such as chillers, air compressors, pumps, and fans.
• Monitor and control boiler water and cooling tower chemistry effectively.
• Perform routine rounds, take readings, maintain logs, and generate work orders as required.
• Perform corrective and preventative maintenance as required.
• Apply safe working practices around electricity including switching and breaker operation up to 480 volts.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Massachusetts 2nd Class Firemen's license required.
• Five to seven years of experience in operation and monitoring of high-pressure power boilers, combustion turbines, steam turbines, demineralizers, and chillers over 500 tons.
• Two to five years of experience in central utility power plants including boilers, turbines, compressed air, utility distribution systems, and distributed control systems.
• Strong knowledge of preventive maintenance on all building systems.

A key member of the facilities team, the Boiler Operator performs all necessary tasks to produce steam and treat wastewater, overseeing boilers, effluent treatment equipment, and the water reclamation system. Collaborating across maintenance and operations, the Boiler Operator ensures safe, clean, and environmentally compliant plant operations throughout each shift.

Functions

• Oversee boilers and effluent treatment equipment.
• Troubleshoot and repair minor problems and alert maintenance to major repairs.
• Operate a PC to perform process adjustments, monitor operations, record data, and report problems.
• Operate pumps, valves, and other equipment for safe and efficient operations.
• Handle water tests, check water softeners, and work with the water reclamation system.
• Test and maintain fire systems in the building.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and environmentally compliant work and storage area.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must possess or be in process of completing a Boiler License (NILUPE, City of Chicago).
• Must be 18 years of age or older and authorized to work in the U.S.
• Basic math and literacy skills required.
• Ability to work in extreme temperatures and wear a respirator under certain conditions.

Uninterrupted utility supply across the site depends on the Boiler Operator, who oversees daily operation and maintenance of cogeneration systems, standby boilers, chillers, and air compressors while recording operational data in SAP and performing lab tests on feedwater chemistry. Based within the Utilities Department and reporting to site leadership, the Boiler Operator determines technical solutions to keep all departmental equipment running safely and efficiently.

Accountabilities

• Operate and maintain cogeneration systems, standby boilers, chillers, and air compressors safely throughout the site.
• Inspect equipment on a regular basis and monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges.
• Perform lab tests to monitor and evaluate feedwater water chemistry.
• Record meter and gauge readings, operational data, and maintenance activities in SAP.
• Perform regular maintenance on equipment and determine technical solutions to problems.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required, technical degree or trade certification preferred.
• New Jersey Blue, Red, or Gold Boiler Operators Seal required, Black Seal at minimum.
• Three or more years of experience in a boiler operations role and in an industrial maintenance role.
• Experience with cogeneration preferred.
• Fundamental understanding of boiler operations.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and perform multi-task work in a fast-paced environment.

As the Boiler Operator, this role covers operation and maintenance of three boilers, cooling towers, air compressors, industrial ammonia refrigeration systems, and plant chiller systems across each shift, performing water tests and managing waste water to maintain pH levels and environmental compliance. The plant operations team relies on this work to sustain continuous production, control utility costs, and meet all environmental and housekeeping standards.

Role Responsibilities

• Operate three boilers per shift and perform water tests to ensure water quality within specifications.
• Operate and maintain cooling towers to supply cooling to plant equipment.
• Operate and maintain air compressors to support plant air supply for valve operation.
• Operate paint dryers to remove moisture from the air.
• Operate and maintain industrial ammonia refrigeration systems for ice houses.
• Operate and maintain the waste water plant to maintain pH levels and ensure environmental compliance.
• Manage all plant waste and environmental waste in the waste cage.
• Maintain underground water and sprinkler systems.
• Operate and maintain plant chiller systems to supply cooling during summer.

Background and Experience

• One to five years minimum of boiler and ice plant operating experience.
• Basic mathematics and good troubleshooting skills.
• Awareness of steam usage, condensate management, soft water consumption, gas usage, and waste removal costs.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to apply common sense to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.

Boiler Operator delivers pan boiling and station operations at the Proserpine Mill, monitoring liquor, molasses, and massecuite stocks to maintain maximum sucrose recovery and avoid disruptions to factory throughput. The work directly supports high-grade and low-grade sugar production across continuous crushing season shifts, including weekends and overtime as required.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Operate the station to produce high-grade and low-grade sugar.
• Avoid unnecessary reductions in factory throughput.
• Monitor liquor, molasses, and massecuite stocks to avoid limiting factory operations while maintaining maximum sucrose recovery.
• Communicate effectively with other members of the Production Team.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Operations Coordinator.

Professional Experience

• Pan boiling experience or factory and experience with the control room.
• Experience with a complex process required.
• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to proactively focus on stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively engage a wide range of people.
• Collaborative team player who takes personal responsibility and accountability seriously.

The Boiler Operator owns operation and maintenance of a natural gas-fired automated high-pressure boiler, conducting monitoring, testing, and inventory management while coordinating annual inspections and overseeing scrubber systems. The work directly supports ongoing production efficiency and maintains a safe working environment for all facility employees.

Key Deliverables

• Operate and monitor facility boilers including start-up, normal operation, and shutdown.
• Conduct all necessary boiler monitoring, testing, and inventory management and notify supervisors of required tune-ups.
• Monitor efficiencies, troubleshoot issues, and perform or assist with maintenance and repairs of boiler-related steam and condensate systems.
• Clean and maintain all associated equipment and perform regular safety checks.
• Coordinate and assist in annual boiler inspections.
• Monitor all scrubber systems to ensure they are operating within acceptable parameters.

Technical Qualifications

• Previous experience as a boiler operator required.
• Ability to understand and interact with fully automated control systems and operate in manual mode if necessary.
• Good communication and problem-solving skills.
• Highly motivated, results-driven, and trustworthy.
• Ability to work independently and know when to seek assistance.

Embedded within the industrial operations team, the Boiler Operator maintains boiler and waste water facilities, conducting equipment rounds, collecting water samples, performing laboratory analysis, and participating in incident investigations, compliance audits, and safety reviews throughout each shift. Working closely with supervisors and cross-functional teams, the Boiler Operator supports regulatory compliance and continuous safe system operation across all facility utilities.

Scope of Work

• Operate and maintain boiler and waste water facilities throughout each shift.
• Conduct equipment and facility rounds to ensure proper and safe system operation.
• Collect samples and perform laboratory analysis of water for boilers and waste water systems.
• Participate in revision or creation of operating procedures.
• Participate in incident investigations, compliance audits, and pre-startup safety reviews.
• Participate in conducting training or developing training materials and management of change procedures.
• Participate in internal and external inspections.

Experience and Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Boiler 1 certification and Class 1 Wastewater operator certification preferred.
• Basic math skills and knowledge of hand and power tools required.
• Previous industrial maintenance experience and a two-year degree in a related maintenance field preferred.
• Experience using a powered industrial truck (PIT) preferred.
• Willingness to participate in HAZMAT membership at minimum in a supporting role.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States and hold a state-issued operator driver's license.

Reporting to plant management, the Boiler Operator operates, maintains, and repairs high-pressure steam boilers and related equipment, performing welding, electrical troubleshooting, and pump replacement while adhering to GMP, HACCP, and SQF compliance requirements. Partnering with the preventative maintenance program team, the Boiler Operator ensures safe, continuous plant utility operations across all assigned shifts in a food manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and repair high-pressure steam boilers and related plant equipment during each shift.
• Monitor and operate the ammonia system, air system, and all associated components.
• Unload fuel oil and monitor tank levels as required.
• Troubleshoot electrical circuits and problems using knowledge of electrical systems.
• Perform welding of mild and stainless steel and carry out electrical and plumbing duties as needed.
• Remove, repair, and replace pumps, motors, and other equipment.
• Be actively involved in the preventative maintenance program.
• Follow all GMP requirements and comply with all corporate, regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
• Attend required training including GMP, HACCP, SQF, and safety programs.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• 1st Class B Boiler's License or higher required.
• One year of mechanical and boiler background required, two or more years preferred.
• Knowledge of electrical circuits, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, and steam systems.
• Plumbing and piping knowledge with the ability to perform welding.
• Basic computer knowledge with strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team environment.

Sitting at the intersection of steam production and distilled water operations, the Boiler Operator monitors all steam system equipment, manages the Boiler Chemistry Program, and operates distilled water production systems including filters, DI units, and stills within a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant. Operating across rotating shifts including weekends and holidays, the Boiler Operator makes complex operational decisions to ensure all critical system and water specifications are met and plant fire protection systems are maintained.

Core Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor steam production and ensure chemicals are added to boilers at proper amounts through chemical testing.
• Monitor all steam system equipment including softeners, deaerators, and boilers and take ownership of the Boiler Chemistry Program.
• Operate and monitor all distilled water production equipment including filters, DI units, stills, silos, and piping.
• Maintain records for boiler room operations including distilled water, steam, and chlorine.
• Be knowledgeable of all critical system specifications and water specifications related to boiler room operations.
• Be familiar with the operation of the plant fire protection system.
• Perform general, preventive, and repair maintenance on equipment and generate work orders.
• Troubleshoot boiler room equipment and make complex operational decisions as required.
• Work rotating shifts including all weekends and holidays as required and drive and operate a forklift.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Boiler operator certification required.
• Experience in boiler room operations preferred.
• Basic electrical experience with ability to check out industrial controls required.
• Experience in pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, electrical, and steam systems preferred.
• Knowledge of plant and department environmental health and safety regulations.
• Mechanically inclined with basic computer skills and forklift operation ability.

A key member of the Utilities Asset Care team, the Boiler Operator safely operates all steam boilers, ammonia refrigeration, and HVAC equipment while managing reverse osmosis, water softener, carbon filtration, and chlorine injection systems to assure a consistent utility supply to the brewery. Collaborating across mechanics, steam fitters, machinists, and electricians, the Boiler Operator maintains SPCC and emissions monitoring records and performs routine maintenance and housekeeping across rotating shifts including evenings, weekends, and overtime.

Operational Focus

• Operate and control all steam boilers and auxiliary equipment efficiently while conserving energy and supplying uninterrupted service.
• Maintain and record entries in logbooks, operating logs, and regulatory reports.
• Enter work order requests for all maintenance needs and perform weekly and monthly safety checks.
• Operate and control reverse osmosis, water softener, and boiler water make-up systems and maintain brine tank levels.
• Test softener effluent and condensate return systems for hardness.
• Operate and control reducing stations, purified process water carbon filtration, and chlorine injection systems.
• Run Continuous Emissions Monitoring Daily Reports and notify management of all discrepancies.
• Receive liquid CO2 per unloading forms and maintain SPCC records for environmental compliance.
• Perform routine maintenance, lubrication, and housekeeping duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• City of Milwaukee permit to operate required, 2nd Class licensing with NILUPE or ASOPE preferred, RETA and EPA certification a plus.
• Five or more years of experience working with ammonia and HVAC systems.
• Hhigh-pressure boiler operation experience preferred.
• Able to work rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, and overtime.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry 50 pounds and push or pull up to 150 pounds.

Boiler Operator delivers container receiving, waste coding, and environmental compliance functions at a hazardous waste facility, receiving and processing containerized waste and product, verifying load counts, sampling inbound waste, and maintaining accurate logbooks and computer records. The work directly supports safe disposal operations and ensures all loads are accurately routed and billed in accordance with protocol.

Job Functions

• Ensure health and safety is the number one priority by complying with all safe work practices, policies, and processes at all times.
• Receive all containers, verify counts and sizes of received loads, and properly code all waste for disposal processing.
• Ship, receive, and process containerized waste and product.
• Confirm all loads are properly and accurately coded for routing and billing according to protocol.
• Move containers from staging areas to proper facility storage areas and containerize product for customers.
• Sample inbound waste for processing and maintain housekeeping standards.
• Maintain log books and computer records and ensure environmental compliance.

Background and Experience

• Previous warehouse and lab packing experience required, hazardous material experience preferred.
• Basic welding certification preferred.
• Forklift and scissor lift experience preferred.
• Ability to use a respirator and work in a team environment.
• Proficiency with Windows-based applications preferred.

Reporting to the Facility Maintenance Supervisor, the Boiler Operator supports continuous boiler and wastewater treatment operations through periodic equipment inspections, laboratory water analysis, and preventative maintenance on boilers, air compressors, pumps, and blowers. Partnering with plant operations staff, the Boiler Operator applies thorough knowledge of basic chemistry, intermediate mathematics, and industrial mechanics to ensure safe and efficient facility performance.

Work Activities

• Perform periodic inspections and record data per shift assignment.
• Collect water samples and perform laboratory analysis for boilers and wastewater systems.
• Make necessary adjustments to equipment to ensure proper operating procedures.
• Troubleshoot equipment and perform repairs to PVC piping, pumps, boilers, and air compressors as required.
• Perform preventative maintenance on air compressors, boilers, pumps, and blowers.
• Keep accurate and legible logs of daily activities.
• Understand and comply with plant safety rules including machine guarding, lockout and tagout, hazard communication, forklift safety, PPE, and confined space entry.

Minimum Qualifications

• New Jersey high-pressure boiler operations license required.
• Operational knowledge of boilers, air compressors, and pumps.
• Strong math skills and strong mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to complete paperwork in a legible and organized manner and document and record activities effectively.
• Forklift safety certification required.
• Ability to function as a team player under demanding circumstances and communicate professionally.