BOILER OPERATOR

University of Alabama at Birmingham; University (FL); On-site; USD 30,031 - 40,405; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Competitive retirement options

Wellness programs

Job summary

The University of Alabama at Birmingham is seeking a Boiler Operator to ensure the safe and efficient operation of our steam and hot-water infrastructure. This position involves maintaining and repairing boilers and related systems, conducting inspections and testing, and supporting operations across campus.

Applicants must have three years of experience and a high school diploma or GED. Technical training in industrial maintenance or power plant operations is preferred. A commitment to safety and operational excellence is essential.

Qualifications

• Three years of related experience operating and maintaining boilers and boiler support equipment.
• Technical training in industrial maintenance or power plant operations is preferred.
• Experience with high-pressure steam systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and inspect boilers and support systems to ensure safe performance.
• Perform routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance on the entire system.
• Conduct inspections and operational testing to maintain performance and compliance.

Skills

Boilers operation and maintenance

Combustion systems

Water treatment systems

OSHA regulations compliance

Chemical feed management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Combustion analyzers

Water chemistry test kits

Multimeters

BAS/SCADA interfaces

Job description

Job Description

BOILER OPERATOR (T237051)

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.

Essential Accountabilities:

• Operate, monitor, and inspect boilers and support systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance.
• Continuously monitor boiler and hot water system alarms and trends, taking appropriate operational or escalation actions as needed.
• Provide operational support for steam and hot water systems serving all UAB Campus and Hospital facilities.
• Conduct routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance on boilers and related mechanical/electrical components.
• Install, test, calibrate, maintain, and repair control systems including combustion controls, BAS interfaces, sensors, relays, and safety interlocks.
• Perform routine boiler water and condensate testing (pH, hardness, alkalinity, chlorides, etc.) and adjust chemical feed systems.
• Maintain, repair, modify, install, and replace boilers, pumps, motors, valves, heat exchangers, piping, and related equipment.
• Assist insurance carriers, regulatory agencies, and authorized inspectors; provide operational information and support required testing.
• Record operational data, inspection findings, maintenance actions, and test results per departmental and regulatory standards.
• Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, drawings, and manufacturer specifications for boiler and mechanical systems.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly boiler plant, including minor painting and corrosion‑prevention tasks.
• Support contractors on special projects within the chilled water plant and across campus.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support plant operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrate ability to operate, maintain, and repair boilers, combustion systems, feedwater systems, pumps, motors, valves, compressors, heat exchangers, and safety devices.
• Conduct boiler water and condensate testing and manage chemical feed and treatment programs to maintain proper system chemistry.
• Understand OSHA regulations and safe work practices, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, hot work, fall protection, respiratory protection, and PPE requirements; follow applicable codes, standards, and inspection protocols.
• Identify pressure, temperature, chemical, and electrical hazards and implement appropriate mitigation measures and emergency response procedures.
• Diagnose system issues using test instruments and trend data, develop corrective actions, and apply root cause analysis to prevent recurrence and improve reliability.
• Proficient with combustion analyzers, water chemistry test kits, multimeters, manometers, thermal imagers, vibration meters, and BAS/SCADA interfaces.
• Use computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to document work, update digital logs, create work orders, and track system performance; navigate technical manuals, drawings, and schematics.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, operators, mechanics, contractors, and inspectors; document findings and recommendations; brief teams on safety, system status, and action plans; collaborate to support plant operations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and orderly boiler plant environment; uphold housekeeping and 5S principles; mentor junior staff on safe practices and standard procedures.
• Prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, plan preventive maintenance windows, coordinate parts and tools, and meet operational deadlines for inspections, testing, and reporting.
• Demonstrate initiative, ownership, and accountability in plant operations; track tasks to completion and support special projects and urgent system needs.

Qualifications

Hourly Pay Range: $21.80 – $29.33 (commensurate with experience & qualifications)

OT Pay: 0–10 hours OT/Week expected. May exceed 10 hours/Week under extraordinary conditions.

Work Schedule:

• Follows a rotating 4‑on/3‑off and 3‑on/4‑off schedule to support 24/7 operations.
• Works one of two standard shifts:
  • 12:00 AM–12:00 PM
  • 12:00 PM–12:00 AM
• May be required to work overtime, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on operational needs.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including on‑call assignments.
• Work schedules may change as needed to meet the needs of the University.

High school diploma or GED required. Three (3) years of related experience operating and maintaining boilers and boiler support equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technical or 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 may also be considered.

Licenses/Certifications/Registrations:

• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR): Driving record must meet University underwriting guidelines, including: valid U.S. driver’s license; minimum age of 21; at least three years of driving experience; acceptable MVR.
• 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.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods while performing job duties.
• Ability to lift and carry at least 50 lbs.
• Climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding and work at heights above 30 feet.
• Perform bending, stooping, kneeling, and long‑distance walking between and within campus buildings.
• Work in confined spaces as required.
• Perform manual tasks using hand and power tools.
• Tolerate hot, cold, humid, dusty, or chemical environments with appropriate PPE.
• Maintain visual acuity for gauges and instruments and hearing acuity for alarms.
• Wear respiratory protection and other PPE as required.

Additional Information: Incomplete job profiles will not be processed. Please be certain to showcase depth and breadth of experience, as it relates to the needs of this job announcement.

About UAB: UAB provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health coverage, competitive retirement options, wellness programs, and a wide range of employee perks designed to support you both at work and at home. You can explore the full benefits overview here: https://www.uab.edu/humanresources/home/benefits

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.

Primary Location

University

Job Category

Facilities

Organization

112802020 Steam Operations

Employee Status

Regular

Shift: Rotation / Flexible Staffing / Multiple Shifts

Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager): Onsite