Boiler Operator I

Oakland County, Michigan Government; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 64,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland County is seeking a Boiler Operator to maintain the Central Steam Plant, ensuring reliable heating and steam services for County facilities. You will operate high-pressure boilers, monitor water levels, adjust controls, and perform preventative maintenance while following safety procedures.

This hands-on role requires a high school diploma or GED, experience with high-pressure boilers, and relevant licenses or certifications.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent
• 1 year of full-time experience operating high-pressure steam boilers and related equipment
• Military experience as defined by state act
• Associate degree or 60 semester credits in a related field (Applied Science, HVAC, etc)
• License or certification from IUOE, NASOE, or Michigan Proprietary School in boiler operations
• Pass the required examination and complete the six month probationary period

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor high-pressure boilers and related equipment to maintain steam pressure and water levels.
• Perform boiler blowdowns, sample water, replenish chemicals, and maintain burner and feed water systems.
• Conduct routine maintenance on boilers and auxiliary equipment and ensure safe, efficient operation.
• Maintain logs, monitor meters, and report issues to supervisor per procedures.
• Support continuous operations with day, evening, or midnight shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Education

Associate degree or 60 semester credits in Applied Science / HVAC / closely related field

Licenses or certifications: IUOE, NASOE, or Michigan proprietary school certification for boiler operators

Job description

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

$63,666- $85,300

This position is onsite.

Do you enjoy working with complex mechanical systems and taking pride in keeping critical operations running safely and efficiently? As a Boiler Operator, you'll play an essential role in maintaining the Oakland County Central Steam Plant by operating and monitoring high-pressure boilers and auxiliary equipment. In this hands-on position, you'll help ensure County facilities receive reliable heating and steam services while working with a variety of mechanical systems in a safety-focused environment.

What You’ll Do

• Independently operate and monitor high-pressure oil and gas-fired boilers and related auxiliary equipment.
• Maintain proper boiler water levels, steam pressure, and system performance through routine monitoring and adjustments.
• Perform boiler blowdowns, collect water samples, and replenish chemical treatment systems.
• Change and clean burners, install meter charts, and perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Operate and monitor feed water pumps, air compressors, and other steam plant support equipment.
• Inspect equipment to identify operational issues and report or address concerns as appropriate.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized central steam plant.
• Utilize Countywide and department-specific software and systems to support plant operations and complete assigned duties.
• Work assigned day, afternoon, or midnight shifts, including weekends and holidays, to support continuous operations.

Why You’ll Love It

• Play a critical role in providing reliable heating and steam services that support County operations.
• Work with sophisticated mechanical equipment in a dynamic, hands-on environment.
• Develop and strengthen your technical skills operating and maintaining industrial boiler systems.
• Join a team dedicated to safety, reliability, and keeping essential County facilities running around the clock.
• Enjoy meaningful work where your expertise directly supports the daily operations of Oakland County.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Required Minimum Qualifications

High school graduate or have completed the state requirements for a G.E.D. certificate; OR be an emancipated minor; OR have passed their 18th birthday.

Have one (1) year of full-time work experience in the operation of high-pressure steam boilers and related auxiliary equipment; OR

Have military experience as defined in the Skills Trade Regulation Act 407 of 2016; OR

Possess an Associate degree or sixty (60) semester credit hours from an accredited college, university, or technical school with a major in Applied Science, Applied Technology, Stationary Engineering, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Plumbing, or closely related field; OR

Possess a license or certification from one of the following:

• International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) completion of high-pressure boiler operator program or completion of low-pressure boiler operator program including a water chemistry course
• National Association of Stationary Engineers (NASOE)
• Certification of stationary engineer, operating engineer, or related field from a Proprietary School accredited by the State of Michigan

Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.

Successfully complete the six month probationary period.

Essential Job Functions

Independently operates and maintains proper steam pressure and water level in gas and oil-fired boilers by monitoring pressure and water level gauges and by controlling feed water pumps, heaters, and auxiliary equipment.

Takes samples from boiler water columns and performs chemical tests on water to determine softness and other qualities.

Operates and maintains fuel oil pumps, strainers, preheaters, pressure regulators and temperature controllers to ensure the continuous, efficient combustion of fuel oil supplied to the burners.

Changes chemical feed tanks by starting timer and adding salt as needed to maintain the quality of boiler water.

Checks log sheet of the previous shift and maintains the log by recording water test results, meter readings, equipment status and abnormalities such as changes in temperature, pressure, or water level. Notifies the supervisor on the following shift of any problems according to operating procedure.

Periodically changes and cleans burners, performs "blow down" operation to clean out sediments in boilers, mud drums and operates soot blowers.

Checks air compressor for oil level, adding oil as needed, and checks and drains compressor tanks of condensed water as needed.

Climbs stairs to check pumping equipment, meters, alarms and gauges. Listens for noises such as boilers, machinery, blowers, alarms, and whistles to ensure equipment is working properly. Reads boiler pressures, temperatures, and air input on gauges. Climbs ladder to check boilers, opens and closes valves, and checks malfunctions.

Monitors meters, removes, and installs meter charts daily for each recording meter and adds ink to meter as needed to ensure efficient operation.

Inspects steam distribution, condensate pipes, and electrical outlets and lighting in steam distribution tunnel.

Repairs and performs preventative maintenance work on equipment such as steam and condensation lines, valves, traps, strainers, sump pumps, air compressors, expansion joints, motors, and air fans.

Replaces 10” 300# main valves.

Participates in making repairs on boilers and auxiliary equipment.

Performs water tests on boilers, feed water and condensation samples.

Additional Duties And Responsibilities

Assists in the repair of heating plant equipment and lubricates pumps, bearings, valves, motors, and other moving parts of equipment.

Maintains the heating plant and equipment in a clean and orderly condition by painting, mopping, washing walls, changing light bulbs, and cleaning and polishing equipment.

Assists outside contractors and contracted work crews with safety procedures and reading of blueprints.

Essential Mental & Physical Requirements

Ability to communicate and use basic motor skills required in the operation of boilers.

Ability to maintain and repair boilers and associated equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in variable weather conditions, confined spaces, and areas of loud noises.

May be exposed to machinery and equipment that could affect health conditions.

May be required to travel to other locations during the course of work.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Have completed coursework in mathematics, chemistry, and physics.

Training and/or experience in a mechanical field.

Reasonable ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions.

Some knowledge of the tools, methods and practices used in maintaining boilers and auxiliary equipment.

Some ability to assimilate and apply technical data regarding new equipment, methods, and procedures.

Some ability to maintain records and perform calculations.

Physical condition that will permit standing and walking for extended periods; negotiating ladders, catwalks, and manholes; working in confined spaces and uncomfortably hot environment.

Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator’s or chauffeur license.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

BU25 - Oakland County International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)

• If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.