Steam Plant Operator

Appalachian State University; Arkansas; On-site; USD 44,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian State University is seeking a Steam Plant Operator in Boone, NC. The role oversees boiler operation, monitors related equipment, and responds to system abnormalities to ensure continuous, safe plant performance.

Responsibilities include routine maintenance, maintaining logs, and adhering to safety and environmental guidelines while coordinating with the Steam System team. Requires high school diploma and related experience.

Qualifications

• Completion of high school and 1 year of related experience, or an equivalent combination.
• Maintains required certifications.
• Experience with boilers in a large-scale steam facility preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate boilers and related equipment to ensure optimal continuous operation.
• Assist in routine maintenance and operation of steam plant systems.
• Maintain operation logs and repair/maintenance records.
• Follow safety and environmental guidelines.

Skills

Boiler Operation

Mechanical Systems

Electrical

HVAC Systems

Pumping Systems

Water Softeners

Blueprint Reading

Personal Computers

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Boiler Controls

Meters

Variable Frequency Drives

Plant Logs

Personal Computers

Job description

Position Summary Information

Classification Title: Utilities Plant Operator

Working Title: Steam Plant Operator

Location: Boone, North Carolina

Job Category: 7

Position Number: 061781

Not Eligible for Visa Sponsorship: VISA sponsorship is not available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S.

Department Facilities Operations - Steam Systems - 410100

Primary Purpose of Position: Employee is responsible for providing operation, maintenance/repair and management of steam boilers, as well as related equipment and infrastructure. Employee operates generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, and other boiler plant equipment; monitor systems for normal running conditions. Employee regulates equipment operations and conditions; respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnose the cause, and recommend or take corrective action.

Minimum Qualifications

Completion of high school and 1 year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Special Note: Maintains required certifications.

License/Certification Required

Essential Job Functions: Performs boiler operations as prescribed and scheduled by the Steam Plant Supervisor, assuring the optimal and continuous operation of the boilers and associated equipment and systems. Assists in routine maintenance and operation of steam plant systems including valves, pumps, fans, heat exchangers, water softeners, compressed air systems, burners, and fuel delivery systems.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required for this Position

Requires a minimum of 1 year of Boiler Operation, Mechanical Systems, Electrical, HVAC Systems, and/or Plumbing experience. Prefer experience as a Boiler Operator in a large-scale steam production facility, including experience and knowledge of:

• Pumps, Mechanical Piping and Systems,
• Controls, Meters and Metering Devices,
• Gauges, Electrical Wiring and Devices,
• Water Softeners, Chemical Analysis,
• Blueprint Reading,
• Variable Frequency Drives, Motors,
• Plant Logs and
• Personal Computers and Hardware.

Employee must have the ability to maintain reports and records for operational logs as well as repair and preventive maintenance on Steam Plant equipment, and have the ability to follow industry-specific guidelines, regulations, and codes, particularly as they relate to safety and environmental practices. Must be able to operate university-owned vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of high school and at least two years of progressive experience in the performance of tasks associated with mechanical maintenance, and/or the operation of large, complex boilers; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Functional Competencies to Successfully Perform Job Duties.

Equipment Operation: 1. Performs basic operations and routine preventative maintenance of applicable machines, equipment and tools (e.g. painting, greasing) under the supervision of a higher level operator or supervisor. 2. Monitors equipment through various software and automated systems to ensure proper and efficient operations.

Knowledge-Technical: 1. Performs routine tasks and assignments through practical application of industry standards involving operations and maintenance/repair of utility plant equipment. 2. Applies general knowledge in the operation, maintenance, methods, procedures and techniques of applicable plant equipment and safety requirements specific to the area of assignment. 3. Performs routine and standard tasks to monitor, record, sample and test equipment related to utility plant operations.

Problem Solving: Identifies and recognizes standard/routine problems with equipment through routine inspection and preventive maintenance/testing. 2. Assist with routine troubleshooting using operating systems, software, and localized instrumentation.

Safety & Health Compliance: 1. Follows industry specific guidelines, regulations and codes, particularly as they relate to safety and environmental practices. Uses appropriate protective equipment following established protocols. 2. Identifies and informs supervisor of potential safety problems. Warns others of potential hazards. Follows appropriate post-emergency procedures.

Communication: 1. Listens to instructions and asks necessary questions to complete tasks. Communicates with fellow workers in a manner that allows work to be completed.

Type of Position

Permanent Full-Time Staff/Non-Faculty Staff/Non-Faculty Appointment Type1.0Work Schedule/Hours

7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday per assigned schedule of 40 hours per week. Assigned schedule is subject to change per operational needs. Position is considered MANDATORY and is expected to be available to work during university emergencies, closures and adverse.

Number of Hours Per Week

40

Number of Months Per Year

12

Mandatory Staff

Yes

Physical Demands of Position

Employee will be subject to several extremes of limited access space, heat, cold, dust, and dirt on a daily basis. Heavy lifting in excess of 50-100 pounds is also required on a limited basis.

Overall Competency Level Journey

Salary Grade Equivalency: GN07

Salary Range: Anticipated Hiring Range$43,755 - $45,240

Pay will be commensurate with applicant competencies, budget, equity and market considerations.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please list a minimum of 3 professional references in the application.

Appalachian State University Benefits Information:

https://hr.appstate.edu/hr-services/benefits

Finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check.

Must be able to operate university owned vehicles with a valid driver’s license.