Steam Plant Operator

Knowledge Services; Knightstown (IN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Knowledge Services is seeking a skilled Steam Plant Operator for a 12-month contract with the Indiana National Guard in Knightstown, IN. The role requires operating, monitoring, and maintaining high-pressure boilers and related equipment while ensuring safety and efficiency.

Responsibilities include training staff, maintaining records, and performing preventive maintenance. The position may involve shift work and requires adherence to PPE and safety protocols at all times.

Qualifications

• Two years' experience in general industry or industrial process with boiler operations.
• Three years of full-time paid experience in a large institutional or industrial steam plant.
• Power Engineer Certification (or within 12 months) required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor high-pressure boilers and related systems.
• Inspect plant and equipment for safe, efficient operation.
• Maintain operational and maintenance records and logs.
• Provide training and guidance to lower-level staff.
• Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs.
• Ensure safety and PPE compliance; respond to emergencies.
• Assist in grounds and building maintenance as needed.

Skills

Safety procedures

Emergency response

Supervisory oversight

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Power Engineer Certification (preferred) within 12 months

Job description

Knowledge Services is currently seeking a skilled Steam Plant Operator for a 12-month contract (potential for extension) with the State of Indiana National Guard in Knightstown, IN.

Pay Rate: $24.27/hour

Steam Plant Operator Responsibilities include:

• Responsible for the steam plant shift operation at the Hoosier Youth Challenge Academy.
• Inspects entire plant, boiler rooms, auxiliary equipment and related areas to ensure conditions are normal, operating within appropriate safety standards, and ensuring maximum efficiency;
• Operates, monitors, troubleshoots and makes minor repairs to high pressure boilers, combustion controls, emissions monitoring equipment, auxiliary equipment, and compressed air system and equipment;
• Conducts and interprets chemical test analysis to determine corrective action and make necessary adjustment for treatment and control of water chemistry;
• Recognizes operational problems and reports them to proper authority, takes corrective measure to limit and control equipment damage and personnel injury in case of boiler or equipment emergency;
• Prepares and maintains operational and maintenance records, charts, logs and reports;
• Provides training, direction and assistance to lower level employees;
• Performs preventive maintenance and assists in periodic overhauls, cleaning, major repairs; and installation and repair of steam lines;
• Cleans boilers, equipment and areas of plant as assigned;
• Performs grounds maintenance of the training site to include mowing and snow removal;
• Assists in building maintenance throughout the training site to include minor and emergency repairs of plumbing, electrical, etc;
• Complies with all appropriate protective and safety requirements in the performance of duties including, but not limited to: use of personal protective equipment (PPE); handling, storage & mixing of hazardous materials according to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS); confined spaces; and complying with safety requirements in the use of tools, equipment, etc;
• Performs related duties as required.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Work involves climbing and moderately heavy lifting of tools and equipment (25-50 lbs).
• Workers spend much of their time on their feet; they also crawl inside boilers and work in crouching or kneeling positions to inspect, clean or repair equipment.
• Duties are performed in a variety of different positions which require flexibility and stamina.
• Such effort is regularly exerted and strain may be intense.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is generally performed within the steam plant.
• Work is performed around boiler as well as electrical and mechanical equipment, they must be alert to avoid burns, electric shock and injury from moving parts.
• Exposure to high temperatures, dust, dirt and high noise levels from equipment is common.
• General maintenance duties may cause contact with oil and grease, as well as fumes or smoke. Safety goggles, safety shoes, ear protection, gloves, welding helmet/gloves, face mask and cold weather clothes are required to perform some duties due to possible injury from hazardous conditions.

Steam Plant Operator Qualifications include:

• High school diploma or equivalent with two-years experience in general industry or industrial process, a portion must include boiler operations;
• Three (3) years of full-time paid experience in a large institutional or industrial steam plant.
• Must hold at least one of the following certifications or must obtain within twelve (12) months, the “Power Engineer Certification” as issued by the Indiana Association of the National Association of Power Engineers.
• Accepted Certifications include:
• US Navy Boiler Technician or Machinist Mate Rating.
• US Coast Guard Marine Engineer License with Steam Endorsement.
• US Merchant Seaman Certificate with Qualified Member of Engineering Department Endorsement.
• A local or county government Stationary Engineer License.
• A valid Stationary Steam License issued from another U.S. state.
• National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers License.
• A Journeyman Stationary Engineer Certificate from the Union of Operating Engineers.
• A Company issued certificate from an in-house apprenticeship or training program, reviewed and approved by the State Personnel Department.
• Substitution: Possession of the Power Engineer Certification at the time of application may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.
• An Associate Degree in Power Plant Technology from an accredited college or university may substitute for the required certification plus one year of the required work experience.
• Extensive knowledge of and ability to perform all phases of steam plant operation, maintenance and repair;
• Extensive understanding of fossil combustion principles and combustion safety principles;
• Ability to work without close supervision and to supervise, train, and direct the work of subordinate personnel;
• Extensive knowledge of all health, safety and sanitary procedures for the safety of personnel and equipment;
• Ability to respond effectively and quickly to emergency situations;
• Must have and maintain a valid Indiana Driver’s License.
• Incumbent may be required on occasion to work irregular shifts, days, nights, weekends and/or holidays, or a rotating schedule and may be put on-call.