Job Description

The Boiler and Chiller Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of high-pressure steam boilers and industrial chiller systems. Operators will supplement staff to ensure continuous 24/7 coverage, maintaining critical utility systems for hospital operations, patient care, infection control, sterilization, and comfort cooling. This position requires dual qualifications to operate both boiler and chiller systems, with a primary focus on boiler plant operations due to life safety priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Boiler Plant Operations:
  • Operate and monitor up to four Cleaver-Brooks high-pressure steam boilers (10,000 lb/hr each).
  • Maintain optimal steam pressures and combustion efficiency through system adjustments.
  • Perform and log water quality testing, adding chemicals as needed.
  • Ensure no high-pressure boiler is left unattended, coordinating relief coverage.
  • Record operational data at prescribed intervals per VA standards and the 8th Edition of the BEI Safety Device Testing Manual.
  • Engage with boiler plant components, including DA tanks, condensate tanks, and associated systems, for monitoring and operator-level maintenance.
• Chiller Plant Operations:
  • Operate and monitor large-capacity chiller units (Trane and York Centrifugals; 1,000-ton each), cooling towers, and pumps.
  • Maintain chilled water supply temperatures through system adjustments.
  • Respond to Building Management System (BMS) alarms and out-of-range conditions.
  • Coordinate chiller startups or shutdowns with facility Engineering.
• Equipment Monitoring and Rounds:
  • Conduct full equipment inspections (boilers, chillers, pumps, compressors, etc.) at least once per shift.
  • Monitor critical utility alarms (e.g., fire pumps, emergency power) via BMS.
• Preventive Maintenance:
  • Perform operator-level maintenance, including lubrication, belt changes, cleaning strainers, and resetting trips.
  • Maintain plant cleanliness and perform minor painting or touch-up as directed.
• Emergency Response:
  • Respond to alarms and utility emergencies campus-wide during after-hours and weekends.
  • Stabilize equipment immediately and escalate issues to VA on-call leadership.
• Communication and Reporting:
  • Complete turnover briefings with incoming shifts.
  • Submit daily logs, incident reports, and maintenance documentation.
  • Immediately report regulatory non-compliance, safety hazards, or equipment failures.
• Compliance and Safety:
  • Adhere to VHA Directive 1810, OSHA standards, NFPA 85, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and The Joint Commission Environment of Care standards.
  • Follow VA infection control, safety, and emergency response procedures.
  • Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and comply with VA SOPs.
  • Remain drug- and alcohol-free; adhere to the tobacco-free campus policy.

Work Schedule

• Operators will work 12-hour shifts (Shift A: 12:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Shift B: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM).
• Rotation pattern: Sunday–Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday, alternating Wednesdays.
• Shift assignments determined by VA operational needs, coordinated by the Lead Operator/Project Manager.
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Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience operating high-pressure boilers (≥125 psi) and industrial chillers.
• Meet OPM standards for WG-5402, Boiler Plant Operator, WG-9 grade equivalent or higher.
• Completed VA “Safe Steaming Course” (or equivalent) within the past five years or must complete upon assignment.
• Familiarity with the 8th Edition of the BEI Safety Device Testing Manual and VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual.
• Physical capability to climb stairs and lift 50 lbs.
• Fluency in English (reading, writing, speaking).
• Ability to pass fingerprint-based background checks and wear VA-provided security badges.
• Completion of annual VA training (HIPAA, Safety, Infection Control, Fire Response, etc.) before unsupervised duty.

Working Conditions

• Work performed at the Central Utility Plant, 1670 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033, and surrounding campus as needed.
• Shared operational space in the Central Plant Control Booth (not a private office).
• Access to VA-provided equipment, tools, chemicals, BMS, radios/telephones, SOPs, and manuals.

Performance Standards

• Zero tolerance for leaving high-pressure boilers unattended.
• Zero unplanned outages due to operator error or failure to monitor systems.
• Accurate and timely completion of logs, tests, and reports.
• Immediate corrective action for identified deficiencies or safety violations.

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