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
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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RJY Group, LLC
$35 - $40/hr
Mar 20, 2026