Boiler Technician

Role & responsibilities

Boiler TECHNICIAN

A boiler technician is responsible for maintaining, inspecting, repairing, and troubleshooting commercial and industrial boilers, ensuring their safe and efficient operation by performing routine maintenance checks, identifying malfunctions, replacing parts, and adhering to safety protocols, often including tasks like water quality testing, pressure monitoring, and log keeping; requiring strong mechanical skills and knowledge of boiler systems and controls.

Key responsibilities:

• Preventative maintenance:

Conducting regular inspections of boilers, including checking pressure gauges, water levels, burner functionality, and safety devices.

• Troubleshooting and repair:

Diagnosing and fixing boiler malfunctions related to controls, pumps, valves, burners, and other components.

• Cleaning and chemical treatment:

Performing routine cleaning of boiler components, including fireboxes, tubes, and heat exchangers, and managing water chemistry by adding necessary chemicals.

• Parts replacement:

Identifying and replacing worn or damaged parts on boilers, including gaskets, seals, and burner nozzles.

• Log keeping and reporting:

Maintaining detailed records of boiler operations, including pressure readings, water quality test results, and maintenance activities.

• Safety compliance:

Adhering to all safety regulations and procedures related to boiler operation, including proper lockout/tagout practices.

• Start-up and shut down procedures:

Safely starting and shutting down boilers according to established protocols.

• System optimization:

Adjusting boiler settings to ensure optimal efficiency and fuel consumption.

Required skills and qualifications:

• Mechanical aptitude:

Strong understanding of mechanical systems, including pumps, valves, piping, and combustion processes.

• Electrical knowledge:

Basic understanding of electrical systems to troubleshoot boiler controls and wiring.

• Water chemistry knowledge:

Familiarity with water quality testing and treatment procedures for boiler systems.

• Safety awareness:

Commitment to safety protocols and procedures in a potentially hazardous environment.

• Problem-solving skills:

Ability to diagnose issues, analyze data, and implement effective solutions.

• Physical ability:

Capability to perform manual tasks such as lifting heavy equipment and working in tight spaces.

Work environments:

Industrial facilities, Commercial buildings, Power plants, and Manufacturing plants.