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STEAM PLANT OPERATOR (C/L)*

Job Title: STEAM PLANT OPERATOR (C/L)*
Job Code: 0501
FLSA: N
Job Level: 09
Revised Date: 03/01/2020
Job Family: JF 21

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Occupational Summary

Monitor and operate high-pressure boilers and auxiliary equipment in the Duke University Steam Plant to ensure maximum efficiency.

Work Performed

Test boiler water and add chemicals to maintain boiler water treatment as directed.

Unload coal from railroad car; fill bunkers with coal; maintain coal on coal pile; operate and maintain coal conveyers; handle other types of fuel as needed.

Maintain a clean and orderly working environment by cleaning assigned areas; clean fires and remove ashes from boilers as scheduled.

Following a predetermined schedule, perform preventative maintenance on steam plant equipment and facilities; read preventative maintenance sheets and make minor adjustments to equipment as directed; assist the steam plant mechanics in overhauling equipment as directed.

Assist the steam plant operator in the operation of the University Steam Plant which includes, but is not limited to, monitoring and servicing plant equipment; monitoring control boards and equipment as assigned; making minor adjustments to equipment according to standards and procedures, notifying the operator as required. Assist the steam plant operator in the control and tending of boiler fuel combustion to assure proper and efficient operation; adjust stoker.

Conduct routine operational checks related to maintenance and repair of coal and fuel oil conveyance systems to include inspection, cleaning, testing, lubrication.

Perform routine mechanical tasks in the servicing of steam plant equipment to include changing oil filters, checking scales, testing emergency generator and filling boiler tanks with water.

Collect coal samples; inspect coal cars prior to unloading; maintain coal car report daily. Weigh and mix chemicals to be added to boiler water as directed.

Calibrate and monitor the steam plant system.

Perform maintenance and repair work on steam plant equipment and facilities including overhauls and maintenance inspections and service of equipment with grease and oil; assist steam plant operators and firemen with handling of boiler fuels.

Operate the steam plant as required.

Perform skilled craft work related to plant maintenance such as welding and cutting, pipefitting and minor electrical work.

Regulate gauges, meters, and controls on equipment and control boards.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Monitor and adjust levers and switches to control pumps, fans, dampers, motors, compressors, and stokers, in order to maintain the proper steam pressure, and firing conditions.

Test boiler water and add chemicals to maintain boiler water treatment as directed. Read gauges and meters periodically to assure proper functioning of the boilers; record readings and other data on log sheets.

Adjust controls to set specified fuel feed, draft openings, water level, and steam pressure of boiler.

Observe boiler and auxiliary units to detect malfunctions and make minor repairs, such as tightening pipes and fittings and notify superior or mechanics for major repairs. Provide direction and assistance to lower level personnel as required.

Monitor and operate high pressure boilers and auxiliary equipment in the Duke University Steam Plant through observation of the digital control console and making necessary adjustments via the distributed control system to ensure maximum efficiency within design limits.

Monitor data logger and generate shift operational reports.

Observe boiler and auxiliary equipment to detect malfunctions and make minor repairs.

Perform chemical analysis of boiler water and maintain proper chemical levels within design limits; test water softeners and condensate polisher to determine regeneration requirements; maintain chemical logs accurately and legibly.

Execute emergency procedures to protect personnel, plant and equipment from injury or damage in the event of equipment failures, power outages or other emergencies.

Train lower level personnel in all phases of plant operation and maintenance.

Provide direction and assistance to lower level personnel as required.

Operate steam plant as required.

Assume the duties and responsibilities of the steam plant supervisor in his absence as needed.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education/Training

Work requires educational backgrounds normally equivalent to a high school education with course work in skilled crafts or trades, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Hold a Class III Power Engineer's license or Class III Stationary Engineer's license.

Experience

Work requires a practical understanding of steam plant operations and equipment maintenance normally acquired through 4 years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a steam plant facility.

OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Work requires a practical understanding of steam plant operations and equipment maintenance normally acquired through four (4) years of experience in the operation and maintenance of a steam plant facility.

Skills

N/A


The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.


Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.


Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.