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Boiler Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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BOILER PLANT OPERATOR

Norfolk, VA

$32.07/hr

... 1. Starting, operating, adjusting, stopping, maintaining, and performing various operational ... boiler plant and electrical generating equipment and their associated auxiliaries. Additional ...

USAJOBS - Search

BOILER PLANT OPERATOR

Beaufort, SC

$31.07/hr

... phases of boiler plant operations 4) Determines treatment and chemicals needed to control chemical concentrations and maintain stable water conditions in the boiler. Additional qualification ...

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How much do boiler plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for boiler plant operator in the United States is $31.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Boiler Plant Operator vs Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician?

AspectBoiler Plant OperatorHVAC Technician
CredentialsTypically requires boiler operator licenses or certificationsRequires HVAC certifications, such as EPA 608
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, power plants, or large facilities with boilersCommercial and residential buildings, HVAC service sites
Industry UsageCommonly employed in energy, manufacturing, and utility sectorsFound across construction, maintenance, and building management
Job FocusOperate and maintain boilers and related systemsInstall, repair, and maintain heating, cooling, and ventilation systems

While both roles involve maintaining heating systems, Boiler Plant Operators focus on operating large-scale boilers in industrial settings, requiring specific licenses. HVAC Technicians work on a broader range of heating and cooling systems in commercial and residential environments, often holding different certifications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Boiler Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Boiler Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, boiler maintenance, and safety standards, often supported by a high school diploma, technical training, and relevant licensure. Familiarity with control systems, pressure gauges, water treatment equipment, and computerized monitoring tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work independently under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safe, efficient plant operations and preventing costly equipment failures or safety incidents.

What are Boiler Plant Operators?

Boiler Plant Operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating, maintaining, and monitoring boilers and related equipment in facilities such as power plants, factories, or large buildings. They ensure that boilers function safely and efficiently, adjusting controls, performing routine inspections, and troubleshooting issues as they arise. Operators must also adhere to safety protocols and may be involved in recording data, conducting water quality tests, and performing minor repairs. Their work is essential for providing heating, hot water, or steam for industrial processes or building systems.

What are some typical challenges Boiler Plant Operators face during their shifts?

Boiler Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to unexpected equipment malfunctions, maintaining optimal steam pressure, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Shifts may involve monitoring complex control systems and troubleshooting issues to prevent downtime. Operators must also balance routine maintenance with emergency repairs while collaborating closely with maintenance staff and engineers to ensure smooth plant operations. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are essential to manage these demands effectively.
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Boiler Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Boiler Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,451 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Boiler Plant Operator

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

West Roxbury, MA • On-site

$35.40/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Boiler Plant Operator positions are in Facilities Management service with VA Boston Healthcare System at Jamaica Plain, MA and West Roxbury, MA. These positions are full-time at 40 hours per week.
***This is an open and continuous job opportunity announcement and may close at any time once all positions are filled.***

Qualifications:As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 06/30/2026.
Skills and Knowledge Required by the Position: The incumbent must have a journeyman's knowledge of the operation and maintenance of high pressure boilers and their auxiliary equipment and controls. Specifically, they must be familiar with performing the following functions:
  • Must be familiar with pneumatic and direct digital controls and their operation on equipment used in boiler controls.
  • Must have knowledge of boiler construction and know the characteristics of all associated boiler equipment.
  • Must know how to start up idle boilers and equipment so as to get them operational in emergency situations in a timely manner.
  • Must know how to take samples of the boiler feed water and test them for the proper level of chemical additives.
  • Must know how to adjust the level of the chemicals that are fed into the boiler water to achieve the proper operating levels based upon the results of these tests.
  • Must know how to switch from operation on natural gas, the primary fuel, to fuel oil and back again.
  • Must have knowledge of sounding fuel oil tanks, receiving deliveries of oil, and putting information in the log book.
  • Must know the techniques for lining up fuel oil systems to take action from the fuel tanks, and the procedures for shifting fuel oil from one tank to another.
  • Must have a working knowledge of plumbing, steam fitting and electricity.
  • Must be intimately familiar with the proper lock out/tag out systems that are used on the boilers to isolate all the various energy sources while working on boiler and equipment maintenance.
  • Must have the ability to interpret drawings, manuals and technical guides, and lay out work as necessary.
  • Must have a journeyman's knowledge of the operation and maintenance of high pressure boilers ad their auxiliary equipment and controls.
  • Must be able to use the proper tools for boiler and associated equipment maintenance, including the instrumentation used to measure or rectify a situation to keep boilers and equipment operating in a safe and proper manner.
  • Must be able to perform minor repairs and make adjustments to instruments so as to operate in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Must be physically capable of lifting of up to 50 pounds is required as is the ability to walk and climb stairs as a great amount of the time required to conduct readings on equipment throughout all levels of the boiler plant.
Physical Requirements: The position requires moderate to strenuous effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending and crouching. The incumbent must work from ladders and catwalks, at times above 20 feet, and in cramped spaces. The incumbent must frequently lift and carry objects up to 50 pounds and may be required to handle heavier loads with the assistance of lifting devices or other workers.
EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Federal Wage System Qualification Standards.
SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element, which usually appears as question 1 in the on-line questionnaire. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated. The potential eligibles are then rated against the remainder of the Job Elements:
  • Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Inspect
  • Plan and organize work
  • Shop Practices
  • Troubleshooting

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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