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Coal Boiler Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Boiler Operator

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$52K - $62K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Duties include monitoring, operating, adjusting, and performing maintenance on coal conveying system; coal, gas, and oil-fired boilers; water treatment systems; air pollution control equipment; lime ...

Adjust stoker feeders and dampers for coal boilers; monitor oil-fired boiler settings. * Respond to ... Valid boiler operator license or certification as required by local/state regulations. Experience

Adjust stoker feeders and dampers for coal boilers; monitor oil-fired boiler settings. * Respond to ... Valid boiler operator license or certification as required by local/state regulations. Experience

Boiler Operator - Pueblo

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$4.9K - $6.9K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating, maintaining and managing the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) facilities and ... Primary Job Duties Operation and maintenance of high pressure steam boilers coal, natural gas, and ...

Boiler Operator - Pueblo

Pueblo, CO

$4.9K - $6.9K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating, maintaining and managing the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) facilities and ... Primary Job Duties Operation and maintenance of high pressure steam boilers coal, natural gas, and ...

Boiler Operator - Pueblo

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$4.9K - $6.9K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating, maintaining and managing the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) facilities and ... Operation and maintenance of high pressure steam boilers coal, natural gas, and diesel, DCS, PLC ...

... coal systems, to achieve proper fuel combustion. * Monitor boiler gauges, meters, and control ... Collaborate with other team members, such as Boiler Operators and maintenance staff, to ensure ...

Boiler Plant Operator

Hawthorne, NV · On-site

$25.50 - $34.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain proper water temperature, steam pressure, and all equipment located in a gas, oil, coal fired high pressure steam or high temperature water boiler plant. Adhere to operating instructions ...

Boiler Plant Operator

Hawthorne, NV

$25.50 - $34.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain proper water temperature, steam pressure, and all equipment located in a gas, oil, coal fired high pressure steam or high temperature water boiler plant. Adhere to operating instructions ...

Boiler Plant Operator

Hawthorne, NV · On-site

$25.50 - $34.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain proper water temperature, steam pressure, and all equipment located in a gas, oil, coal fired high pressure steam or high temperature water boiler plant. Adhere to operating instructions ...

Boiler Operator - Denver

Denver, CO · On-site

$4.9K - $6.9K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating, maintaining and managing the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) facilities and ... coal and ash handling system components and digital control system components. Monitors, adjusts ...

Boiler Plant Operator

Hawthorne, NV

$25.50 - $34.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain proper water temperature, steam pressure, and all equipment located in a gas, oil, coal fired high pressure steam or high temperature water boiler plant. Adhere to operating instructions ...

Boiler Operator - Denver

Denver, CO · On-site

$4.9K - $6.9K/mo

... operating, maintaining and managing the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) facilities and ... coal and ash handling system components, piping distribution system components and digital control ...

Boiler Operator - Denver

Denver, CO · On-site

$4.9K - $6.9K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... operating, maintaining and managing the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) facilities and ... coal and ash handling system components and digital control system components. Monitors, adjusts ...

Boiler Plant Operator with Security Clearance

Hawthorne, NV · On-site

$25.50 - $34.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain proper water temperature, steam pressure, and all equipment located in a gas, oil, coal fired high pressure steam or high temperature water boiler plant. Adhere to operating instructions ...

Boiler Plant Operator with Security Clearance

Hawthorne, NV · On-site

$25.50 - $34.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain proper water temperature, steam pressure, and all equipment located in a gas, oil, coal fired high pressure steam or high temperature water boiler plant. Adhere to operating instructions ...

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Showing results 1-20

Coal Boiler Operator information

See salary details

$12

$28

$42

How much do coal boiler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for coal boiler operator in the United States is $28.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a coal boiler operator?

To thrive as a Coal Boiler Operator, you need knowledge of boiler operations, mechanical systems, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or a relevant certification. Familiarity with control systems, monitoring instrumentation, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for identifying and addressing issues promptly. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of coal-fired boilers, minimizing downtime and hazards.

What are common challenges faced by coal boiler operators?

Coal Boiler Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal boiler performance while adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations. They must monitor equipment for signs of wear or malfunction and respond quickly to alarms or changes in operating conditions. Managing the manual handling of coal and ash, as well as maintaining accurate records of fuel consumption and emissions, are also key aspects of the role. Effective communication with maintenance teams and supervisors is essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operations.

What is the difference between Coal Boiler Operator vs Steam Plant Operator?

AspectCoal Boiler OperatorSteam Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires boiler operation licenses or certificationsRequires boiler operation licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial facilities, power plants, manufacturing plantsPower plants, industrial facilities, energy production sites
Industry UsageCommonly employed in coal-fired power plants and industrial settingsUsed in power generation, manufacturing, and energy sectors

Both Coal Boiler Operators and Steam Plant Operators require similar certifications and work in comparable industrial environments. While their roles may differ slightly in scope, they often overlap in power plant settings where steam and coal boiler operations are integral to energy production.

What is a coal boiler operator?

Coal Boiler Operators are skilled technicians responsible for operating and maintaining coal-fired boilers used to generate heat or electricity in industrial settings. They monitor boiler systems, adjust controls to maintain proper pressure and temperature, and ensure the safe and efficient combustion of coal. Regular inspections, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting are key parts of the job to prevent malfunctions and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Coal Boiler Operators also keep detailed records of equipment performance and follow strict procedures to minimize emissions and hazards.

How much do coal boiler operators make?

Coal boiler operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the specific industry. They often work in industrial settings, operating and maintaining large boilers, and may require knowledge of safety protocols and control systems.

Is a coal boiler operator a good career?

A coal boiler operator manages and maintains coal-fired boilers, ensuring safe and efficient operation. The job typically requires technical skills, attention to safety protocols, and may involve shift work; employment prospects depend on industry demand and environmental regulations. It can be a stable career for those interested in industrial operations and energy production.
More about Coal Boiler Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Coal Boiler Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,966 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Boiler Operator

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$52K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of Virginia is built on a district energy model managed by Energy and Utilities within Facilities Management, with one main heat plant, three combined heating/cooling plants, nine chiller plants, hundreds of miles of piping distribution, and an internal medium voltage electrical distribution grid anchored by three 35kV to 13kV substations. E&U serves over 18 million gross square feet of learning, research, residential, and support space across a geographically dispersed 1175 acres.
The University of Virginia's Facilities Management - Energy & Utilities - Heat Plant team has an exciting opening for a Boiler Operator at our University Heat Plant. Boiler Operators are responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Heat Plants. Duties include monitoring, operating, adjusting, and performing maintenance on coal conveying system; coal, gas, and oil-fired boilers; water treatment systems; air pollution control equipment; lime systems; ash handling system; and more. The incumbent must also accurately determine and correct the cause of operating problems in an emergency. The Boiler Operator must have the ability to work safely with hazardous chemicals, materials, and systems in water analysis, lime slurry preparation, and high-pressure steam systems.
The Boiler Operator will be supporting a 24/7 operation with off hour shift work required $2.00/hour shift premium rate is provided for evening hours; additional premium for weekend hours.
Duties Include:
  • Monitor Heat Plant operating equipment to ensure efficient systems operation.
  • Diagnose operating problems and takes action to avoid total plant shutdown.
  • Conduct inspections of the plant, maintains logs, and reports areas of concern that would result in a boiler shutdown to the supervisor.
  • Order chemicals and performs treatment of boiler feed water.
  • Perform minor maintenance as assigned by the supervisor.
  • In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Experience: Minimum of two years of experience in a maintenance field and/or industrial environment operating related equipment. Experience operating/maintaining boilers is strongly preferred.
Licensure: American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE) licensure required within one year of hire. Valid Driver's license also required.
For this position, the selected candidate will need to complete the required background checks prior to the start date of the position.
Compensation:
Anticipated Hiring Range: $25.00 - $30.00 ($52,000 - $62,400 Annually). Employees new to UVA are eligible for a sign-on bonus of $3,000 for a one-year commitment. T his is a full-time position with UVA benefits . Employee benefits package highlights include:
  • 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays each year, in addition to paid time off; Parental and Community Service Leave
  • Health plan with options to meet healthcare and financial needs
  • Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System
  • Tuition and professional development benefits
  • Employee wellness program featuring activities to earn up to $500/year

Physical Demands:
The e mployee will be required to bend, stoop, squat and walk while making frequent rounds and equipment checks. The use of both hands and a repetitive motion will be required while performing Boiler maintenance duties.
To Apply:
Please apply online and search for R0085476. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website . Complete the application, and upload the following Required materials:
  • Resume

Note: Multiple documents can be uploaded in the CV/Resume box. Applications that are incomplete or missing required documents will not receive full consideration .
This position is open until filled
Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Marcus Rozier, Academic Recruiter hjv5vm@virginia.edu .
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819