Entry Level Power Plant Operator Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Coho Technology Solutions is seeking a Boiler Plant Operator for 2nd shift, 2:00pm - 10:00pm Sunday through Thursday, who will independently provide support to satisfy the overall operational objectives of the execution of NAVFAC Washington's broad and diverse mission of facilitating inter-governmental operational requirements. This position will provide boiler plant operator labor support to various locations within the NAVFAC Washington Area of Responsibility performing various tasks/services outlines below.

Hiring location NSA Bethesda, MD.

Responsibilities (include but are not limited to):

• Operates all equipment in a boiler plant to produce and control the amount of steam necessary to meet demands. These demands are significantly affected by the large amounts of steam or high pressure temperature water provide by the boiler plant.
• Ignites fires, puts boilers in service, and closes down boilers.
• Periodically makes rounds of the plant to visually check equipment to see that is operating properly.
• Maintains constant observation of flow meters and charts to determine how much steam is being produced, whether it is meeting or exceeding demands, how much fuel is being used, etc.
• Fires up to take boilers off the line.
• Determines whether to up or lower fires in boilers, whether to use pressure reducing valves, whether water pumps should be started or stopped and for how long.
• Adjusts firing controls, fuel feeds, and air drafts for best combustion efficiency.
• Operates numerous auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, water heaters, fans, and de-aerating equipment.
• Collects samples of boiler water, performs prescribed tests, and determines amount of chemicals to be fed into boilers for treatment of water and control of corrosion and chemical concentrations.
• Maintains constant observation for defects in the system. In the event problems arise, either repairs malfunctions or notifies the supervisor.
• Follows standard emergency procedures until trouble can be corrected.
• Maintains logs, records, and other plant data as required.
• Performs routine operational maintenance, e.g., cleans burners, oils and grease moving parts, packs valves and pumps, cleans oil strainers, etc.
• May be required to locate and repair limited electrical problems in oil burning controls, safety devices, etc.
• Operates various types of air conditioning and cooling systems.
• Starts stops and adjusts equipment.
• Regulates refrigerant, water temperatures and pressures by manipulating appropriate switches, rheostats, valves and levers.
• Tours the plant making minor repairs, oiling and greasing equipment, thawing frozen valves, replacing fuses and defective recording devices.
• Maintains log of plant equipment and keeps all machinery and spaces clean.
• Contractor shall have knowledge of the location and function of all equipment controls, meters and gauges in the plant, and experienced skill to determine appropriate action to meet significantly complex demands.
• Contractor shall have knowledge of prescribed tests and chemicals to test and treat boiler water.
• Knowledge of drawings and circuit diagrams of the boiler plant and auxiliary equipment to quickly locate defects in the system and perform minor repairs.
• Thorough knowledge of the fuels used, the chemical reactions involved combustion, and the proper fuel air ratio needed for maximum efficiency.
• Comprehensive knowledge of maintenance requirements and the procedures or adjustments required controlling pollutants.
• Independently plans and carries out the work in accordance with established operating methods and procedures.
• Making complex determinations due to the amounts of steam or high temperature water provided by the plant. The work is shall be checked through occasional observation for adherence to operating techniques and established procedures.
• Employees' work schedules will be compatible with the Government's operating hours at the facility in which work is to be performed. This position may require shift work. Work on all shifts may be ordered, including weekends and holidays.

Requirements:

Education:

• Boiler operator must have a Class 1 Boiler Operator License in the States of Maryland, Virginia or Washington, D.C. Or, must have a Class 1 Boiler Operator License with American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE) or National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE)

Experience:

• Have a minimum of six (6) months experience in the operation of large (100 tons or more) air conditioning and/or refrigerant, or two (2) years' experience as an air conditioning equipment mechanic helper or apprentice.
• Demonstrated knowledge of repair, installation, assembly and troubleshooting of boiler plant systems.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret instructions, specifications, and guidelines used in boiler plant operations.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise dexterity and safety in using tools and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to perform preventive maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to operate safely.
• Demonstrated ability to work in confined areas in and around industrial equipment and support equipment, i.e., pumps, water heaters, fans, Unfired Pressure Vessels (UPVs), etc.
• Demonstrated ability to perform work that includes moderate to strenuous physical effort and long periods of walking, standing, climbing, bending, and crouching.
• Demonstrated ability to carry parts and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted and occasionally items weighing over 40 pounds with assistance of other workers or weight handling equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work in areas that is subjected to high temperatures, constant noise, rotating machinery, soot, dirt, grease, chemicals, oil, and fumes.
• At a minimum, a record of completion for the OSHA 10-hour Construction Training Course is required.

Compensation range is $56 - $60 per hour, dependent upon shift.