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Seasonal Boiler Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

HVAC Technician II

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$56.91K - $94.84K/yr

... chillers, boilers, air handlers, VAV systems, pumps, cooling towers, and hydronic systems ... Conducts seasonal startups and shutdowns, resolves comfort and air distribution issues, and ensures ...

HVAC Technician II

Fairfax, VA

$56.91K - $94.84K/yr

... chillers, boilers, air handlers, VAV systems, pumps, cooling towers, and hydronic systems ... Conducts seasonal startups and shutdowns, resolves comfort and air distribution issues, and ensures ...

HVAC Technician I

Fairfax, VA

$54.33K - $90.55K/yr

... fired boilers, oil and gas furnaces, cooling towers, pumps, air handlers, exhaust air units ... Carries out the designated procedures for seasonal start-ups and shut-downs of all related ...

Seasonal Boiler Operator information

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

Seasonal Boiler Operators require a solid understanding of boiler systems, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some states mandating a boiler operator license. Familiarity with control panels, water treatment systems, and monitoring tools is essential, and certification such as the National Association of Power Engineers (NAPE) or ASOPE can be advantageous. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe and efficient boiler operation, prevent costly breakdowns, and support continuous facility operations during peak seasonal demands.

What are some common challenges faced by Seasonal Boiler Operators during peak operational periods?

Seasonal Boiler Operators often encounter challenges such as managing fluctuating workloads during peak heating or production seasons, troubleshooting unexpected equipment issues under tight deadlines, and maintaining safety standards during increased system demand. Operators must also quickly adapt to varying shifts and collaborate closely with maintenance teams and facility managers to ensure uninterrupted operations. Staying organized and proactive in monitoring boiler performance is key to meeting these seasonal demands effectively.

What are Seasonal Boiler Operators?

Seasonal Boiler Operators are technicians responsible for operating and maintaining boilers during specific high-demand periods, such as the winter heating season. Their duties include starting, monitoring, and shutting down boiler systems, ensuring safe and efficient operation, and performing routine maintenance. They often work in facilities like schools, factories, or power plants where extra boiler capacity is required temporarily. Seasonal employment means these positions are usually available for a few months each year based on the facility's needs.

What is the difference between Seasonal Boiler Operator vs Boiler Technician?

AspectSeasonal Boiler OperatorBoiler Technician
CredentialsTypically requires boiler operation certifications and safety trainingRequires similar certifications, often with additional technical or maintenance licenses
Work EnvironmentOperates boilers in seasonal settings, often outdoors or in industrial plantsWorks on boiler maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting, usually in maintenance shops or industrial sites
Employer & IndustryFound in power plants, manufacturing, and seasonal facilitiesEmployed in industrial, commercial, and power generation sectors

While both roles involve working with boilers and require similar certifications, the Seasonal Boiler Operator primarily manages boiler operation during specific seasons, focusing on startup and shutdown procedures. In contrast, the Boiler Technician handles ongoing maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting to ensure continuous boiler performance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Boiler Operator jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Boiler Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Seasonal Boiler Operator jobs in Virginia? For Seasonal Boiler Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Seasonal Boiler Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Seasonal Boiler Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Seasonal Boiler Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Seasonal Boiler Operator job openings:
HVAC Technician II

HVAC Technician II

Fairfax County, VA

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$56.91K - $94.84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Fairfax County rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 638 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Salary : $56,905.26 - $94,841.34 Annually
Location : ADULT DETENTION CENTER, 10520 JUDICIAL DR, FAIRFAX (FJ23), VA
Job Type: FT Hourly W BN
Job Number: 26-00714
Department: Facilities Management
Opening Date: 05/16/2026
Closing Date: 5/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Pay Grade: S20
Posting Type: Open to General Public
Job Announcement
This position operates, maintains, troubleshoots, repairs, and installs commercial building HVAC systems and components. Successful candidate may lead and oversee work performed by HVAC staff, ensuring quality and safety standards are met. This position reports directly to the Chief Building Engineer or Facilities Manager.
Key Responsibilities
  • Develops/maintains a current knowledge of local, state and national codes as well as equipment/technologies associated with commercial building HVAC systems.
  • Performs advanced diagnostics and repairs on HVAC equipment, including but not limited to chillers, boilers, air handlers, VAV systems, pumps, cooling towers, and hydronic systems.
  • Maintains and troubleshoots digital (DDC) and pneumatic control systems, energy management systems, and related software and hardware.
  • Coordinates with Energy Management to optimize system performance and efficiency.
  • Conducts seasonal startups and shutdowns, resolves comfort and air distribution issues, and ensures systems operate safely and efficiently.
  • Maintains detailed records of inspections, repairs, parts usage, and system performance; orders parts as needed and uses a procurement card in accordance with policy.
  • Works in occupied facilities, including medical and public areas, require adherence to safety, infection control, and PPE protocols.
  • Responds promptly to after-hours calls i.e., respond to site/building, assesses problem, takes immediate steps to address any safety issues, advises supervisor, and suggests actions to remediate issue and/or restore service, and as directed, proceeds to make repairs.
Note:
  • Incumbent is considered essential personnel.
  • This position is located at the Judicial Complex.
  • This position can be assigned anywhere in the county daily.
  • The position location and work schedule can be altered or changed at any given time due to business necessity and operational needs.
  • A flexible working schedule is required as well as call-back and on-call participation.

Illustrative Duties
  • Performs the most complex troubleshooting and repair of industrial and commercial mechanical, air conditioning, heating and ventilating equipment and control systems;
  • Serves as lead mechanic, assisting technicians in diagnosing and repairing equipment with unusual or very difficult problems;
  • Guides, directs, instructs, inspects, and approves work performed by team members;
  • Coordinates with the Energy Management Section regarding the overall operation and efficiency of the HVAC Energy Management Systems;
  • Troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains complex computer-operated direct digital control (DDC), energy management control systems, and related software programs, to include programmable microprocessors, central processing units with multiple analog and digital inputs and outputs, transducers, thermistors, and electric and electronic damper and valve actuators;
  • Troubleshoots, repairs, calibrates, and maintains complex pneumatic control systems, to include components such as receiver controllers, signal selectors, pneumatic reversing relays, temperature transmitters, direct and reverse acting pneumatic thermostats, pneumatic electric switches and electric pneumatic switches, pneumatic damper and valve operators, air compressors, and refrigerated air dryers;
  • Troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains complex mechanical, air conditioning, heating and ventilating equipment such as chillers (including centrifugal, reciprocating and screw types), air conditioners, heat pumps, oil- and gas-fired hot water and steam boilers, oil and gas furnaces, cooling towers, pumps, air handlers, exhaust air units, make- up air units, duct air conveyance systems, variable air volume systems, variable/volume temperature systems, multi-zone units, electrical power and control circuits, time clocks, gas piping, fuel oil supply piping, fossil fuel burning device flue gas systems, condensate pump and drain lines, fan coil units, condensing units, unit heaters, radiant and fan forced heaters, and hydronic heating and cooling systems;
  • Carries out designated procedures for seasonal start-ups and shut-downs;
  • Diagnoses and troubleshoots building air comfort and temperature problems; air distribution, air balancing, or stratification problems; and building insulation or vapor barrier deficiencies;
  • Ensures mechanical systems are running at peak efficiency by inspecting equipment for operating efficiency and safety standards;
  • Ensures energy management and energy saving strategies are maintained and implemented properly and efficiently;
  • Monitors and inspects construction projects and contract work to ensure compliance with contractual agreements and with national, state and local code requirements;
  • Inspects work in progress and upon completion for conformance with prescribed specifications and safety standards;
  • Maintains records of work performed and parts and materials used;
  • Maintains records of equipment failures and repairs;
  • Orders parts for emergency and routine repairs;
  • Maintains records of equipment operation logs to include temperature, pressures, volts, amps, combustion efficiency reports, safety inspections, and equipment refrigerant records;
  • Produces HVAC system and efficiency reports that identify system problems or confirm proper operating conditions and recommends repairs or improvements.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities
  • Extensive knowledge of HVAC and related systems to lead diagnostic tasks for complex maintenance and repair activities;
  • Knowledge of the standard practices, methods, tools, and materials common to the HVAC trade;
  • Knowledge of the building and fire codes related to work performed in the HVAC trade;
  • Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precaution s of the trade;
  • Working knowledge of operations and maintenance of buildings and building systems to include heating, ventilation and air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and energy systems;
  • Working knowledge of the use of Direct Digital Controls, personal computers, and related software to operate systems, identify problems, and repair equipment;
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, as-built control diagrams, and HVAC equipment electrical schematic control wiring diagrams, and to use these in determining proper system operation, troubleshooting, and repair of HVAC systems;
  • Ability to use tools and equipment pertinent to the trade, including combustion efficiency testers, electrical meters, refrigerant charging charts, vacuum pumps, micron gauges, refrigerant electronic leak detectors, infrared temperature testers, pneumatic test equipment, electronic temperature testers, micro amp flame signal testers, gas pressure testers, manometers, air balancing test equipment, water balancing test equipment, electronic refrigerant charging scales, propane torches, map gas torches, oxygen and acetylene torches, refrigerant reclaim and recovery equipment, and hand and power tools;
  • Ability to lift, stoop, bend, crawl, and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions and from ladders and scaffolds;
  • Ability to work in uncomfortably hot or cold temperatures.

Employment Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High school diploma or GED issued by a state department of education; plus a two-year technical degree in air conditioning functions such as heating, cooling and ventilating, and five years of progressively responsible air conditioning or HVAC experience; or completion of an apprentice-level vocational training program in air conditioning; plus three years of progressively responsible air conditioning or HVAC experience.
CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES REQUIRED:
  • Valid driver's license;
  • Universal refrigerant recovery license;
  • Journeyman (HVAC) from the State of Virginia (Required within 12 months)

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check, driving record check, and pre-employment medical evaluation to the satisfaction of the employer.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Current possession of Valid Journeyman's HVAC License from Virginia
  • At least 4 years of field experience serving as a lead technician, providing technical guidance and training to other HVAC staff.
  • Working knowledge of Direct Digital Control (DDC) and pneumatic controls, energy management systems, and related HVAC controls.
  • Master HVAC license, or manufacturer-specific training/certifications.
  • NATE (North American Technician Excellence) and/or HVAC Excellence Certifications
  • Strong working knowledge of/experience with local, state, and national mechanical, electrical, and building codes applicable to commercial HVAC systems.
  • OSHA 10/30 or other safety training certification relevant to electrical/mechanical environments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift up to 60 lbs. For short periods of time. Carry up to 40lbs. Frequently work near moving parts. Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet to enter tight spaces. Must be able to climb and descend ladders up to 20 feet and work in physically fatiguing positions for long periods of time. Ability to ascend and descend stairs, ramps, and the like for single and multistory (up to 12 stories) buildings in the Department portfolio. Must be able to wear and use respirator and OSHA required PPE. Pushing/pulling involving use of hands/arms, feet/legs, and/or feet only done with one side of the body or both sides. Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s). Reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. Work in various weather conditions (heat, rain, snow, high humidity, etc.). All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.
Fairfax County is home to a highly diverse population, with a significant number of residents speaking languages other than English at home (including ) We encourage candidates who are bilingual in English and another language to apply for this opportunity.
Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.
Merit Positions
Fairfax County is proud to offer employees an attractive and comprehensive benefits program, including the following:
  • Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
  • Group Term Life Insurance
  • Long Term Disability
  • LiveWell Program
  • Flexible Spending Programs
  • Paid Leave (annual, sick, parental, volunteer activity, and more!)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employees' Child Care Center
  • Continuous Learning Opportunities
Please click for a summary of our benefits.
NOTE: Fairfax County Government is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. For more information about the PSLF program:
For additional details please visit the
Non-Merit Positions
  1. Non-Merit Benefit Eligible: scheduled to work a minimum 1,040 hours and no more than a maximum of 1,560 hours in a calendar year.
    • Medical/Vision/Dental Insurance Coverage
    • Flexible Spending Program
    • Deferred Compensation
  2. Temporary: scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year.
    • No benefits

01
What is the highest level of education that you have completed?
  • Less than 12th grade
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Some college
  • Associate's degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Doctorate degree

02
If you answered "Some college" for the highest level of education completed, please indicate the number of quarter or semester hours you have completed towards a degree.
  • Less than 45 quarter hours
  • 45 to less than 90 quarter hours
  • 90 to less than 135 quarter hours
  • 135 to less than 180 quarter hours
  • 180 or more quarter hours
  • Less than 30 semester hours
  • 30 to less than 60 semester hours
  • 60 to less than 90 semester hours
  • 90 to less than 120 semester hours
  • 120 or more semester hours
  • Not applicable

03
Please indicate your area(s) of study or major(s)/minor(s) towards a degree. Check all that apply.
  • Electrical engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Safety engineering
  • Other (related field)
  • Other (non-related field)
  • Not applicable

04
If you answered "Other (related field)" or "Other (non-related field)" for the previous question, please list all of your majors and minors. If this question does not pertain to you, or you do not have a degree, enter "Not applicable".
05
Do you possess a two-year technical degree in air conditioning functions such as heating, cooling and ventilating?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Have you completed an apprentice-level vocational train...

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