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Boilermaker / Boiler Operator

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Boilermaker / Boiler Operator

QUALIFICATIONS

A foundation degree or GED or high school diploma with English, Maths, Science with Mechanic and Technical studies and Certificates; encompassing at least 2 to 4-year requisite study and practice credit hours in the area or field of Boiler Operations, Maintenance, and technology, passing exams and obtaining Licensure; combined with – On the Job Training (OJT) programs accredited by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), Apprenticeships, Boilermaker / Boiler Operator Workforce Job Training or Experience; covering technical or engineering work topics including Engineering and Mechanical applications, concepts, and principles, Steam cycle, Boiler systems & Steam Boilers, Steam system fittings & accessories, fuels, combustion, heat exchange & transfer, and Boiler controls, Instrumentation and control systems, etc. and related subjects like; maths, science, technologies including “hands-on” technical planning and prepping, technical inspections, reading and understanding mechanical drawings, technical manuals; and adhering to technical specifications, processes, standard operating procedures, problem identification, computation and technical troubleshooting & problem-solving, codes, guidelines, regulations and safety protocols, environment protection, quality assurance and quality control (QA/ QC), etc.

AVERAGE HOURLY PAY
(Credits: www.payscale.com)

Entry-level (0-12 months) $ 22.03
Early career (1-4 years) $ 26.62
Mid-career (5-9 years) $ 30.01
Experienced (10+ years) $ 34.39

PROJECTED GROWTH
(Credits: www.bls.gov)

Boilermaker / Boiler Operator is a good career, in which employment is projected to grow at an average of 2 percent from 2019 to 2029.

SKILLS/ TRAITS NEEDED

Besides good technical & functional knowledge of Mechanics, Power, Thermodynamics, Steam cycle & systems, and Boilers; Journeypersons – Boilermakers/ Boiler Operators must be great troubleshooters with strong structured, critical & logical thinking and problem-solving skills; have good leg-hand-eye coordination, physical stamina, dexterity, depth perception, near and far visual acuity, grip, and good reaction time. They must be self-motivated, self-organized, and follow safe work practices with extreme focus, and attention to detail, ensuring timely work completion of their tasks in hand. They also must be professional, ethical, proactive, agile, and alert with a high degree of patience and perseverance; have a great memory, willingness to learn and adapt, listening communication, and interpersonal skills. They must be physically fit since their work may sometimes be physically demanding; and may involve prolonged periods, sometimes working in hot & humid conditions, etc. If they are not physically fit to withstand the Boiler operations activities, they may become prone to injuries and accidents.

WORK FUNCTIONS

Boiler Maker/ Boiler Operators operate Power or Steam Boilers that produce steam using feed water and fossil fuels, based on combustion, heat exchange & transfer, and pressure principles; the generated steam is in turn used to generate electricity or feed into heating systems for industrial, commercial and residential purposes. Apart from this, Boilers are also used in the processing of pulp, paper & food. They work in a high-pressure vessel, which may sometimes become hot & humid too. Their activities include monitoring steam pressure & water levels, adjusting valves and boiler controls to control the amount of pressure in the Boiler, preventative Boiler maintenance, and keeping the Boiler systems functioning smoothly & safely. Besides being responsible for the upkeep of the Boilers & related systems, trouble-shooting, resolving, or escalating issues, they may also be required to train juniors, handle contractors, perform repairs, and keep the work areas clean and organized. Additionally, besides the operation of Boilers, they need to stringently adhere to and follow all safety procedures guidelines issued by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Boilermakers and operators may work for the government, or private contractors and employers. They may be needed to work in shifts.

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