Classification Description

University of Michigan
Issued: 12/02/79 Classification Code
# 838850
Supersedes: NEW FLSA NE

TITLE: BOILER OPERATOR - TURBINE OPERATOR DESIGNEE GRADE: E3

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY
As a trainee/designee, to operate and maintain turbines, exciters, generators and feed water pumps; advise Boiler Operators of changes in load requirements; and to operate and maintain large stationary high and low pressure gas or oil fire boilers supplying steam or hot water.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a trainee or designee to perform the following duties under the direction of a Turbine Operator or an Operating Engineer:
Start up, synchronize, load and unload turbine generators.
Set and control steam and heating pressure through a switchboard operation, making adjustments via relays, switches and valves.
Check meters and gauges to monitor pressure and temperature of steam, water, oil, air, steam traps, reducing valves and water treatment equipment.
Observe gauges and meters to read voltage, amperage and kilowatts of generators and transformers.
Record equipment operation and maintenance data.
Check oil levels of all rotating and reciprocating machinery in turbine room and pump room, and add lubrication where necessary.
Check the charging rate of plant storage battery systems.
Participate in determining need for changes in temperature, pressure or flow to satisfy varying plant load situations.
Advise boiler room personnel of anticipated load changes.
Perform periodic rounds of inspection of heating plant, checking for proper function of equipment. Inspect and adjust control mechanisms with assistance if necessary.
Clean, inspect and perform routine maintenance of equipment and facilities including, but not limited to, oiling, greasing, repair of furnace refractories and repacking of leaking packing glands.
May coordinate the work of Boiler Operators.

RELATED DUTIES
Monitor boiler operations and react to varying load requirements.
Perform constant visual checks, read gauges and manipulate controls.
Blow down boiler when conductive solids and impurities exceed specified limits; test high and low pressure safety controls.
Clean lines of sediment.
Inspect, install and repair steam pipes and insulation, valves, pumps and safety devices.
Record various meter readings of pressure and temperature.
Add chemicals to condition boiler water and water treatment equipment.
Maintain a chemical balance in boiler water according to prescribed procedures by performing standard testing procedures.
Inspect and adjust automatic or manual boiler control mechanisms.
Start up and shut down boilers.
Observe fire and safety precautions.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
General supervision is received from a designated official.
May receive direction from a Turbine Operator or an Operating Engineer.
QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from high school or a trade school equivalent is necessary.
Reasonable maritime or powerhouse experience with high pressure boiler operations is necessary.
Ability to tolerate high levels of heat and noise is necessary.
Reasonable mechanical aptitude is necessary.
Reasonable knowledge of the equipment, methods and materials used in boiler operations is necessary. Reasonable knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of high pressure boilers and related equipment is necessary.
Ability to regulate boiler operations is necessary.
Reasonable knowledge of safety standards and procedures is necessary.
Ability to exercise tact and discretion in relationships with subordinates and staff is necessary.
Physical ability to perform the full range of duties of the classification is necessary.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.