Monitor the operation of boilers and turbine generators 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.
Clear 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 and cooling towers according to prescribed procedures by performing standard testing procedures.
Inspect and adjust automatic or manual boiler control and other control mechanisms with assistance if necessary.
Start up and shutdown boilers.
Clean, inspect and perform routine maintenance on equipment and facilities including, but not limited to, oiling, greasing, repair of furnace refractories and repacking of leaking packing glands.
Observe University fire and safety procedures such as burn permits, personal protective equipment use, lockout and confined space procedures.
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 and pump rooms, 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.
Perform periodic rounds of inspection of heating plant, checking for proper function of equipment.
May coordinate the work of assigned assistants.

Graduation from high school or a trade school equivalent is necessary.
Considerable maritime or powerhouse experience with boiler and turbine operations or satisfactory and reliable performance as a Powerhouse Operator Designee is necessary.
Ability to tolerate high levels of heat and noise is necessary.
Considerable mechanical aptitude is necessary.
Thorough knowledge of the equipment, methods and materials used in boiler and turbine operations is necessary.
Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of high and low pressure boilers, turbines, generators and related equipment is necessary.
Ability to prepare and maintain routine operation records and reports is necessary.
Thorough knowledge of safety standards and procedures is necessary.
Ability to exercise tact and discretion in relationships with others is necessary.
Physical ability to perform the full range of duties of the classification is necessary.