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Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Overview
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.

Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $40K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $52K
Median Salary: $64K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $81K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $103K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners.

Monitor and inspect equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, safety devices, and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely.

Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.

Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.

Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.

Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.

Adjust controls and/or valves on equipment to provide power, and to regulate and set operations of system or industrial processes.

Fire coal furnaces by hand or with stokers and gas- or oil-fed boilers, using automatic gas feeds or oil pumps.

Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, or air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.

Switch from automatic to manual controls and isolate equipment mechanically and electrically to allow for safe inspection and repair work.

Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.

Investigate and report on accidents.

Develop operation, safety, and maintenance procedures or assist in their development.

Receive instructions from steam engineers regarding steam plant and air compressor operations.

Install burners and auxiliary equipment, using hand tools.

Perform or arrange for repairs, such as complete overhauls, replacement of defective valves, gaskets, or bearings, or fabrication of new parts.

Check the air quality of ventilation systems and make adjustments to ensure compliance with mandated safety codes.

Ignite fuel in burners, using torches or flames.

Supervise the work of assistant stationary engineers, turbine operators, boiler tenders, or air conditioning and refrigeration operators and mechanics.

Weigh, measure, and record fuel used.

Clean and lubricate boilers and auxiliary equipment and make minor adjustments as needed, using hand tools.

Operate mechanical hoppers and provide assistance in their adjustment and repair.

Contact equipment manufacturers or appropriate specialists when necessary to resolve equipment problems.

Test electrical systems to determine voltages, using voltage meters.

Provide assistance to plumbers in repairing or replacing water, sewer, or waste lines, and in daily maintenance activities.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
Statistical software
Data base user interface and query software
Data entry software
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP
Facilities management software
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Graphics or photo imaging software
Graphics software
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Web platform development software
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Communications Devices and Accessories
Two way radios
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Personal computers
Construction and maintenance support equipment
Scaffolding
Hand tools
Grease guns
Heavy construction machinery and equipment
Grapple cranes
Hydraulic machinery and equipment
Hydraulic press frames
Industrial pumps and compressors
Pneumatic pumps
Janitorial equipment
Equipment cleaning scrapers
Laboratory supplies and fixtures
Dropping pipettes
Material handling machinery and equipment
Forklifts
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
Bourdon tubes
Metal cutting machinery and accessories
Metal cutting taps
Metal forming machinery and accessories
Metal cutting dies
Personal safety and protection
Safety glasses
Pneumatic machinery and equipment
Sandblasters
Printed circuits and integrated circuits and microassemblies
Programmable logic controllers PLC
Water and wastewater treatment supply and disposal
Turbidimeters
Welding and soldering and brazing machinery and accessories and supplies
Gas brazing equipment
Well drilling and operation equipment
Rotary hammers
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mechanical
84%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

English Language
66%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Production and Processing
66%
Importance

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Education and Training
64%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Mathematics
59%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Engineering and Technology
56%
Importance

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Public Safety and Security
56%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Administration and Management
55%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Computers and Electronics
54%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Chemistry
53%
Importance

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
80%
Importance

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Critical Thinking
68%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Operation and Control
68%
Importance

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Active Listening
65%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring
65%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Quality Control Analysis
65%
Importance

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Troubleshooting
65%
Importance

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Equipment Maintenance
63%
Importance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Reading Comprehension
63%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning
60%
Importance

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Top 10 Abilities
Near Vision
75%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Comprehension
75%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression
75%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Problem Sensitivity
75%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Control Precision
65%
Importance

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Information Ordering
65%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Arm-Hand Steadiness
63%
Importance

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Deductive Reasoning
63%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Inductive Reasoning
63%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Manual Dexterity
63%
Importance

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Top 10 Work Activities
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
95%
Importance

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
94%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
90%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
87%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Documenting/Recording Information
87%
Importance

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
87%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
86%
Importance

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Controlling Machines and Processes
85%
Importance

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Getting Information
85%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Interacting With Computers
81%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Detailed Work Activities

Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.

Inspect production equipment.

Adjust equipment controls to regulate gas flow.

Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.

Monitor equipment fluid levels.

Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.

Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.

Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.

Operate pumping systems or equipment.

Operate energy production equipment.

Adjust flow of electricity to tools or production equipment.

Operate energy distribution equipment.

Record operational or production data.

Investigate accidents to determine causes.

Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards.

Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.

Assemble electromechanical or hydraulic systems.

Repair production equipment or tools.

Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.

Clean production equipment.

Lubricate production equipment.

Confer with others to resolve production problems or equipment malfunctions.

Ignite fuel to activate heating equipment.

Exchange information with colleagues.

Direct operational or production activities.

Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.

Operate industrial equipment.

Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.

Maintain production or processing equipment.

Work Context
Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Education
Interests
Realistic
100%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Investigative
67%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Conventional
62%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Enterprising
34%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Social
19%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Artistic
15%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Top 10 Work Styles
Dependability
89%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Attention to Detail
86%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Initiative
82%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Stress Tolerance
79%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Integrity
78%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Cooperation
76%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Analytical Thinking
75%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Self Control
75%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Independence
74%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Adaptability/Flexibility
73%
Importance

Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Work Values
Support
72%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Relationships
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Independence
53%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Working Conditions
53%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Achievement
39%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Recognition
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.