Boiler Tender

Subsidiary: KIRA Training Services

Job Title: Boiler Tender

Work Location: USAFA - Colorado Springs

Labor Category: Non-Exempt | CBA

Pay Rate: $37.76 per hour

About the Role 

Tends one or more boilers to produce low-temperature water for buildings or processes. Fires boiler, observes and interprets readings on gauges, meters, and charts which register various aspects of boiler operation. Adjusts controls to ensure safe and efficient boiler operation to meet demands for high-temperature water. May also do one or more of the following: Maintain a log in which various aspects of boiler operation are recorded; clean, oil, make minor repairs or assist in repairs to boiler room equipment; following prescribed methods, treat boiler water with chemicals and analyze boiler water for such things as acidity, causticity, and alkalinity.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operate and monitor boiler systems by interpreting readings from gauges, meters, and charts to ensure safe, efficient production of high-temperature water; adjust controls as needed to meet demand
• Maintain detailed logs documenting boiler performance and operating conditions
• Perform routine maintenance, including cleaning, oiling, and minor repairs; assist with more complex boiler room equipment repairs as needed
• Treat and test boiler water using prescribed chemical methods; analyze factors such as acidity, causticity, and alkalinity to ensure proper system performance
• Install, maintain, and repair low- and high-pressure piping systems and equipment used for distributing high-temperature water and steam
• Interpret blueprints, sketches, and verbal instructions to determine system layout and equipment placement
• Replace worn or damaged components using hand and power tools; modify piping systems through cutting, threading, welding, and fitting
• Monitor and operate a centralized Energy Management Control System (EMCS) using Siemens software to manage HVAC performance
• Troubleshoot system issues, adjust HVAC parameters, and support technicians during standard and after-hours operations
• Coordinate maintenance activities by communicating with supervisors and skilled trades personnel to ensure timely resolution of issues
• Monitor system recovery after power outages to ensure equipment restarts properly and prevent HVAC system disruptions
• Serve as an after-hours Service Call Dispatcher for USAF Academy utilities and base-wide infrastructure (roads, water, gas, electrical systems, Fire Department, Security Forces)
• Evaluate incoming service requests, determine emergency status, and dispatch on-call personnel accordingly
• Maintain detailed service call and incident logs; coordinate with Production Control to ensure accurate work order documentation

What We're Looking For

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience with hands-on operation and control of pressure boiler vessels, low temperature water systems and associated delivery systems, heat plant operations to include monitoring, repair and preventive maintenance of associated systems and preventive maintenance operations.
• Knowledge of the proper operation of HVAC equipment.
• High school diploma or equivalent education or job training.
• Formal training in boiler operations preferred but not mandatory.
• Basic understanding of computers, Energy Management Systems.
• Demonstrated aptitude for successful completions of assigned tasks.
• Must possess strong organizational skills and a strong ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment handling multiple tasks in a given time and rapidly adapting to changing priorities and schedules under pressure of deadlines while maintaining acceptable performance standards.
• Must have practical knowledge of worksite safety, occupational hazards, and standard safety practices.
• and methods of operations.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Possess and demonstrate a courteous and positive attitude toward customers.
• Ability to follow policies, procedures, and operating instructions.
• Effective communication skills.
• Must have and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
• Must be able to successfully complete a drug/alcohol test and a criminal record check.
• Must have a safe driving record, as defined by Company policy, to operate a company vehicle.
• Depending on the location and source of the problems, may be required to work not only indoors but outdoors as well as and in extreme conditions, confined spaces and at excessive heights.
• Duties will require frequent periods of sitting, standing, kneeling, walking, crouching, crawling, reaching, and balancing. Physically fit to bend, stoop, and lift in awkward positions and able to lift up to 60 lbs.
• Must be able to perform on-call duties when scheduled and report to work within one hour of notification.
• Must be able to work alternate shift schedules when necessary to meet the mission requirements of the customer, to include weekends and holidays.