Certified Boiler Plant Operator (Bethesda, MD)

Lockwood Hills, an Akima Company, provides critical mission support services for federal civilian and military operations. With four areas of proven expertise, Lockwood Hills can conquer the operational challenges of any federal mission from remote installations stateside to secure locations overseas. Our work includes safeguarding vital installations and personnel, maintaining and modifying aircraft, keeping operations on track with integrated logistics, and driving business with records management and administrative support services. Our personnel enjoy competitive benefits packages and challenging roles in work environments committed to safety, diversity and opportunity for career growth. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), 100% of our company’s profits go back to our 14,300 Iñupiat shareholders that have resided near and above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years. Our business helps support their way of life and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived in a challenging environment.

Responsibilities:

• This position is the primary responsible certified operator on all shifts at the Central Heat & Power Plant (CHPP), an oil fired heating plant with diesel fueled generators. The position is responsible for controlling the operation of the boilers, generators and auxiliary equipment in a safe and efficient manner during all assigned shifts. Supervises lower level boiler plant operators and boiler plant mechanics in the performance of their duties. Work and performance metrics are recorded through operational logs and reporting through the supervisory chain. All work is required to be performed in a safe, efficient, environmentally acceptable manner.
• The boiler plant operator is the primarily responsible individual for the accurate recording of plant performance in the operations logbook. However, the Certified PLANT Operator is OVERALL responsible for determining the operational effectiveness of various plant equipment and machinery, identifying trends in plant production, AND control of steam and electrical production in the plant. This person directs subordinates in the plant during assigned shifts, monitors and checks plant equipment and machinery operation and assists with annual operating budget and identifying potential capital projects to improve plant operations.
• Operates all equipment in a boiler plant to produce and control the amount of steam necessary to meet demands. These demands are significantly affected by the large amounts of steam or high temperature water provided by the boiler plant.
• Ignites fires, puts boilers in service, and closes down boilers. Periodically makes rounds of the plant to visually check equipment to see that is operating properly.
• Maintains constant observation of flow meters and charts to determine how much steam is being produced, whether it is meeting or exceeding demands, how much fuel is being used, etc. Fires up to take boilers off the line; determines whether to up or lower fires in boilers; whether to use pressure reducing valves; whether water pumps should be started or stopped and for how long.
• Adjusts firing controls, fuel feeds, and air drafts for best combustion efficiency.
• Operates numerous auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, water heaters, fans, and de-aerating equipment.
• Collects samples of boiler water, performs prescribed tests, and determines amount of chemicals to be fed into boilers for treatment of water and control of corrosion and chemical concentrations.
• Maintains constant observation for defects in the system. In the event problems arise, either repairs malfunctions or notifies the supervisor. Follows standard emergency procedures until trouble can be corrected.
• Maintains logs, records, and other plant data as required.
• Performs routine operational maintenance, e.g., cleans burners, oils and grease moving parts, packs valves and pumps, cleans oil strainers, etc.
• May be required to locate and repair limited electrical problems in oil burning controls, safety devices, etc.
• Operates various types of air conditioning and cooling systems. Starts stops and adjusts equipment.
• Regulates refrigerant, water temperatures and pressures by manipulating appropriate switches, rheostats, valves and levers.
• Tours the plant making minor repairs, oiling and greasing equipment, thawing frozen valves, replacing fuses and defective recording devices.
• Maintains log of plant equipment and keeps all machinery and spaces clean.
• Independently plans and carries out the work in accordance with established operating methods and procedures.
• Responsible for making complex determinations due to the amounts of steam or high temperature water provided by the plant.
• The work shall be checked through occasional observation for adherence to operating techniques and established procedures.
• Majority of work is performed indoors; however, employee will be exposed to extreme temperatures, smoke, dirt, noise, unpleasant odors, toxic fumes, soot, toxic dust, water, fuel oil, chemicals and all types of weather conditions.
• Work may result in cuts, bruises, or burns from steam, heat, chemicals or machinery. Exposed to eye injuries and frostbite from escaping refrigerants.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• This position requires the boiler plant operator to possess either a valid Maryland First Class Stationary Engineer license OR a National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE) First Class Power Engineer license OR an American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE)
• High School Diploma or Equivalent (Technical School diploma preferred)
• Two (2) years experience with commercial HVAC
• Commercial unit experience with 100 tons or higher
• Must have a valid driver’s license issued by the State.
• Willingness to report for duty during emergencies or to cover shifts under short notice to ensure adequate staffing to operate the plant.

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description generally cover the nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. This is not intended to be a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Subject to the terms of an applicable collective bargaining agreement, the company management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as may be necessary. We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, gender or gender-identity, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, pregnancy or parental status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you have a physical and/or mental disability and are interested in applying for employment and need special accommodations to use our website to apply for a position please contact, Recruiting Services at job-assist@akima.com or 571-353-7053. Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.
The dedicated email and telephonic options above are reserved only for individuals with disabilities needing accessibility assistance to apply to an open position using our website.
Please do not use the dedicated email or phone number above to inquire on the status of your job application.
In order for our company to stay compliant with government regulations, please apply on line. Please DO NOT email resumes or call in lieu of applying online unless you have a physical and/or mental disability and need assistance with the online application.

Shift: Variable Primary Location: US-MD-Bethesda Organization: Lockwood Hills Federal, LLC Job: Maintenance & Repair Closing Date (Period for Applying) - External: Ongoing Travel: No Clearance Level: Not Applicable