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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 00023764 |
Description Activated On: 1/8/2026 1:45:08 PM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. This position is an essential employee. Employee is assigned to Boiler Plant at Clarks Summit State Hospital and functions under direct supervision of Utility Plant Supervisor. UPO2 exercises considerable independent judgment in maintaining the boiler plant operation during assigned shift. This employee controls the operation of the Facility's central steam generating plant, which supplies steam heat and hot water to buildings within hospital complex on an assigned shift. Serves as lead worker to Utility Plant Helpers/Utility Plant Operator 1s. |
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Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. UPO2 Position Description Updated: 1/8/2026 The Clarks Summit State Hospital Boiler Plant consists of 3 high pressure steam boilers, utility tunnel system and auxiliary equipment, which are used and maintained for supplying steam heat and hot water to the facility. Additionally, temporary boilers may be in use to support maintenance operations. General: UPO2s start, operate, adjust, stop, maintain, and perform various operational repairs on single or multiple fuel power boilers, and associated auxiliary equipment. Through the use of manual, automatic, and/or control systems; boiler plant operators monitor, adjust, and control all phases of boiler plant operations. They use electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic controls, in conjunction with meters, gauges, and computer-generated data to determine adjustments or corrections necessary for proper boiler operations or changing load requirements. They operate, adjust, repair, and maintain auxiliary and control equipment such as electrical pumps, forced and induced draft fans, air compressors, deaerating equipment, feed water heaters, fuel delivery equipment, demineralizing systems, condensate return system, surge tank equipment and all equipment associated to operate the boiler plant. Start and stop boilers and auxiliary equipment for changing load demands. They regularly observe and note readings on gauges, meters, detectors, recorders, boiler and auxiliary equipment water level indicators, and computer generated and analog displays to detect danger signals in operations and make proper adjustments and/or repairs. They analyze or direct lower-level workers to test feedwater, boiler water, softener water and condensate water using standard chemical tests. They determine the treatment and chemicals to be used to control chemical concentrations, remove impurities and entrapped gases, or stabilize fluctuating water conditions in the boiler. In some work situations, due to operating pressures or user requirements, they are required to maintain precise control over the quality or purity of steam produced. They check the operation of safety equipment such as flame extinction, automatic reignition, low water cut-outs, high pressure cut-outs, and purge type combustion safeties. They perform operational maintenance (e.g., lubricate equipment and power clean fire and water tubes) and repairs of limited to moderate complexity (e.g., replace or repair valves, gauges, and pumps) on mechanical parts and systems and perform limited or basic electrical repairs. They operate emergency electrical generators to meet plant electrical requirements when the main electrical source is unable to provide the necessary power. They perform general maintenance (e.g., cleaning, trash removal, painting ect.). They work all shifts as needed. They work overtime as needed. Change shifts as required, in order to maintain coverage in the boiler plant. Maintain boilers and related equipment, in order to provide safe, efficient operation of the Boiler Plant; in accordance with a State Only Operating Permit. Identifies defects in equipment, building fixtures, etc., and makes appropriate repairs. Uses and cares for hand tools, shop tools, and equipment in the boiler plant. Recognizes occupational hazards and follows safety precautions. Performs other related tasks as required. Skill and Knowledge: UPO 2s apply a comprehensive knowledge of all operational phases of power boiler plant operations (e.g., water treatment, fuel systems, steam generation, and pollution control) and their interrelationships for efficient and economical generation of steam or high temperature hot water (HTHW). They apply knowledge of the principles and theories pertaining to combustion, heat transfer, and steam or HTHW generation in the operation of power boiler plants. In addition, they apply a thorough knowledge of the structural and operating characteristics of single and multiple fuel power boilers and associated auxiliary equipment or systems (e.g., computerized or microprocessor control systems, fuel handling and distribution equipment and systems, fuel firing mechanisms, feedwater and boiler water treatment systems, steam and electrical pumps, pressurization systems, compressors, to properly operate, adjust, troubleshoot, and maintain the equipment and systems. They apply a thorough knowledge of water treatment procedures and water analysis, using standard chemical tests. They have a thorough knowledge of water treatment equipment and systems (e.g.,cation/anion exchange units for demineralization of feedwater). They have an understanding of chemical reactions involved in combustion, and the relationship between fuel quality and combustion efficiency. They have a practical knowledge of environmental law and a thorough knowledge of procedures or adjustments during combustion to control pollutants in flue emissions (e.g., control combustion time, stack temperature, and excess air flow). They have a thorough knowledge of the steam or HTHW distribution systems, user requirements, casualty control procedures, and how to bypass a section of the stem to maintain service. They are knowledgeable of maintenance requirements (e.g., lubricating equipment, cleaning boilers, adjusting and/or repairing boilers and auxiliary equipment) and procedures necessary to perform operational repairs of limited to moderate complexity (e.g., repair or replace valves, gauges, water pipes, and refractory linings). Operators at this level have basic knowledge of electricity to test and replace wires, switches, and other basic electrical components. Boiler plant operators at this level have skill in procedures and adjustments necessary to start, operate, and maintain a power boiler facility (i.e., power boilers and auxiliary and associated control equipment) to meet load demands and maintain efficient levels of combustion and compliance with pollution laws. They have skill in operating power boilers from cold starts through normal operation and hot or emergency shutdowns. They can stabilize boilers in a closed system when one boiler starts to go down while maintaining safe levels and efficient combustion. They have skill in the operation and adjustment of associated auxiliary and control equipment. They have skill in reading and analyzing information from gauges, meters, recorders, analog displays, and computer-generated data to determine the operational status of the boiler plant and necessary adjustments. They can make individual and sequential adjustments to a variety of controls and equipment to achieve and maintain maximum efficiency of equipment and systems being operated. They are knowledgeable with controlling chemical pollution in flue gas emissions and maintain combustion efficiency. They apply skills in power boilers to ensure safe and efficient combustion. Responsibility: UPO 2 receives work assignments from a supervisor or a person who oversees the facility. They are provided written or oral instructions which may be accompanied by diagrams, drawings, operating manuals, or special facility procedures to be followed during emergencies, equipment failure, or system malfunction. They are familiar with the total plant layout including drawings and circuit diagrams of the boilers and auxiliary and control equipment, in order to locate problems and determine appropriate action necessary to maintain adequate steam or high temperature, hot water production. As compared to the predetermined methods and procedures of a UPO 1, a UPO2 makes more independent decisions and judgments regarding boiler plant operations (e.g., combustion and control adjustments, troubleshooting techniques, and equipment maintenance and repair procedures). In maintenance and repair operations, they complete all work in accordance with required specifications and use a variety of standard mechanical and basic electrical processes. Boiler plant operators at this level typically have primary responsibility for checking boilers and auxiliary and control equipment to insure the operational efficiency of equipment and safety of personnel. They take immediate action to prevent interruptions to plant operations and report all emergencies or dangerous conditions. They perform general maintenance (e.g., cleaning, trash removal, painting ect.). Work is checked through occasional observation of operational efficiency, production reports, and adherence to standard operating techniques and procedures. Perform manual labor, transport heavy loads, and perform duties in areas of relatively high or low temperatures. ADDITIONAL DUTIES: Employee performs the following duties as needed: Work involving responsibility for appearance and general care of grounds that may include seasonal work of cleaning and other simple grounds keeping activities. Participate in planting, watering, sodding, spraying, trimming, and cleaning work on lawns, gardens and walks. Remove dirt, rubbish, leaves and other refuse and maintain roads, lawns, sheds, benches, parking places. Operate mechanized and motorized grounds keeping equipment. Participate in filling, surfacing, hauling and fertilizing operations. Prepare reports and keep records of time, materials, and equipment. Assist tradesmen in building wooden structures; select and saw lumber to specialized size, nail sheeting to studs, clean used lumber, wooden, and metal forms. Dig holes and trenches with pick and shovel. Move furniture and equipment to various areas and buildings. Load trucks with sand, gravel, and other items/materials. Dig drainage ditches, clean out culverts, and fill in areas as needed. Operate and service a stationary compressor motor, and operate the tools and attachments it powers. Build simple forms for cement work using carpenter tools, mix and place cement, finish cement using masonry tools, lay stones and block walls. Operate a light truck to transport personnel and materials to and from field locations. Assist with maintenance and repairs at water treatment plant. Augment transportation staff as needed, through the operation of general-purpose vehicles. This will occur when there is the need to supplement transportation staff and the Boiler Plant schedule allows for the additional UPO II staffing; concurrent with the operation of oil/natural gas fired vessels. The UPO II shall report any problems or deficiencies in the physical plant or equipment to immediate supervisor. Completes all mandated trainings. Completes preventative maintenance at the Boiler plant and steam utility tunnels. Perform related work as required. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. Employee demonstrates time management decision-making by prioritizing work assignments through supervisor and adapting to changing work requirements in order to complete assignments within established time frames. Works independently in the performance and responsibilities of the boiler plant. Independently recognizes impending problems/needed adjustments and adjustments and takes necessary corrective actions. |
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Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. N/A 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. N/A 5. N/A 6. N/A |
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
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