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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
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POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
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Position Number: 00059454 |
Description Activated On: 9/21/2026 11:24:53 AM |
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 employee controls the operation of the Facility's central steam generating plant, which supplies steam heat and hot water to all residential buildings and support services on an assigned shift. Receives general supervision from the UPO2 and/or Utility Plant Supervisor. |
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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. The employee coordinates the firing procedures to 3 coal-fired and 1 natural gas-fired, 600 HP boilers, generating approximately 175,000,000 lbs. of steam at 180 P.S.I. and consuming approximately 9,500 tons of coal per year. Using the Honeywell UDC Computer and manual control methods, observe the fire-beds for density, depth, and consistency of ashes, and make necessary adjustments and corrections to the fuel-air ratio and coal consumption to facilitate improved operational efficiency of the Plant. Records shift's usages of fuel and raw water, steam produced, and log this information for use in computing reports and for reference purposes. Emphasis will be placed on the accuracy of the various firing procedures so that steam production will be guaranteed to supportive functions that depend on uninterrupted service to effectively support laundry production, food service production, comfortable living quarters, household use, and bathing purposes. This employee is responsible for testing boiler water as per guidelines found in the "Operating Rules for Power Boilers in Pennsylvania Institutions, Penn State University" and add the proper amounts of designated chemicals to maintain the proper control limits. Makes adjustments and corrections to boilers, fans, stokers, compressors, feed water pumps, chemical feed pumps, de-aerator, hot water and condensate tanks, water softener, coal and ash handling equipment. By close observation of all meters and gauges, and by making the correct adjustments to the equipment mentioned above, maintains Boiler Feed Water temperatures at 220 to 225 degrees, boiler steam pressure at 180 P.S.I., make-up water at 10% and Plant efficiency during heating season. Employee demonstrates knowledge of the location and operation of all high and low pressure steam valves, safety valves, pressure regulators, by-pass valves and piping, as well as the hot water valves and piping, as well as the hot water valve and piping system within the Boiler Plant, the location of steam regulators located within, and the heat shut-off and by-pass valves located within the residential and support services buildings in order to be able to isolate certain pieces of equipment and/or areas for safety purposes during emergencies, and to aid in prompt repairs and return of service. The employee performs all duties outlined on the Boiler Plant Daily Checklist and Preventive Maintenance Work Orders in order to assure continuous operation of plant equipment and eliminate costly replacements. The employee is familiar with the operation of the emergency generator, which serves the Boiler Plant. Knows the "start-up" and "shut-down" procedures to the related equipment operated by the generator in order to maintain a continuous supply of steam heat and hot water. Records all unusual incidents and/or emergencies that occur during operating shift in the logbook and discusses them with the oncoming operating personnel, and immediate Supervisor. All maintenance emergencies occurring during the second and third shifts, also Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (such as plugged commodes, electrical failures, heat problems, etc.) are reported to the Boiler Plant. This employee will call out an appropriate tradesman if the emergency warrants immediate attention. This employee is responsible for the operation of the steam vacuum ash handling equipment, and the proper procedure for ash removal. Instructs and assists in pulling and removal of ashes in order to maintain a clean ash pit area for safe Plant operation. Assists in cleaning, scrubbing, and touch-up painting as well. Is responsible for keeping assigned areas cleaned. This employee is ever mindful of the Facility's Energy Conservation Program and is alert at all times to any wastes of energy in all areas where performing duties throughout the Facility. This employee is knowledgeable of the safety hazards involved while performing his duties concerning the Boiler room, especially when working around live, high-pressure steam. The employee is mindful of his own personal safety, works with fellow employees in a safe and harmonious manner, shares his skills and knowledge with them, and assists whenever possible. Immediately reports to his Supervisor any unsafe conditions upon their identification. Also participates in the scheduled Employee Involvement Team meetings and discusses his concerns. This employee also checks smoke/fire/heat alarms when activated on printer and Simplex System board in Powerhouse Office, and notifies proper people to respond. Resets the system. This employee operates and demonstrates familiarity with the maintenance of the Plant's generator equipment, and takes readings and makes adjustments to ensure efficient operation. Ensures that this co-generator is not off for more than 15 minutes at a time, in order to keep electrical usage down. This employee performs all other related duties. Works overtime as assigned. Employee Self Service User Responsible for utilization of Employee Self Service through My Workplace. Creates and submits leave requests, travel requests, inputs benefits plan changes during open enrollment, participates in online ESS training, reviews and updates personal information, reviews time management and payroll information, benefits data, reporting relationships, and life and work events. Use of Employee Self Service is a requirement in order to provide employees with information related to their employment and the capability to maintain their own data. |
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. Works independently in the performance of assigned responsibilities within the Boiler Plant. Recognizes impending problems/needed adjustments and takes necessary corrective actions. Makes changes to maintain/increase boiler plant efficiency. |
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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. 5. 6. |
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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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