Stationary Engineers & Boiler Operators

Boiler Operator, Operating Engineer, Stationary Engineer, Utilities Operator

What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.
  • 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 boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • product and service development

Math and Science

  • chemistry
  • physics

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills

  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • communicate by speaking

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Ideas and Logic

  • notice when problems happen
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Independence
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Cooperation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology In Demand

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology

Facilities management software

  • Building management system software
  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS

Education

Education: (rated 3 of 5)
certificate after high school or
high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Licenses
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
Local Salary Info
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