Boiler & Chiller Operator (Hospital Central Utility Plant)

Position Summary

Lean Synergy Solutions is looking for a Boiler and Chiller Operator role responsible for the safe, continuous operation of high-pressure steam boilers and large industrial chiller systems in a hospital environment. This position provides 24/7 operational coverage to support patient care, infection control, sterilization, life safety systems, and comfort cooling. The role requires dual qualification in both boiler and chiller plant operations, with a primary emphasis on boiler operations due to life-safety priorities.

Employment Type

Full-Time | On-Site | Rotating 12-Hour Shifts

Key Responsibilities

Boiler Plant Operations:

• Operate and monitor up to four (4) Cleaver-Brooks high-pressure steam boilers (10,000 lbs/hr each)
• Maintain proper steam pressures and combustion efficiency through system adjustments
• Perform, document, and log boiler water quality testing; add treatment chemicals as required
• Ensure no high-pressure boiler is left unattended at any time; coordinate relief coverage as needed
• Record operational data at required intervals per VA standards and the 8th Edition of the BEI Safety Device Testing Manual
• Monitor and perform operator-level maintenance on DA tanks, condensate tanks, and associated boiler plant systems

Chiller Plant Operations:

• Operate and monitor large-capacity centrifugal chillers (Trane and York, approximately 1,000 tons each)
• Operate and monitor cooling towers, pumps, and chilled water distribution systems
• Maintain chilled water supply temperatures through system adjustments
• Respond to Building Management System (BMS) alarms and out-of-range conditions
• Coordinate chiller startups and shutdowns with Facility Engineering staff

Equipment Monitoring & Rounds:

• Conduct full equipment inspections at least once per shift, including boilers, chillers, pumps, compressors, and associated systems
• Monitor critical utility alarms such as fire pumps and emergency power systems via BMS

Preventive Maintenance (Operator-Level):

• Perform lubrication, belt replacement, strainer cleaning, and trip resets
• Maintain cleanliness of boiler and chiller plant areas
• Perform minor painting or touch-up tasks as directed

Emergency Response:

• Respond to utility alarms and emergencies campus-wide during nights, weekends, and after-hours periods
• Immediately stabilize equipment and escalate issues to VA on-call leadership

Communication & Reporting:

• Complete detailed turnover briefings with incoming shifts
• Maintain daily operational logs, incident reports, and maintenance documentation
• Immediately report any regulatory non-compliance, safety hazards, or equipment failures

Compliance & Safety:

• Comply with VHA Directive 1810, OSHA standards, NFPA 85, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and The Joint Commission Environment of Care standards
• Follow all VA infection control, safety, and emergency response procedures
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and comply with VA SOPs
• Maintain a drug- and alcohol-free status and comply with VA tobacco-free campus policy

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience operating:
• High-pressure steam boilers (125 psi or greater)
• Industrial chiller systems
• Meet OPM standards for WG-5402 Boiler Plant Operator, WG-9 grade equivalent or higher
• Completion of VA “Safe Steaming Course” (or equivalent) within the past five (5) years, or ability to complete upon assignment
• Familiarity with:
• 8th Edition of the BEI Safety Device Testing Manual
• VHA Boiler and Associated Plant Safety Device Testing Manual
• Physical ability to climb stairs and lift up to 50 pounds
• Fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking)
• Ability to pass fingerprint-based background checks and wear VA-issued security badges
• Completion of all required annual VA training prior to unsupervised duty, including HIPAA, Safety, Infection Control, and Fire Response

Location & Compensation

• Location: Atlanta, GA (Decatur)
• Compensation: $25-30 p/hr ($52,000-$62,000)

About Lean Synergy

Lean Synergy Solutions is a Veteran-owned and operated recruiting firm that specializes in aligning top-tier talent with high-impact roles across a variety of industries. Our team, consisting of military veterans and industry specialists, brings a mission-driven approach to workforce solutions. Focused on placing skilled professionals in key roles, we help organizations navigate transformation with precision. We are committed to supporting transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and civilian professionals by providing access to meaningful, long-term career opportunities in government, public, and private sector positions.