Position Title:	Lead Boiler Plant Operator
Location:	Big Rapids (Main Campus)
Department:	55400 - Energy Conservation
Advertised Salary:	$30.30 pursuant to the FSU and AFSCME/AFL-CIO Agreement
Benefits:	Comprehensive benefit package (health care, vacation, etc.) Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position. AFSCME Benefits
FLSA:	Non-Exempt
Temporary/Continuing:	Continuing
Part-Time/Full-Time:	Full-Time
Union Group:	Custodial, Maintenance, Dining, Skilled Trade (AFSCME Local 1609)
Term of Position:	12 Month
At Will/Just Cause:	Just Cause
Summary of Position:	The Lead Boiler Plant Operator operates, monitors, and maintains plant equipment to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient operation of the plant systems. This includes high-pressure boilers and auxiliary equipment that use natural gas as the primary fuel source to ensure continuous, reliable, and critical steam service to facilities on the University’s campus. • Coordinate with contracted partners and University staff to maintain required regulatory information, coordinate required inspections, and coordinate vendor support. This position is located in Big Rapids, MI, and the anticipated shift is M-F, 7:00 am – 3:30 pm. Assignment requires availability to work weekends and evening shifts as needed and respond to emergency calls. Required to carry a pager.
Position Type:	Staff
Required Education:	High school diploma or GED equivalency.
Required Work Experience:	Experience operating and maintaining steam-generating boilers. Experience in pipe fitting along with steam plant maintenance of boilers, turbines, pumps, valves, and steam traps. Experience with boiler chemical treatment. Ability to use a computer and a calculator.
Required Licenses and Certifications:	Valid driver’s license.
Physical Demands:	Bending Carrying Electrical Hazards Inclement Weather Moving Reaching Sitting Twisting Balancing Climbing Driving Heights Lifting Pulling/Pushing Repetitive movement Standing
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:	City of Grand Rapids High Pressure Boiler Operator's license or equivalent certification for 1st or 2nd class stationary engineer per the State of Michigan Board of Boiler Rules. Familiar with boiler controls to manually adjust pre-programmed setpoints on the boiler control system. US military experience in the operation of steam-powered systems is a plus. Technical trade school training. Knowledge and able to perform welding work.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:	Operate, repair, troubleshoot, control, and maintain, high pressure boilers, valves, traps, expansion joints, piping systems, auxiliary equipment, and distribution systems on University owned property. Verify all equipment systems, pressure and temperatures are operating and maintained within limitations for the intended purpose. Monitor equipment, identify problem areas, and develop solutions to equipment failures and out-of-ordinary conditions. Performs troubleshooting and submits work orders accordingly. Performs inspections, predictive and preventive maintenance, and repairs on equipment, including maintenance, lubrication, repacking, and/or rebuilding on valves, pumps, distribution system equipment, safety devices, and associated equipment for the successful and safe operation of the plant, etc. Disassemble boilers for cleaning and maintain the cleanliness of the plant and other equipment. Ensure proper feedwater treatment for all assigned boilers, including water sampling, chemical analysis, and interpretation. Familiar with boiler plant transmitters and knowledgeable in instrumentation controls. Inspect steam tunnel transmitters and make repairs as directed. Maintain assigned tools; keep equipment and mechanical spaces neat, organized, and clean in a non-hazardous environment. Coordinate with vendors for required support, services, and delivery of materials or supplies. Coordinate with risk management and engineering partners to maintain all required regulatory information. Coordinate with service organizations to ensure all required inspections and regulatory certifications for equipment are maintained. Maintain calibration log sheets. Maintain logs of various aspects of the plant's operations. Maintain logs, records, and all safety testing information. Maintain system flow and differential pressure transmitters. Maintain, repair, inspect, repack, and/or lubricate condensate return systems, steam traps, PR valves, heat exchangers, steam piping, condensate piping, and other steam and boiler-related appurtenances. Maintain, troubleshoot, and operate fire eye controllers and other boiler control devices. Monitor the air for confined space entry. Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives. Operate boilers manually when automatic controls are unavailable or malfunctioning. Operate the computer system for boiler and administrative purposes. Paint the boiler and related equipment as needed. Regenerates chemical tanks and runs all required water tests on boiler water, return, and soft water. Regenerates water softeners and de-alkalizers. Re-pipe boilers and related equipment as needed. Requisition of materials and parts. Start boilers from a cold position to bring them to full operating pressure and place them on line, then remove them from line and secure. Inspect and investigate irregularities of steam distribution and condensate return system components on campus. Use the computerized monitoring system and generate miscellaneous trends for system troubleshooting. Work with boiler PLC controls to adjust programs as needed for steam delivery. Understand proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Perform all work in accordance with established safety procedures, comply with all University policies, and adhere to University standards. Maintains the safety and security of equipment, vehicles, keys, tools, materials, and inventories. Maintains safety, health, and quality standards and complies with various regulations in all duties and responsibilities. Operates a university or personal vehicle safely while carrying out job responsibilities. Reports to immediate supervisor. Communicates timely and relevant information to management and others. Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty, and staff to thrive authentically. Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives. Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:	Answer phones and operate the radio. Provide on-the-job training to others in the performance of the characteristic duties.
Skills and Abilities:	Be familiar with general ASME piping procedures. Communicate effectively with students, staff, faculty and visitors. Direct and train others in the performance of the characteristic duties. Erect and work from ladders, scaffolding, boom truck, and related devices. Familiar with computerized monitoring system to generate miscellaneous trends for system troubleshooting. Familiar with boiler PLC controls to download or upload new programs as needed. Have thorough knowledge of high-pressure boiler operation and feed water treatment. Keep and maintain accurate records. Maintain University standards of good workmanship in both quality and quantity. Operate a personal computer and associated Microsoft software (i.e., Word, Excel, etc.). Perform mathematical computations with a high degree of accuracy. Read, understand, interpret, and follow blueprints, sketches, job specifications, piping system layouts, directions, safety labels, equipment operation manuals, etc. Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Understand and know methods, materials, tools, equipment, occupational hazards, and safety precautions of the trade. Understand, use good judgment, and follow procedures established through safety training and the Facilities Management Safety Manual. Work harmoniously with others in environments with variable temperatures, occasional noise, stressful workloads, and inclement weather. Work independently and with other trade team members (plumbing, HVACR, electrical, carpentry, paint, grounds, and custodial).
Required Documents:	Cover Letter Resume
Optional Documents:
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Initial Application Review Date:	May 4, 2026
Open Until Position is Filled?:	Yes
Posting Close Date:
EEO Statement:	Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.
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