Company Overview
Solution Group delivers operational programs along with chemical program management and technical expertise to some of the most demanding industrial water, wastewater, and utility operations across the US, including food processing, beverage manufacturing, and industrial facilities. Our mission is to help customers achieve operational excellence through compliance, maximize treatment efficiency, optimize utility systems, and minimize operating costs.
Position Summary
The Boiler Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of industrial boiler systems, compressed air systems, and cooling water systems at a food processing facility. This position ensures continuous steam production, optimal compressed air quality, and effective heat rejection to support 24/7 manufacturing operations.
The Boiler Operator conducts continuous monitoring, performs routine operational adjustments, maintains accurate logs, and responds to system alarms and abnormal conditions. This role also includes cross-training in water treatment and wastewater operations to provide backup coverage and develop comprehensive facility knowledge. The position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Boiler Plant Operations - Steam Generation & System Operations
Operate multi-boiler system to maintain continuous steam production meeting facility demand for food processing operations.
- Monitor and adjust firing rates, fuel pressure, airflow, and combustion parameters for efficient boiler operation.
- Control steam pressure and temperature within specified operating ranges.
- Monitor oxygen levels in flue gas and adjust combustion air for safe and efficient operation.
- Perform boiler startups and shutdowns following established procedures.
- Conduct load changes and boiler switching operations as required by production demands.
- Respond to boiler alarms, troubleshoot problems, and take corrective actions.
Boiler Plant Operations - Feed & Condensate Systems
Operate and monitor deaerator system, maintaining proper water levels and temperatures.
- Manage feedwater pumps and control systems to ensure adequate boiler water supply.
- Monitor condensate return systems and steam traps for proper operation.
- Operate chemical feed systems for oxygen scavenger, alkalinity control, and corrosion inhibitors.
Boiler Plant Operations - Safety & Compliance
Conduct daily safety inspections of boiler room equipment and systems.
- Test and verify proper operation of safety valves, pressure controls, and flame safeguards.
- Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures for all equipment maintenance and service activities.
- Maintain compliance with ASME Boiler Code, state regulations, and facility safety procedures.
- Execute emergency shutdown procedures when necessary to protect equipment and personnel.
Compressed Air System Operations
Operate four-compressor system maintaining adequate compressed air supply for production equipment.
- Monitor system pressure, flow rates, and compressor loading to optimize energy efficiency.
- Manage lead/lag sequencing and adjust compressor operations based on facility demand.
- Operate dual dryer system to maintain proper dew point control for compressed air quality.
- Monitor dryer temperatures, regeneration cycles, and dewpoint measurements.
- Perform routine maintenance activities including filter changes, condensate draining, and oil level checks.
- Track compressor runtime hours and notify supervisor when preventive maintenance is due.
- Respond to high/low pressure alarms and troubleshoot system issues.
Cooling Water System Operations
Operate cooling tower system maintaining proper heat rejection for facility cooling requirements.
- Monitor and record cooling water supply/return temperatures and flow rates.
- Adjust tower fan operations based on ambient conditions and cooling load demands.
- Operate circulation pumps and manage tower water levels.
- Perform water chemistry testing including pH, conductivity, and cycles of concentration.
- Operate chemical feed systems for scale inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, and biocides.
- Manage automatic blowdown control systems to maintain proper cycles of concentration.
- Conduct daily visual inspections of cooling tower fill, drift eliminators, and basin conditions.
- Maintain accurate records of water chemistry, chemical usage, and system operations.
Monitoring, Documentation & Reporting
Conduct hourly inspection rounds of all utility systems documenting equipment status and operating parameters.
- Record readings including pressures, temperatures, flows, fuel usage, water chemistry, and equipment runtime.
- Maintain accurate and legible shift logs documenting all operations, tests, and abnormal conditions.
- Complete daily/weekly checklists and preventive maintenance task sheets.
- Monitor SCADA/control system displays and respond to alarms and abnormal conditions.
- Report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, and operational issues to supervisor.
- Provide detailed shift turnover to incoming operator on system status and pending issues.
Water & Wastewater Operations (Cross-Training)
Assist with potable water system operations including well pumps, chlorination, and storage tanks.
- Monitor reverse osmosis system operations and water softener regeneration cycles.
- Perform chlorine residual testing and maintain required water quality monitoring.
- Learn water distribution system operations and cross-connection control procedures.
- Assist with process wastewater operations
- Learn wastewater sampling procedures and basic treatment process monitoring.
- Develop understanding of discharge permit requirements and regulatory compliance.
Maintenance Support
Perform minor repairs and adjustments on utility equipment under supervisor direction.
- Assist maintenance technicians with equipment repairs, inspections, and testing.
- Change filters, lubricate equipment, and perform routine preventive maintenance tasks.
- Identify equipment problems and abnormal conditions requiring maintenance attention.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of boiler room and equipment areas.
Safety & Housekeeping
Maintain safe, clean, and well-organized work areas throughout the facility.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for all tasks.
- Follow all lockout/tagout, confined space, and hot work permit procedures.
- Participate in safety meetings, training sessions, and emergency drills.
- Report unsafe conditions, near-misses, and incidents immediately to supervisor.
- Maintain chemical storage areas in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Additional Duties
Respond to emergency call-ins to provide coverage for unexpected absences.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and operational optimization projects.
- Coordinate with production staff on utility requirements and planned outages.
- Perform other duties as assigned by management.
Qualifications
Education
High School diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
- Associate degree in Industrial Maintenance, Power Plant Technology, or related technical field preferred.
- Vocational training or certification in boiler operations, industrial mechanics, or utilities preferred.
Professional Experience
2–3 years of experience in boiler operations, power plant operations, or industrial utilities required.
- Experience operating high-pressure steam boilers in an industrial setting required.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision required.
- 5+ years of boiler operating experience in a food processing or manufacturing facility preferred.
- Experience with compressed air systems and cooling tower operations preferred.
- Background in water treatment or wastewater operations preferred.
- Experience with SCADA systems and automated control systems preferred
Required Certifications & Licensing
State of California Boiler Operator License preferred; (Active pursuit and registration for examination expected immediately upon hire.)
- California Water Distribution Operator Certification — Grade D1 — must possess or obtain within 1 year of hire.
- California Wastewater Treatment Operator Certification — Grade I — must possess or obtain within 1 year of hire.
- Valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record required.
- First Aid/CPR certification required within 6 months of employment.
Preferred Certifications
High Pressure Boiler Operator certification.
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry certification.
- Confined Space Entry certification.
- Forklift operator certification.
Technical Knowledge
Understanding of boiler operations, combustion principles, and steam systems.
- Knowledge of boiler water chemistry, treatment chemicals, and corrosion control.
- Familiarity with compressed air systems, dryers, and air quality requirements.
- Basic understanding of cooling tower operations and water treatment.
- Knowledge of industrial safety practices including LOTO, confined space, and hot work.
- Understanding of ASME Boiler Code and regulatory compliance requirements.
Abilities & Competencies
Ability to read and interpret gauges, meters, control displays, and SCADA systems.
- Proficiency in performing water chemistry tests using standard laboratory equipment.
- Competent use of hand tools, power tools, and measurement devices.
- Basic computer skills for data entry, email, and electronic record-keeping.
- Strong mathematical skills for calculations, conversions, and chemical dosing.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose equipment issues.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in monitoring and documentation.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of industrial equipment.
- Good communication skills to coordinate with team members and report to management.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and respond to emergency situations.
- Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work 12-hour shifts in an industrial environment with exposure to heat, noise, and chemicals.
- Capable of climbing ladders and stairs to access elevated equipment and platforms.
- Ability to work in confined spaces, at heights, and in adverse weather conditions.
- Regularly lift weights up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift heavier loads with assistance.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods during shift.
- Comfortable working with personal protective equipment including respirators, safety glasses, hard hat, and steel-toed boots.
- Availability for emergency call-ins and schedule flexibility as needed.
Work Environment
Industrial environment operating 24/7.
- High-temperature boiler room with exposure to heat, steam, and noise.
- Outdoor work required for cooling tower and wastewater operations.
- Exposure to chemicals, odors, and industrial process conditions.
- Must maintain constant vigilance for safety hazards and abnormal conditions.
Schedule Details
12-hour shifts: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- 4-day work week: Either Sunday–Wednesday OR Wednesday–Saturday.
- 42 hours per week regular schedule.
- Overtime opportunities available for additional coverage needs.
- Must be available for emergency call-ins to cover unexpected absences.
Compensation
Starting pay for the successful applicant will depend on a variety of factors, including but not limited to education, training, experience, certifications, location, business needs, internal equity, market demands, or budgeted amount for the role. The target hiring range is for new hire offers only, and staff compensation may increase beyond the maximum hiring range based on performance over time. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience.
In addition to a competitive hourly wage and overtime pay, this role offers competitive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) retirement plan with company match, life and disability insurance, paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays), continuing education support for certifications, uniform allowance, and safety equipment provided.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected class in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $27.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
