Boiler Operator

Overview

Humboldt Sawmill Company (HSC) is seeking a Boiler Operator to join our Power Plant team based in Scotia, CA! This is a non-exempt position, the hourly rate for this position is  $29.93 and includes benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K matching and company paid Life Insurance.  To learn more about our benefits click Here

The Mendocino Family of Companies (Mendocino Forest Products Company, Mendocino Redwood Company, Humboldt Redwood Company, Humboldt Sawmill Company, and Allweather Wood), is a leading manufacturer and distributor of environmentally certified redwood, Douglas-fir, and preservative treated lumber products throughout California and the Western U.S. Our culture is based in environmental stewardship and community support. The company maintains Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C013133) certification for its forestlands, manufacturing, and distribution operations. 

Responsibilities

The Boiler Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation and monitoring of boiler equipment, steam distribution systems, and water treatment systems within the power plant. This position monitors and maintains proper water chemistry, operating conditions, and equipment performance to support continuous plant operations. Additional responsibilities include providing operational coverage for the Turbine Operator and Fuel Pusher during scheduled breaks and performing other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Lead.

Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Safely and efficiently starts, stops, and brings boilers, turbines, and generators online and offline in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Operates and monitors the Bailey control system to regulate and maintain plant equipment, processes, and operating conditions.
• Operates and monitors service booster pumps and treated water make-up pumps, including adjusting valves and controlling water flow, as necessary. 
• Controls and operate cooling water circulation pumps, cooling fans, and basin water levels to maintain proper operating conditions.
• Maintains working knowledge of plant electrical systems and equipment, including systems operating at voltages ranging from 110 to 13,800 volts, and follows established electrical safety procedures.
• Operates, monitors, and adjusts power plant equipment manually and remotely to maintain safe and efficient operations.
• Monitors plant air emissions and operating conditions, making necessary adjustments, and taking corrective action to maintain compliance with applicable air quality regulations and permit requirements.
• Monitors, tests, and maintains proper boiler and water treatment chemistry to support equipment performance, reliability, and operational efficiency. 
• Identifies and reports equipment malfunctions, abnormal operating conditions, and potential safety hazards to appropriate personnel.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or General Education Degree (GED).
• Previous experience in boiler operations, power generation, industrial plant operations, or a related field preferred.
• Working knowledge of boiler systems, steam turbines, generators, water treatment systems, and associated power plant equipment.
• Knowledge of industrial control systems, including the Bailey control system required.
• Basic knowledge of electrical systems, mechanical equipment, pumps, valves, and related industrial components.
• Understanding of applicable environmental regulations, air quality requirements, and plant operating permits.
• Knowledge of workplace safety practices, including lockout/tagout procedures, hazardous energy control, and safe operation of industrial equipment.
• Basic mathematical skills necessary to interpret operating data, perform calculations, and maintain accurate records.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting operating procedures, equipment manuals, technical instructions, and instrumentation readings.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to coordinate plant operations and communicate equipment conditions.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, including identifying abnormal operating conditions and taking appropriate corrective action.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and respond appropriately to changing operating conditions and plant emergencies.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required by operational needs.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with disabilities.

• Work involves prolonged periods of standing, walking, and occasional sitting while operating and monitoring power plant equipment.
• Frequent walking throughout the power plant, including navigating stairs, elevated platforms, and industrial walkways to inspect and monitor equipment.
• Occasional climbing of ladders and accessing elevated work areas to perform equipment inspections and operational duties.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate control panels, switches, valves, hand tools, and other plant equipment.
• Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and working in restricted spaces when inspecting, operating, or servicing equipment.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of tools, equipment, and materials associated with plant operations of up to 100 pounds.
• Work involves observing and interpreting instrumentation, control displays, gauges, warning indicators, and equipment conditions.
• Regular communication with plant personnel through verbal, written, and electronic methods, including communication in environments with elevated noise levels.
• Work may involve responding promptly to equipment alarms, abnormal operating conditions, and emergency situations in accordance with established safety procedures.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with disabilities.

• Work is performed in an industrial power plant environment, including boiler rooms, turbine areas, control rooms, and other operational locations.
• Regular exposure to varying temperatures, including elevated heat levels near boilers, steam systems, and operating equipment.
• Exposure to elevated noise levels, vibration, dust, and other conditions commonly associated with power generation operations.
• Work may involve proximity to high-pressure steam systems, hot surfaces, energized electrical equipment, rotating machinery, and moving mechanical components.
• Occasional exposure to water treatment chemicals, lubricants, and other industrial substances in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Work may involve accessing elevated platforms, stairways, ladders, and confined or restricted work areas.
• The employee is also exposed to a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow, when working in or around outdoor areas of the facility.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud, requiring the consistent use of hearing protection in designated areas.
• The employee is required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as mandated by company policy and OSHA Standards, which may include Safety glasses or face shields, hearing protection, safety gloves, steel-toe safety footwear, hard hats, and respiratory protection if necessary.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment based on any, or a combination of, the following characteristics: race (including hair texture and styles), color, caste, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic conditions), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran or military status, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other characteristic protected by state or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment.