Median annual earnings of Stationary engineers and boiler operators were $43,240 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,860 and $54,550. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,340, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $65,290. Median annual earnings of Stationary engineers and boiler operators in 2002 were $48,450 in local government and $40,800 in general medical and surgical hospitals.
Heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation systems keep large buildings and other commercial facilities comfortable all year long. Industrial plants often have facilities to provide electrical power, steam, or other services. Stationary engineers and boiler operators operate and maintain these systems, which include boilers, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment, diesel engines, turbines, generators, pumps, condensers, and compressors. The equipment that stationary engineers and boiler operators control is similar to equipment operated by locomotive or marine engineers, except that it is not in a moving vehicle.
Stationary engineers and boiler operators start up, regulate, repair, and shut down equipment. They ensure that the equipment operates safely, economically, and within established limits by monitoring meters, gauges, and computerized controls. Stationary engineers and boiler operators control equipment manually and, if necessary, make adjustments. They also record relevant events and facts concerning the operation and maintenance of the equipment in a log. With regard to steam boilers, for example, they observe, control, and record the steam pressure, temperature, water level, chemistry, power output, fuel consumption, and emissions from the vessel. They watch and listen to machinery and routinely check safety devices, identifying and correcting any trouble that develops. They use hand and power tools to perform repairs and maintenance ranging from a complete overhaul to replacing defective valves, gaskets, or bearings. Service, troubleshooting, repair, and monitoring of modern systems require the use of sophisticated electrical and electronic test equipment.
Stationary engineers typically use computers to operate the mechanical, electrical, and fire safety systems of new buildings and plants. Engineers monitor, adjust, and diagnose these systems from a central location, using a computer linked into the buildings’ communications network.
Routine maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts, replacing filters, and removing soot and corrosion that can reduce the boiler’s operating efficiency, is a regular part of the work of stationary engineers and boiler operators. They test the water in the boiler and add chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits. In most facilities, stationary engineers are responsible for the maintenance and balancing of air systems, as well as hydronic systems that heat or cool buildings by circulating fluid (as water or vapor) in a closed system of pipes. They also may check the air quality of the ventilation system and make adjustments to keep the operation of the boiler within mandated guidelines.
In a large building or industrial plant, a stationary engineer may be in charge of all mechanical systems in the building. Engineers may supervise the work of assistant stationary engineers, turbine operators, boiler tenders, and air-conditioning and refrigeration operators and mechanics. Most stationary engineers perform other maintenance duties, such as carpentry, plumbing, locksmithing, and electrical repairs. In a small building or industrial plant, there may be only one stationary engineer.
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Applicants may face competition for jobs as stationary engineers and boiler operators. Employment opportunities will be best for those with apprenticeship training or vocational school courses covering systems that are operated by computerized controls and instrumentation.
Employment of stationary engineers and boiler operators is expected to show little or no growth through the year 2012. Continuing commercial and industrial development will increase the amount of equipment to be operated and maintained. However, automated systems and computerized controls are making newly installed equipment more efficient, thus reducing the number of jobs needed for its operation. Furthermore, relatively few job openings will arise from the need to replace experienced workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. The low replacement rate in this occupation reflects its high wages.
Stationary engineers and boiler operators usually acquire their skills through a formal apprenticeship program, or on-the-job training supplemented by courses at a trade or technical school. In addition, valuable experience can be obtained in the Navy or the merchant marine, because marine engineering plants are similar to many stationary power and heating plants. Most employers prefer to hire persons with at least a high school diploma or the equivalent, due to the increasing complexity of the equipment with which engineers and operators now work. Many Stationary engineers and boiler operators have some form of continuing education including college. Mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, and good physical condition also are important.
The International Union of Operating Engineers sponsors apprenticeship programs and is the principal union for Stationary engineers and boiler operators. In selecting apprentices, most local labor-management apprenticeship committees prefer applicants with education or training in mathematics, computers, mechanical drawing, machine shop practice, physics, and chemistry. An apprenticeship usually lasts 4 years and includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. In addition, apprentices receive 600 hours of classroom instruction in subjects such as boiler design and operation, elementary physics, pneumatics, refrigeration, air-conditioning, electricity, and electronics.
Those who acquire their skills on the job usually start as boiler tenders or helpers to experienced stationary engineers and boiler operators. This practical experience may be supplemented by postsecondary vocational training in computerized controls and instrumentation. However, becoming an engineer or operator without completing a formal apprenticeship program usually requires many years of work experience.
Most large and some small employers encourage and pay for skill-improvement training for their employees. Training almost always is provided when new equipment is introduced or when regulations concerning some aspect of the workers’ duties change.
Most States and cities have licensing requirements for Stationary engineers and boiler operators. Applicants usually must be at least 18 years of age, reside for a specified period in the State or locality, meet experience requirements, and pass a written examination. A stationary engineer or boiler operator who moves from one State or city to another may have to pass an examination for a new license due to regional differences in licensing requirements.
There are several classes of stationary engineer licenses. Each class specifies the type and size of equipment the engineer can operate without supervision. A licensed first-class stationary engineer is qualified to run a large facility, supervise others, and operate equipment of all types and capacities. An applicant for this license may be required to have a high school education, apprenticeship or on-the-job training, and several years of experience. Licenses below first class limit the types or capacities of equipment the engineer may operate without supervision.
Stationary engineers and boiler operators advance by being placed in charge of larger, more powerful, or more varied equipment. Generally, engineers advance to these jobs as they obtain higher class licenses. Some stationary engineers and boiler operators advance to boiler inspectors, chief plant engineers, building and plant superintendents, or building managers. A few obtain jobs as examining engineers or technical instructors.
Workers who monitor and operate stationary machinery include chemical plant and system operators; gas plant operators; petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers; power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers; and water and liquid waste treatment plant and system operators. Other workers who maintain the equipment and machinery in a building or plant are industrial machinery installation, repair, and maintenance workers, as well as millwrights.
Information about apprenticeships, vocational training, and work opportunities is available from State employment service offices, locals of the International Union of Operating Engineers, vocational schools, and State and local licensing agencies.
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Stationary engineers and boiler operators usually acquire their skills through a formal apprenticeship program or informal on-the-job training supplemented by courses at a trade or technical school. A license to operate boilers, ventilation, air conditioning, and other equipment is required in most States and cities. Stationary engineers and boiler operators may use computers to operate the mechanical systems of new buildings and plants. Engineers and operators monitor, adjust, and diagnose these systems from a central location using a computer linked into the buildings’ communications network. Some perform other maintenance duties, such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical repairs.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20022003/ocos228.htm
Operate equipment, such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers. This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway. For additional information, select one of the specific occupations below.
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The energy from this equipment powers the heating and ventilation systems and may also provide electricity. Engineers start, monitor, and shut down engines and generators. To make sure that the equipment is working within its limits, stationary engineers check meters, gauges, and computerized controls. They test boiler water and add chemicals to stop harmful deposits. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up.
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Industrial plants often have facilities to provide electrical power, steam, or other services as well. These workers are called stationary engineers because the equipment they operate is similar to equipment operated by locomotive or marine engineers except it is not in a vehicle that moves. On steam boilers, for example, they observe, control, and record steam pressure, temperature, water level, power output, and fuel consumption. They usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Although stationary engineers work throughout the country, most work in the more heavily populated areas, where large industrial and commercial establishments are usually located.
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Stationary engineers and boiler operators usually acquire their skills through a formal apprenticeship program, or on-the-job training supplemented by courses at a trade or technical school. The equipment that stationary engineers and boiler operators control is similar to equipment operated by locomotive or marine engineers, except that it is not in a moving vehicle. With regard to steam boilers, for example, they observe, control, and record the steam pressure, temperature, water level, chemistry, power output, fuel consumption, and emissions from the vessel. Service, troubleshooting, repair, and monitoring of modern systems require the use of sophisticated electrical and electronic test equipment. Stationary engineers typically use computers to operate the mechanical, electrical, and fire safety systems of new buildings and plants.
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Related Careers Boilermakers Electrical Engineers Industrial Machinery Repairers Machinists Water- and Wastewater-Treatment-Plant Operators Welders Did You Know. Stationary engineers and boiler operators work with equipment similar to that on trains and ships. Stationary engineers and boiler operators often work in hot, dusty, noisy environments, crawl inside boilers, and use grease to lubricate equipment. By operating the systems behind these and other needed services, stationary engineers and boiler operators serve a very important function -- and get paid pretty well to do it, too. Outlook Little or no growth is the expected job outlook for stationary engineers and boiler operators through 2012, according to government economists.
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Back in 1896, a group of stationary engineers met in Chicago to form the National Union of Steam Engineers. In those days, stationary engineers spent the bulk of their time operating steam engines that powered locomotives, boats and heating systems. These days, stationary engineers operate and repair boiler systems and other mechanical systems in large buildings and facilities. While they still oversee steam systems, much of their work today also involves managing ventilating systems, air-conditioning systems and automatic heating systems. Refrigeration engineers operate cooling systems that refrigerate or air-condition rooms, buildings, or industrial processes.
Summary of: http://www3.ccps.virginia.edu/career_prospects/briefs/P-S/StationaryEngineers.shtml
The energy from this equipment powers the heating and ventilation systems and may also provide electricity. Engineers start, monitor, and shut down engines and generators. They make sure equipment operates as safely and cheaply as possible. They test boiler water and add chemicals to stop harmful deposits. In addition, engineers listen to the machinery for unusual sounds that indicate something is wrong.
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These systems provide power, heat, air conditioning, and refrigeration for buildings and manufacturing facilities. Engineers are responsible for the safe, efficient operation of all systems under their control. Generally they make regular rounds of equipment areas, reading meters and gauges, listening to the machinery, and adjusting the controls as required. For each shift, engineers keep a log of test results, instrument readings, and any preventive or corrective maintenance work performed. In many establishments, Stationary Engineers handle all aspects of the job; in others, they are assisted by apprentices, helpers, or maintenance personnel.
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Stationary engineers run the heating, ventilation, refrigeration, light, and power for large buildings. Related careers You might be also be interested in these careers that have similar educational and/or training requirements, or that share similar duties. They are not pre-requisites to post secondary programs, nor are they necessary to obtain employment. In Ontario you must be licensed by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority. In addition to the institutions listed here, please refer to "For more information" (at left) for a list of organizations and associations that may also offer programs of study.
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