Job Title: Boiler Valve Technician
Job Summary:
The
Senior Boiler Valve Technician is responsible for leading the maintenance, installation, testing, troubleshooting, and optimization of valves in boiler systems across industrial plants, power generation facilities, and other large-scale operations. This senior-level position requires advanced technical expertise in boiler valve systems, leadership skills to oversee teams of technicians, and a deep understanding of safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. The Senior Boiler Valve Technician will lead valve-related projects, manage complex troubleshooting tasks, mentor junior staff, and ensure the long-term reliability and safety of boiler systems.
Key Responsibilities:
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Leadership and Project Management:
- Lead and oversee all boiler valve-related maintenance, repair, and installation projects, ensuring efficient execution and meeting project deadlines.
- Manage a team of technicians, providing guidance, training, and mentorship to junior and mid-level staff.
- Coordinate with other departments, including engineering, operations, and procurement, to ensure seamless integration of valve systems into larger projects.
- Develop and implement maintenance strategies to maximize the operational efficiency and reliability of boiler valves.
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Advanced Valve Maintenance and Troubleshooting:
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex valve-related issues, including failures in control valves, safety valves, pressure relief valves, and isolation valves, ensuring minimal downtime and maximum operational uptime.
- Perform advanced diagnostics using state-of-the-art tools and techniques, such as pressure testing, ultrasonic leak detection, and valve seating checks.
- Lead troubleshooting efforts to address critical boiler valve issues, providing immediate solutions and long-term corrective actions to prevent recurring problems.
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Valve Installation and Upgrades:
- Oversee the installation of new valves or the replacement of old or outdated valve systems in boiler installations, ensuring that new components meet performance standards and regulatory requirements.
- Manage the integration of advanced valve technologies or system upgrades to improve efficiency, safety, and environmental performance of boiler systems.
- Ensure proper alignment, calibration, and configuration of valves within the boiler system to ensure they function optimally under various pressure and temperature conditions.
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Preventive and Predictive Maintenance:
- Lead the preventive maintenance programs for all boiler valves, ensuring routine inspections, testing, and calibration are performed on schedule.
- Use predictive maintenance tools and techniques to monitor valve health and performance, identifying potential issues before they lead to failures.
- Analyze maintenance data to improve valve system reliability and performance, implementing improvements based on findings.
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Compliance and Safety Oversight:
- Ensure all valve-related maintenance and installations are carried out in full compliance with safety regulations, industry codes (e.g., ASME, API, OSHA), and environmental standards.
- Conduct safety audits and risk assessments for boiler valve systems, ensuring that safety protocols are followed in every maintenance task.
- Lead investigations into valve failures or incidents, ensuring root cause analysis is performed and that corrective measures are implemented to prevent reoccurrence.
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Documentation and Reporting:
- Oversee the preparation of detailed reports on valve inspections, maintenance, repairs, and replacements, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference and regulatory compliance.
- Review and approve all technical documentation related to valve systems, including test results, maintenance logs, and project reports.
- Provide detailed performance reports and progress updates to senior management, including recommendations for system improvements.
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Training and Development:
- Mentor and train junior and mid-level technicians in valve maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety procedures, enhancing their technical skills and knowledge.
- Lead hands-on training sessions on valve technology, best practices for valve maintenance, and safety protocols.
- Support the development of training programs and materials to ensure continuous professional development within the team.
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Continuous Improvement and Innovation:
- Proactively identify opportunities for improvement in valve systems and maintenance processes, recommending and implementing innovative solutions to enhance performance and reduce costs.
- Stay current with emerging valve technologies, industry trends, and best practices to maintain the highest standard of operations.
- Initiate and lead projects to integrate new technologies or methodologies that enhance the efficiency, safety, or environmental impact of the boiler valve systems.
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Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:
- Collaborate with engineering teams, project managers, and external contractors to ensure valve systems are installed, operated, and maintained according to client specifications.
- Act as the primary point of contact for clients and stakeholders regarding valve system performance, troubleshooting, and maintenance needs.
- Provide expert advice and recommendations on valve systems to both internal and external teams, ensuring that clients’ operational needs are met.
Skills and Knowledge Required:
- Extensive technical knowledge of boiler valve systems, including control valves, safety valves, pressure relief valves, and isolation valves.
- Advanced troubleshooting skills for diagnosing and resolving complex valve issues, using modern diagnostic tools and techniques.
- In-depth understanding of valve installation, testing, calibration, and maintenance procedures.
- Knowledge of industry standards and safety regulations related to boiler valve systems (e.g., ASME, API, NEC, OSHA).
- Ability to lead and manage valve-related projects, ensuring timely completion and compliance with budget and quality standards.
- Strong leadership, communication, and mentorship skills to guide junior and mid-level technicians.
- Expertise in predictive maintenance technologies and techniques, including the use of diagnostic tools such as vibration analysis, thermography, and ultrasonic testing.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to maintaining boiler valve systems’ reliability and performance.
Key Focus Areas:
Field Instrumentation: Assist in maintaining and calibrating field devices for accurate process control.
Troubleshooting: Learn basic fault diagnosis and support the resolution of issues in instrumentation systems.
Safety Compliance: Follow safety protocols and participate in training programs to ensure workplace safety.
Skill Development: Gain technical knowledge and experience in oil and gas field operations.
Educational Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent (minimum requirement).
- Certification in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Maintenance, or a related field is highly preferred.
- Specialized certifications in valve maintenance, boiler systems, or mechanical systems are advantageous.
- Further qualifications in leadership, project management, or valve system design would be beneficial.
Experience:
- 7+ years of experience in boiler valve systems maintenance, installation, and troubleshooting in industrial or power plant environments.
- Proven experience in leading valve-related projects and managing teams of technicians.
- In-depth hands-on experience with advanced valve testing and troubleshooting techniques.
- Previous experience in mentoring or training junior staff is a plus.
Tools and Technologies:
- Proficiency with mechanical tools and diagnostic equipment used for valve maintenance (e.g., pressure gauges, flow meters, valve testing equipment).
- Experience with maintenance management software or CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) is beneficial.
- Familiarity with predictive maintenance tools, such as vibration analysis, thermal imaging, and ultrasonic testing equipment.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to work in high-pressure environments and manage critical systems to minimize downtime.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Willingness to work in industrial environments, including field locations and power plants, and adhere to safety standards.
- Flexibility to work overtime or be on-call as needed to address emergency valve-related issues.