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Occupation AtlasStationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

O*NET · 51-8021.00

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.

Also called AC Engineer · Air Compressor Engineer · Air Compressor Operator · Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer) · Air Plant Engineer · Auxiliary Operator · Blowing Engineer · Boiler Engineer
72 more

Boiler Fireman · Boiler Operator · Boiler Plant Equipment Mechanic · Boiler Plant Operator · Boiler Room Operator · Boiler Service Tech · Boiler Service Technician (Boiler Service Tech) · Boiler Tech · Boiler Technician (Boiler Tech) · Breaker Engineer · Byproduct Engineer · Compressor Operator · Cooling System Operator · Cooling Tower Operator · Diesel Stationary Engineer · Engineer · Engineman · Exhaust Worker · Exhauster Engineer · Fan Engine Engineer · Fan Runner · Gas Engine Operator · Heating and Ventilating Worker · Heating Operators Engineer · High Pressure Boiler Operator · Humidifier Attendant · HVAC Mechanic Boiler Operator · HVAC Mechanic Boiler Operator (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic Boiler Operator) · Low Pressure Boiler Operator · Low Pressure Boiler Tender · Low Pressure Firer · Marine Firer · Oiler and Watertender Fireman · Operating Engineer · Operating Power Plant Combustion Engineer · Operator · Plant Engineer · Plant Utilities Engineer · Plugman · Power House Attendant · Power House Engineer · Power House Stationary Engineer · Power House Tender · Power Operator · Power Station Operator · Pump House Engineer · Pump House Operator · Pumping Station Engineer · Recovery Boiler Operator · Refrigerating Engineer · Refrigeration Engineer · Retort Firer · Stationary Boiler Fireman · Stationary Engineer · Stationary Fireman · Stationary Steam Engineer · Steam Boiler Fireman · Steam Engineer · Steam Plant Operator · Steam Turbine Operator · Tank Farm Operator · Thermal Systems Engineer · Turbine Operator · Turbo Electric Operator · Turbo Operator · Utilities Manager · Utilities Operator · Ventilation Worker · Watch Engine Operator · Watch Engineer · Water Pump Operator · Water Pumper

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional4.40
  • I Investigative3.16
  • E Enterprising1.22
  • S Social1.10
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent38%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate47%
  • Some College Courses5%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (24%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (51%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (41%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Repairing3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Replace a faulty hydraulic valve
  • Equipment Maintenance3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Troubleshooting3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the circuit causing an electrical system to fail
  • Active Listeningbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Quality Control Analysis3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
  • Active Learningbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Coordination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
Show the other 23
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Speakingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Systems Evaluation2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
  • Writingbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Instructing2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Systems Analysis2.63.1Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Equipment Selection2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Persuasion2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Negotiation2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Sciencebasic2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Mathematicsbasic2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Service Orientation2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Installation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Install a new air filter in an air conditioner
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operations Analysis1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Financial Resources1.50.5
  • Technology Design1.50.5
  • Programming1.40.4

Tasks

20 core · 5 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, or air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.4.4
  2. Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners.4.4
  3. Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.4.4
  4. Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.4.3
  5. Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.4.3
  6. Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.4.3
  7. Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.4.3
  8. Monitor and inspect equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, safety devices, and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely.4.2
  9. Switch from automatic to manual controls and isolate equipment mechanically and electrically to allow for safe inspection and repair work.4.2
  10. Adjust controls and/or valves on equipment to provide power, and to regulate and set operations of system or industrial processes.4.1
  11. Clean and lubricate boilers and auxiliary equipment and make minor adjustments as needed, using hand tools.4.1
  12. Perform or arrange for repairs, such as complete overhauls, replacement of defective valves, gaskets, or bearings, or fabrication of new parts.4.1
Show the other 13
  1. Develop operation, safety, and maintenance procedures or assist in their development.4.0
  2. Weigh, measure, and record fuel used.3.9
  3. Contact equipment manufacturers or appropriate specialists when necessary to resolve equipment problems.3.9
  4. Test electrical systems to determine voltages, using voltage meters.3.9
  5. Install burners and auxiliary equipment, using hand tools.3.8
  6. Receive instructions from steam engineers regarding steam plant and air compressor operations.3.8
  7. Check the air quality of ventilation systems and make adjustments to ensure compliance with mandated safety codes.3.7
  8. Provide assistance to plumbers in repairing or replacing water, sewer, or waste lines, and in daily maintenance activities.3.5
  9. Fire coal furnaces by hand or with stokers and gas- or oil-fed boilers, using automatic gas feeds or oil pumps.4.3
  10. Supervise the work of assistant stationary engineers, turbine operators, boiler tenders, or air conditioning and refrigeration operators and mechanics.4.2
  11. Investigate and report on accidents.4.0
  12. Operate mechanical hoppers and provide assistance in their adjustment and repair.3.8
  13. Ignite fuel in burners, using torches or flames.3.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical4.14.9Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Chemistry3.44.4Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Public Safety and Security3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Engineering and Technology3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Physics3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Computers and Electronics3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • English Language3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Mathematics3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
Show all 33
  • Production and Processing3.12.8
  • Building and Construction3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Administration and Management2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Education and Training2.73.6Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Design2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Law and Government2.62.6
  • Administrative2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Communications and Media2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Telecommunications2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Transportation2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.01.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Psychology1.92.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Biology1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Geography1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Customer and Personal Service1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Economics and Accounting1.6—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.5—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • Food Production1.2—
  • Sales and Marketing1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Foreign Language1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.93.6
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Oral Comprehension3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.53.5Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information Ordering3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Perceptual Speed3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
Show all 52
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Auditory Attention3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Category Flexibility3.13.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Control Precision3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Finger Dexterity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Manual Dexterity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb Coordination3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Reaction Time3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Selective Attention3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Written Comprehension3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Speech Clarity3.02.9
  • Speech Recognition3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Written Expression3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Flexibility of Closure2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Visualization2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Static Strength2.82.8
  • Time Sharing2.82.6Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.9
  • Fluency of Ideas2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Extent Flexibility2.52.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Response Orientation2.52.4Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Trunk Strength2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Depth Perception2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Originality2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Rate Control2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Speed of Closure2.42.3Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Memorization2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Dynamic Strength2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Coordination2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Peripheral Vision2.11.5Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Spatial Orientation2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Stamina2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Glare Sensitivity2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Sound Localization2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Explosive Strength1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.61.3Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Night Vision1.50.5
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.54.8Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment4.45.2Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.34.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.25.3Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Getting Information4.13.8Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
Show all 41
  • Processing Information4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.73.5Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.75.0Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Working with Computers3.73.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.65.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Thinking Creatively3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Training and Teaching Others3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Developing and Building Teams3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.24.1Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.83.5Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.52.9
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.22.1Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Telephone Conversations4.8
  • Contact With Others4.7
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.7
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.7
  • E-Mail4.6
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.6
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled4.6
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.5
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions4.3

Technology

15 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (7)

  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software
Other tools (8)
  • Building management system software
  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • Database software
  • Email software
  • Graphics software
  • Operational Data Store ODS software
  • Statistical software
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Power Plant Operators
  2. Biomass Plant Technicians
  3. Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
  4. Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
  5. Mechanical Engineers
  6. Geothermal Technicians
  7. Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
  8. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
  9. Gas Plant Operators
  10. Power Distributors and Dispatchers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.