Boiler Operator (10 Ton)

A well-established manufacturing operation in Greylingstad is seeking a reliable and safety-conscious Boiler Operator to join its production team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a 10-ton coal-fired boiler, ensuring uninterrupted steam supply to production while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, housekeeping, and compliance.

Duties & Responsibilities

Operations

• Be able to start up boiler fire properly.
• Monitor water holding JoJo tanks hourly and keep them full of water at all times.
• Monitor low level water alarm on your hotwell tank.
• Complete daily boiler maintenance checklist and ensure supervisor signed it after completion.
• Adjust coal bed as and when required.
• Close valves and stop supply of steam to production when boiler is not running for minimum 30 minutes due to power outage or breakdown and maintain steam.
• Change the use of coal screw conveyor weekly with the standby screw conveyor.
• Keep coal water bath clean and at right level all the time.
• Keep boiler drains clean all the time.
• Change the use of boiler water pump weekly with the standby pump.
• Ensure safety by monitoring safety equipment, identifying potential issues and taking appropriate steps to suspend the operation with consultation with your shift supervisor/maintenance team.
• Maintain steam pressure for production operation as per steam demand for processing.
• Continuously communicate with the production operator on steam demand hourly.
• Monitor and control boiler performance and settings by reading gauges, meters and charts to track boiler operation.
• Monitor boiler water and chemicals and coal levels hourly.
• Maintain the housekeeping of boiler room/area all the time.
• Monitor your stocker movement every hour to ensure it is still aligned on its path.
• Receive delivery of coal and inspect whether it complies with Grade A pea size specifications without excessive duff/loose powder before tipping.
• Inform your shift supervisor if coal delivered is out of specification.
• Keep your coal bund pit full at all times.
• Report low coal levels to your shift supervisor for ordering.
• Ensure sufficient coal stock is available to last at least two days.
• Grease boiler components that require greasing. If unsure, ask the maintenance team to show you the greasing points.
• Update log sheet/book hourly.
• Perform soot blowing.
• Blow down the boilers as instructed by the guideline to remove impurities.
• Monitor water level and temperature in the hotwell tank hourly.
• Continuously check blowdown valve to avoid blockages.
• Ensure water treatment and sampling is conducted to prevent boiler damage.
• Trim coal and remove ash from grit arrester.
• Remove ash trolley as and when required.
• Clean the brine tank and water filter.
• Clean grit collector.
• Ensure plant equipment hygiene is of top quality.
• Ensure compliance with AEL licence requirements under the boiler section.
• Provide a written handover to the next shift.
• Follow the boiler operating procedure by conducting blowdowns, doing TDS tests and recording results during your shift.
• Ensure boiler softener system is working correctly.
• Keep all boilers clean and shiny.
• Clean boiler tubes after every three months.
• Ensure Mobrey automatic water level controller is functioning correctly. If not, report to your shift supervisor and maintenance team.
• Be able to bank the fire.
• Replace broken links and rods on your stocker.

Quality

• Ensure coal received complies with Grade A pea size specifications.

Policy

• Ensure you follow and apply company policies in your work area.

Safety

• Ensure you use the correct PPE provided.
• Use safety harnesses when working at height.
• Apply Health and Safety Regulations inside the boiler house.

Desired Experience & Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and work within a team.
• Strong work ethic.
• Willingness to work overtime and accept off-shift assignments.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Good communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure.

Important Notes

• Candidates must be willing to relocate to Greylingstad (Nthorwane), Mpumalanga.
• Applicants residing in Johannesburg or other metropolitan areas who intend to commute will not be considered.
• The role requires shift work (07:00 – 19:00 on a rotational basis), making daily commuting impractical.
• A guaranteed 13th cheque is included.
• Performance-based bonuses are awarded based on individual performance and achievement of KPIs.