Boilermaker

Working Schedule

• Boilermakers usually work full-time, including overtime if a boiler isn’t working right and needs to get back up and running fast. However, contracted work can be intermittent with sporadic downtimes.  

Typical Duties

• Review blueprints and assess the best spot to install a boiler
• Lay out parts and determine any metal bending or cutting requirements
• Carefully assemble tanks using welding or bolting equipment
• Put in prefabricated boilers following manufacturer’s guidelines
• Ensure boilers are working within specifications; perform tests and check for problems
• Keep boilers clean using chemicals and brushes
• Perform routine or as-needed maintenance, and test for leaks
• Fix or swap out any defective parts, using applicable hand or power tools
• Insert bricks or suitable heat-resistant material in fireboxes
• Replace valves, pipes, and joints, if necessary

Additional Responsibilities

• Follow proper maintenance schedules; annotate work logs, if required
• Refer to applicable technical manuals to ensure proper assembly and installation
• Conduct tool and equipment inventories
• Calibrate any necessary testing equipment 
• Practice safety protocols and wear personal protective equipment to avoid injuries and mishaps

Soft Skills

• Analytical
• Attention to detail and standards
• Comfortable in confined spaces
• Coordination
• Critical thinking
• Evaluation and problem-solving skills
• Fast reaction time
• Hand and finger dexterity
• Normal vision
• Observant
• Realistic
• Sound judgement
• Strength (including core and static)
• Teamwork
• Time management 

Technical Skills

• Blueprint reading
• Computer aided design 
• Cutting
• Drafting skills
• Enterprise resource planning 
• Hand signals
• Knots
• Knowledge of mechanical equipment 
• Layout and fabrication
• Rigging
• Tube rolling
• Welding
• Familiarity with tools and equipment such as wrenches, air compressors, manifolds, samplers, hammers, bench vises, bevels, blow torches, bolt cutters, C clamps, calipers, chisels, compasses, drill gauges, drive pins, electrode holders, pliers, fire extinguishers, forklifts, gas welding, girder trolleys, hacksaws, hex keys, hoists, jacks, ladders, lasers, level sensors, mill saw files, milling machines, nibblers, multi gas monitors, pipe cutters, plasma arc welding machines, platform lifts, power buffers, pressure indicators, pry bars, punches, putty knives, resin guns, scribers, shackles, shears, slings, socket sets, tape measures, and many more

• Metal product manufacturing    
• Building construction    
• Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning service providers
• Utility system construction    

Boilers are built to last, but always require maintenance and repair services from highly-trained workers. Boilermakers are expected to be masters of their craft, able to come in and get the job done right, whether it's putting in new boilers or taking care of older ones. Boilers operate under intense pressure and can be dangerous if not properly assembled and managed. Some have been in operation for decades, requiring extra attention to ensure they’re still safe to run. 

Because of the plethora of hand and power tools used to perform boiler work, Boilermakers must expect, and take precautions against, multiple workplace hazards. Attention to detail is crucial at all times, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) should always be worn to help mitigate injury. All assembly, maintenance, and repair procedures should be correctly followed and safety standards complied with, because Boilermakers have to protect themselves, their co-workers, and naturally anyone working inside a building or area where a boiler is running. 

Boilers can cost thousands of dollars, so sometimes a business will opt to repair versus replace an older one, depending on their own financial situation. A turbulent economy can impact these decisions, leading to less new boilers being purchased, and thus less work for Boilermakers. There’s always a need for maintenance and repair, but that doesn’t always add up to full-time work, especially for contractors. 

Global Market Insights remains optimistic that “rising industrialization along with surging investments toward the expansion of existing manufacturing facilities will create significant market opportunities for...boiler manufacturers.” They also cited trends in refinery expansion, non-condensing heating tech, and growing demand for processed foods, all of which should positively impact the sector and spur job creation! 

Boilermakers aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty! They likely always enjoyed working on projects, putting things together piece-by-piece then testing them to make sure they worked. They’re builders and tinkerers who are safety-conscious and take the time to perform tasks correctly. They might have been given responsibilities early on as children, or may’ve had limited resources to work with, making them eager to take precious care of what they’d been given. People in this field can be extroverted, so while they’re at ease working alone they’re also great with teams. They tend to have a very practical streak and solid work ethic, traits they could have developed when growing up.