Boiler Operator

Role Overview

This role keeps the plant's steam supply running so the carton and paper packaging lines never come to a standstill. Working from the boiler house, you will run, monitor, and carry out routine upkeep on industrial steam boilers and the equipment that supports them — burners, feed-water and condensate systems, softeners, and chemical dosing. Because an unplanned boiler trip can stop production and create genuine safety exposure, the person in this seat is relied on to catch problems early, follow procedures exactly, and keep steam flowing steadily and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Run the factory boiler to deliver a continuous, reliable supply of steam to production, adjusting controls to hold output steady while keeping fuel use efficient.
• Watch pressure, temperature, water level, steam output, and fuel consumption readings, and act promptly when anything drifts outside normal operating ranges.
• Carry out scheduled inspections of burners, pumps, valves, gauges, water treatment equipment, and condensate return lines, along with routine cleaning and basic servicing of boiler equipment.
• Start up, shut down, and isolate the boiler in line with approved operating procedures.
• Test boiler water at regular intervals and maintain correct treatment parameters, including checks on softeners, chemical dosing systems, and feed-water quality.
• Record operating data, fuel usage, water treatment results, faults, and maintenance activity in the boiler logbooks, and report defects or unsafe conditions to the supervisor without delay.
• Coordinate with maintenance and production colleagues during breakdowns, planned servicing, and statutory inspections and testing of boiler equipment.
• Uphold boiler safety, occupational health and safety, and environmental requirements, and keep the boiler room and surrounding work areas clean and well organised.

Requirements & Qualifications

• KCSE or equivalent. A certificate or diploma in boiler operations, mechanical engineering, plant operations, electrical/mechanical engineering, or a related technical field is preferred.
• A valid boiler operator certification or licence as required by applicable regulations.
• Minimum 2–3 years of hands-on experience operating industrial boilers in a manufacturing environment.
• Practical knowledge of boiler water treatment, feed-water systems, and routine boiler safety checks.
• Previous work in a carton, corrugated, paper, packaging, printing, or other process manufacturing factory will be strongly considered.
• Experience with HFO-fired, diesel-fired, biomass, or other industrial steam boilers is an added advantage.
• Sound mechanical troubleshooting skills and the ability to recognise and respond to abnormal boiler conditions.
• A safety-conscious, disciplined approach to work, with strong attention to detail and adherence to operating procedures.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure, communicate clearly, and cooperate with team members across shifts.
• Accurate record-keeping habits and comfort maintaining operational logbooks.