5309 - Heating and Boiler Plant Equipment Mechanic

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Federal Occupation Description

Federal Occupation Description

This standard is for use in grading nonsupervisory jobs involved in installing, maintaining, repairing, troubleshooting, and modifying single and multiple fuel heating and power boilers and associated auxiliary and pollution control equipment, hot air furnaces, and similar equipment systems. The systems and equipment provide steam, heat, or hot water for use in the operation of industrial and institutional facilities and equipment. This work requires knowledge of the principles of combustion, heat transfer, and steam and high temperature hot water generation. It also requires the ability to recognize and determine the best method for correcting malfunctions and the skill to install and repair a variety of heat and power producing systems and support equipment.

For job opportunities in this series, go to the Office of Personnel Management USAJOBS website.

Other Federal Occupations

It is not uncommon for individuals in one federal occupational series to perform duties related to another series within the same federal occupational group. To find out about the certifications for another series in the INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE FAMILY, click on that series below. Note that credentials have not yet been identified for all series – links are provided only to those series for which the identification of credentials has been completed. Additional series will be added over time.

The following certifications have been identified as most relevant to the broad duties of this federal occupational series. Please note that these credentials may not reflect all of the unique job functions that you perform within your organization. Also these credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about any credential, click on the credential title below.

Compare Credential Agency Related As GI Bill® Accreditation ID
Certified Safety Professional (CSP) In DemandIs In Demand Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Air Distribution Specialty (Service) Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Heat Pump (Air to Air) Service Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Fluid Power Connector and Conductor (CC) Is Not In Demand International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) someSome    
Pneumatic Mechanic (PM) Is Not In Demand International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) mostMost GI BillGI Bill  
Pneumatic Specialist (PS) Is Not In Demand International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Pneumatic Technician (PT) Is Not In Demand International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Control Systems Technician - Level I (CCST-I) Is Not In Demand International Society of Automation (ISA) someSome    
Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Quality (ASQ) someSome GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (CMRP) In DemandIs In Demand Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) someSome GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) Is Not In Demand Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) mostMost    
Hydronics Gas Specialty (Service) Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) mostMost    
Machine Maintenance Service and Repair Level II - Preventive Maintenance II Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) someSome    
Machine Maintenance Service and Repair Level III - Machine Service and Repair III Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) someSome    
Machine Maintenance Service and Repair Level III - Machine Repair/Rebuilding III Is Not In Demand National Institute for Metalworking Skills, Inc (NIMS) someSome    
Hydronics Oil Service Is Not In Demand North American Technician Excellence (NATE) mostMost    
Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Journeyman Is Not In Demand Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) mostMost    
Plant Maintenance Technologist Class I Is Not In Demand Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) someSome    
Plant Maintenance Technologist Class II Is Not In Demand Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) someSome    
Plant Maintenance Technologist Class III Is Not In Demand Association of Boards of Certification (ABC) someSome    
Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Apprentice Is Not In Demand Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) mostMost    

State Licenses

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Private Sector Occupations

The following civilian private sector occupations are similar to the duties performed by 5309 - Heating and Boiler Plant Equipment Mechanic. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Boilermakers mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Electrical Engineering Technicians someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Electro-Mechanical Technicians mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Electronics Engineering Technicians someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Industrial Machinery Mechanics mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook  Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Maintenance Workers, Machinery someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Mechanical Engineering Technicians someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Top
This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: October 16, 2019
Click here to go to Certified Safety Professional (CSP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP) is an intermediate-level credential for professionals who support workplace safety practices. Candidates are required to have professional experience that includes safety responsibilities. CSPs conduct worksite assessments, determine risk, measure hazards and controls, evaluate risk and hazard control measures, investigate incidents, maintain incident and loss records, and prepare emergency response plans. Candidates are required to hold a bachelor's degree in any field. CSP candidates must meet experiential requirements that relate to the field of workplace safety. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Air Distribution Specialty (Service) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Heat Pump (Air to Air) Service COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

North American Technician Excellence (NATE), Heat Pump (Air to Air) Service is designed for top level service technicians in the HVAC industry. Heat Pump (Air to Air) Service applicants should have knowledge of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems that are limited to 30 tons or less cooling capacity. It is recommended that applicants have two years of field experience working on heat pump systems as a service technician and technical training for theoretical knowledge. To earn the Heat Pump (Air to Air) Service certification, applicants must pass both a Core exam and a Heat Pump (Air to Air) Service exam. Technicians that earn the Heat Pump (Air to Air) Service certification are also awarded Air Conditioning certification and the Air to Air Heat Pump Installation certification. The Heat Pump (Air to Air) Service certification is not intended for the HVAC system designer, sales force, or the engineering community.

Click here to go to Fluid Power Connector and Conductor (CC) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), Fluid Power Connector and Conductor (CC) certification is for professionals in the fluid power and motion control industry who fabricate, assemble, and test hose and assemblies. To earn the CC certification, candidates must pass a written exam and a job performance exam.

Click here to go to Pneumatic Mechanic (PM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), Pneumatic Mechanic (PM) certification is for professionals in the fluid power and motion control industry who fabricate, assemble, test, maintain, and repair systems and components. PMs understand hydraulic symbols, read system schematics, and are skilled in using hand tools, power tools, micrometers, and testing equipment. To earn the PM certification, candidates must pass a written exam and a job performance exam.

Click here to go to Pneumatic Specialist (PS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), Pneumatic Specialist (PS) is for professionals in the fluid power and motion control industry who analyze and design systems, select components, and instruct others in operations and maintenance. To earn the PS certification, candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Pneumatic Technician (PT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), Pneumatic Technician (PT) certification is for professionals in the fluid power and motion control industry who troubleshoot, test, modify systems, and prepare reports. PTs fabricate, assemble, service, maintain and test pneumatic equipment. PTs also calculate force and motion control systems and follow blueprints and schematics with ISO standard pneumatic symbols. To earn the PT certification, candidates must pass a written exam and a job performance exam.

Click here to go to Certified Control Systems Technician - Level I (CCST-I) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

ISA's Certified Control Systems Technician Program (CCST) offers third-party recognition of technicians' knowledge and skills in automation and control. CCSTs calibrate, document, troubleshoot, and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables. CCST certifications are available at three levels, and each level requires the successful completion of an examination. The CCST examination is only one requirement for certification. The candidate must also meet minimum requirements comprised of work experience and education.

Click here to go to Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) tests, calibrates, maintains and repairs electrical, mechanical, electromechanical, analytical and electronic measuring, recording and indicating instruments and equipment for conformance to established standards. Candidate must have five years of on-the-job experience in one or more of the areas of the Certified Calibration Technician Body of Knowledge (If the candidate has completed a degree from a college, university, or technical school with accreditation accepted by ASQ, part of the five-year experience requirement will be waived). Candidate must pass a written examination.

Click here to go to Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (CMRP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (CMRP) is an entry-level certification. The Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) program is designed for certifying the knowledge, skills and experience of M&R professionals. It's more than just committing textbooks to memory; it's a thorough examination of individual expertise measured against a universal standard. It was developed to assess professionals' aptitude within the five (5) pillars of the Maintenance and Reliability Body of Knowledge: Business Management, Equipment Reliability, Manufacturing Process Reliability, Organization and Leadership, and Work Management. There are no educational or experiential requirements to sit for the exam.

Click here to go to Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) is an entry-level certification. CMRT will provide a non-biased, third-party, objective assessment and confirmation of the skills of your industrial maintenance mechanics. CMRT's are responsible for preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance. They perform troubleshooting and analysis, and apply sound maintenance practices in all aspects of their work. CMRTs are multi-skilled individuals whose expertise is primarily mechanical in nature as opposed to instrumentation or electrical. The CMRT exam tests competency and knowledge of specific tasks within four (4) domains: Maintenance Practices, Preventative and Predictive Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Analysis, and Corrective Maintenance. There are no specific education or experience requirements to sit for the exam.

Click here to go to Hydronics Gas Specialty (Service) COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.

Click here to go to Machine Maintenance Service and Repair Level II - Preventive Maintenance II COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Machine Maintenance Service and Repair Level III - Machine Service and Repair III COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Machine Maintenance Service and Repair Level III - Machine Repair/Rebuilding III COOL Snapshot page.

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials are earned by students, trainees, apprentices, employees, and military personnel. By earning NIMS credentials, these individuals demonstrate that their skills meet industry established standards.

Click here to go to Hydronics Oil Service COOL Snapshot page.

The North American Technician Excellence (NATE), Hydronics Oil Service certification is designed for top level service technicians in the HVAC industry. Hydronics Oil Service applicants should have knowledge of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of hot water heating systems. System sizes are limited to 400,000 BTU or less heating capacity. It is recommended that applicants have two years of field experience working on Oil Hydronics systems as a service technician and technical training for theoretical knowledge. To earn the Hydronics Oil Service certification, applicants must pass both a Core exam and a Hydronics Service exam. The certification is not intended for the HVAC system designer, sales force, or the engineering community.

Click here to go to Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Journeyman COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA), Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Journeyman identifies technicians who not only have a broad knowledge of electricity, mechanical and electrical components and the interaction between them, but are proficient in the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of On-Site Power generation systems. Applicants should have a comprehensive knowledge of basic electricity, the functions of a gen-set’s mechanical and electrical components, the interactions and relationships among components and an understanding of various elements of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of gen-sets and On-Site Power generation systems. Applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience as an electrical power generator equipment technician and pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Plant Maintenance Technologist Class I COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Plant Maintenance Technologist Class I is for water and wastewater plant maintenance technologists with knowledge and skills in lubricating, performing readings, conducting rounds, and performing routine preventive maintenance. Plant Maintenance Technologist Class I candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and one year of acceptable maintenance experience in a water or wastewater system. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Plant Maintenance Technologist Class II COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Plant Maintenance Technologist Class II is for water and wastewater plant maintenance technologists with knowledge and skills in tearing down equipment, performing repairs, installing, and reinstalling. Plant Maintenance Technologist Class II candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and three years of acceptable maintenance experience in a water or wastewater system with a minimum of two years performing Class II duties. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Plant Maintenance Technologist Class III COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Association of Boards of Certification (ABC), Plant Maintenance Technologist Class III is for water and wastewater plant maintenance technologists with knowledge and skills in inspecting and managing Class I and II duties and analyzing and performing predictive maintenance. Plant Maintenance Technologist Class III candidates must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent and five years of acceptable maintenance experience in a water or wastewater system with a minimum of two years performing Class III duties. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Apprentice COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Apprentice credential is an entry-level certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge of on-site power generation equipment and systems. The Apprentice level exam provides technical college students, recent graduates, military personnel and other 1st or 2nd-year technicians with proof that the basic skill set has been met. The certification exam is written to assess knowledge that is necessary for proficient job performance. The exam includes questions about electricity and other topics relevant to the field of electrical generator systems.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click here to go to the GI Bill site.

ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Boilermakers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Boilermakers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Electrical Engineering Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Electrical Engineering Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Electro-Mechanical Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Electro-Mechanical Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Electronics Engineering Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Electronics Engineering Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Mechanical Engineering Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Mechanical Engineering Technicians
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Click here for the external link to: My Next Move salary info for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators