BOILERMAKER (3808)

Classification Series 3808 (knowing the series number can be useful when searching for a specific occupation in USAJOBS.com under the advanced search tab) Also available through the NNSY Apprenticeship Program see Apprenticeship Tab

What would I be DOING in this OCCUPATION?

The Norfolk Naval Shipyard Boilermaking shop handles many various types of metal forming and pressure related tasks. This occupation includes jobs involved in the modification, fabrication, repair, assembly, and installation of boilers, tanks, condensers, uptakes, stacks, other pressure vessels, and similar structures of heavy gauge metal plate.

What QUALIFICATIONS do I need? Some positions require:
Nuclear: current nuclear qualifications and experience or Non-nuclear: experience not requiring nuclear qualifications

What if I want to be an INSPECTOR?
Some positions require nuclear experience.

[The following informaiton was featured in Service to the Fleet a Publication of Norfolk Naval Shipyard:

   Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) is the last of the four naval shipyards to still house the boilermaker craft. As one of the smallest shops in the yard, Shop 41 has 104 boilermakers; they perform work both here and travel extensively to assist the other yards. As premier craftsmen, boilermakers have, throughout time, not only built boilers which generate steam; but also influenced the nation’s economy, social infrastructure and military readiness.

   The profession of boilermaker dates back to the 1800’s. Their relevance greatly advanced during the Industrial Revolution when the need for steam, which began with the railroad, was in demand. As industry advanced it was only natural this unique craft would take a major role in naval shipbuilding.

   Although NNSY no longer builds ships, the need for boilermakers remains. According to Shop 41 Resource Manager Andrew “Radio” Friesen, a boilermaker must be a jack of all trades. Because of their expertise in fabricating heavy steel plates, a boilermaker can also perform the work of such trades as a sheetmetalist or ironworker—in fact, their ability to bend metal is unmatched.

   Boilers not only help move ships, but they also have a long life-span; some can last up to 50 years. Because of this, boilermakers must maintain and upgrade things such as boiler tubes, heating elements and ductwork. They also do things such as clean vats (large containers used to hold liquids), repair defective parts using welding equipment, and inspect fittings and check valves just to name a few ...]

What if I ALREADY work at the SHIPYARD and want to get PROMOTED?

   An employee is never locked in the order of progression of the grade levels shown below for this career path. An employee may move between jobs/series shown for this position in addition to other Wage Grade and or General Schedule jobs/series. The shipyard does offer some training and continuing education benefits but must be requested through an employee’s individual department.

   For example: A journeyman mechanic may move to trade Leader or trade Supervisor I or to Inspector and then to trade Supervisor I or Inspector Supervisor I; or a trade Leader may move to GS-1910-09 Quality Assurance Specialist and then to trade Supervisor I or GS-1910-11 Quality Assurance Specialist or GS-1601-11 Mechanical Project Zone Manager.

GENERAL SCHEDULE POSITIONS 

Experience gained in this career path may be qualifying for some General Schedule positions,including, but not limited to, positions in the following series:

• Engineering Technician GS-802
• Production Control GS-1152
• Physical Science Technician GS-1311
• General Facilities and Equipment GS-1601
• Training Instruction GS-1712
• Quality Assurance GS-1910

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

For more information about boilermaking apprenticeships or other training opportunities, contact local offices of the unions previously mentioned, local construction companies and boiler manufacturers, or the local office of your State employment service. You can also find information on the registered apprenticeships together with links to State apprenticeship programs on the U.S. Department of Labor's web site: http://www.doleta.gov/OA/eta_default.cfm. Apprenticeship information is also available from the U.S. Department of Labor's toll free helpline: (877) 872-5627.

For information on apprenticeships and the boilermaking occupation, contact:

·         International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers, and Helpers, 753 State Ave., Suite 570, Kansas City, KS 66101. Internet: http://www.boilermakers.org

For general information on apprenticeships and how to get them, see the Occupational Outlook Quarterly article “Apprenticeships: Career training, credentials—and a paycheck in your pocket,” online at http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2002/summer/art01.pdf and in print at many libraries and career centers.

BOILERMAKER (3808)

NUCLEAR SHIPBUILDING INSPECTOR GENERAL FOREMAN/SUPERVISOR II,

WS-4701-18

SHIPS NUCLEAR FLUID MECHANICAL SYSTEMS INSPECTOR

FOREMAN/SUPERVISOR I, WS-4701-14

SHIPS SYSTEMS INSPECTOR FOREMAN/SUPERVISOR I, WS-4701-12

BOILERMAKER FOREMAN/SUPERVISOR I, WS-10

NUCLEAR MECHANICAL SYSTEMS INSPECTOR (SHIPS) LEADER, WL-4701-14

SHIPS STRUCTURAL REPAIR INSPECTOR LEADER, WL-3801-13

PRODUCTION SHOP PLANNER (BOILERMAKER), WD-06

NUCLEAR MECHANICAL SYSTEMS INSPECTOR (SHIPS), WG-4701-15

SHIPS STRUCTURAL REPAIR INSPECTOR, WG-3801-13

BOILERMAKER LEADER, WL-10

BOILERMAKER, WG-10

BOILERMAKING WORKER, WG-08