Plant Operating Engineer

Overview

The Plant Operating Engineer is responsible for completing basically mechanical oriented projects involved in plant operations.

Responsibilities

• Prepares, fires, repairs and operates gas fired, oil fired, coal fired and/or dual fuel boilers to meet ASME and ANSI codes.

• Controls generation of a continuous supply of steam for heating hospital and related buildings, supplying power to machinery and auxiliary equipment, and sterilizing equipment.

• Tours boiler room to observe boilers, their appurtenances and other operating equipment to ensure operations are in accordance with specified instructions.

• Assures that all boiler room and related steam generation equipment are operating normally.

• Ensures proper pressures and temperatures are developed and maintained.

• Ensures water in boilers is maintained at proper levels.

• Ensures combustion requirements for efficient and economical operation are met.

• Maintains boiler room areas in a clean and orderly condition.

• Inspects, repairs, and maintains boiler area equipment including pumps, coal conveyors, boilers, water heaters, valves, traps, and related equipment.

• Makes entries in boiler room and mechanical area logs documenting machinery operations and important daily activities.

• Accurately, neatly, legibly, and completely records all required log information.

• Performs boiler, chiller, and heating water chemical tests.

• Adjusts chemical feeding solutions based on testing results.

• Tours the entire facility grounds and mechanical areas to perform fire and safety inspections.

• Observes operations and records specified data.

• Makes adjustments to heating and cooling controls as needed.

• Adjusts, cleans, or replaces belts, strainers, and related components to ensure normal equipment operation.

• Inspects oxygen supply systems, records required data, and notifies approved sources when additional oxygen or repairs are needed.

• Connects oxygen cylinders to emergency supply systems when required.

• Locks and unlocks interior and exterior doors for security purposes.

• Operates exterior lighting systems as programmed.

• Inspects, operates, and records data for sewage lift stations, sewage plants, flood wall pumps, and related equipment.

• Operates, tests, and documents emergency power systems according to established schedules.

• Performs basic maintenance and adjustments on emergency power systems.

• Performs startup procedures for plant equipment following normal power failures.

• May perform minor repairs to patient-related equipment including wheelchairs, beds, nursing call systems, oxygen and medical gas systems, and other patient room equipment.

• Completes preventive maintenance assignments within the scope of training.

• Remains alert to indications of faulty operation or equipment malfunction.

• Ensures all safety precautions are observed.

• Maintains familiarity with the location and operation of fire detection systems.

• Performs assigned tasks using hand and power tools according to written or verbal instructions.

• Completes service requests, work requests, and project forms, including documentation of start and completion times and materials used.

• Selects stock, tools, and supplies required for assigned tasks.

• Stores stock, tools, and supplies in assigned locations.

• Advises and monitors stock levels of materials needed for efficient operation of plant and building equipment.

• Maintains current knowledge of applicable fire, safety, and boiler operation codes.

• Notifies supervisor when major repairs or additional assistance are required.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.

Experience

• Must have a background in the electrical/mechanical or plant operations field which includes either:

• One (1) year of training in a technical school in the electrical/mechanical or plant operations field and one (1) year of experience; OR

• Three (3) years of documented experience from previous employer(s) performing electrical/mechanical or plant operator duties.

• Six (6) months to one (1) year of on-the-job training is required to attain proficiency in the performance of assigned duties.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems.

• Knowledge of plant operations and maintenance procedures.

• Ability to operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain facility equipment.

• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions.

• Ability to safely use hand and power tools.

• Ability to maintain accurate logs, records, and documentation.

• Ability to recognize equipment malfunctions and respond appropriately.

• Knowledge of fire and safety procedures and regulations.

• Ability to work independently and respond to emergency situations when necessary.

• Strong problem-solving and mechanical aptitude skills.