Plant Operating Engineer

About the Role

The Plant Operating Engineer is responsible for 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 operation aligns with specified instructions.
• Ensures all boiler room and related steam generation equipment operates normally, maintaining proper pressures, temperatures, water levels, and combustion efficiency; keeps boiler room clean and orderly.
• Inspects, repairs, and maintains boiler area equipment such as pumps, coal conveyors, boilers, water heaters, valves, traps, and related equipment.
• Makes accurate, legible, and complete log entries in boiler room and mechanical area logs, documenting daily operations and activities.
• Prepares boiler, chilled water, and heating water chemical tests; adjusts feeding solutions to proper amounts based on test results.
• Tours facility grounds and mechanical areas for fire and safety checks, observes operations, and records specified data.
• Adjusts, cleans, or replaces items such as belts and strainers to ensure normal operation of heating and cooling controls.
• Inspects oxygen supply system, records data, and notifies approved sources in case of malfunction or need for additional oxygen; connects oxygen cylinders to emergency supply system.
• Locks and unlocks interior and exterior doors for security and operates exterior lighting as programmed.
• Inspects and records data on sewage lift stations, sewage plants, flood wall pumps, and related equipment.
• Operates, tests, and logs emergency power system(s) on schedule; performs basic maintenance or adjustments as required.
• Performs start-up of plant equipment following normal power failures.
• Performs minor repairs to patient-related equipment such as wheelchairs, beds, nursing call systems, oxygen and medical gas systems, and other patient room equipment.
• Completes preventive maintenance assignments within the scope of specific training.
• Remains alert to indications of faulty operation or malfunction of equipment; ensures all safety precautions are observed and is familiar with fire detection system(s).
• Performs assigned tasks with hand or power tools in accordance with written or oral instructions.
• Completes service requests, work requests, and project forms, documenting time, date, and materials used.
• Selects stock, tools, and supplies for assigned tasks; stores them in assigned locations.
• Advises and monitors stock levels of materials for efficient operation of plant and building equipment.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of applicable fire, safety, and plant boiler operation codes.
• Notifies supervisor when major repairs or assistance are required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Background in electrical/mechanical or plant operators field, including either:
  • One (1) year of training in a technical school in the electrical/mechanical or plant operators field and one (1) year of experience; or
  • Three (3) years of documented experience performing electrical/mechanical or plant operators duties.
• Six (6) months to one (1) year of on-the-job training required to attain proficiency in assigned duties.