PLANT MAINTENANCE ENGINEER I

DEFINITION

This is supervisory work in directing the operations of a maintenance department and heating plant in a small state facility, or assisting in the direction of a maintenance department and heating plant (or HVAC system) in a moderate-to-large facility.

An employee in this class is responsible for the supervision of skilled and semi-skilled employees (or inmates) engaged in the maintenance of physical properties and the operation of heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) and related mechanical equipment. Work may also include acting as the over-all assistant to the chief engineer in a moderate-size facility. In a large facility the employee may be assigned responsibility for a high pressure steam heating plant; a high pressure, high temperature water heating plant; a steam-electric power plant; a total energy electric and steam generating system; or complex electrical heating or HVAC systems. Assignments may be received orally, by written work orders or may be determined by the employee from personal inspections. General supervision is received from an administrative superior or higher level plant maintenance engineer.

Any one position may not involve all of the specified duties or knowledges, skills and abilities, nor are the listed examples exhaustive.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Supervises and inspects the operation and maintenance of a high pressure steam heating plant; a high pressure, high temperature water heating plant; a steam-electric power plant; a total energy electric and steam generating system; or a complex electrical heating or central HVAC systems. Assigns and inspects the work of skilled and semi-skilled employees (or inmates), and personally participates in the more skilled and complex maintenance activities.

Acts as the over-all assistant to the chief engineer in a moderate-size facility, assuming responsibility (as delegated) for heating, air conditioning, building and grounds maintenance work, and central HVAC chilled water system.

Supervises building and plant maintenance work and related repair functions, to insure the most efficient and economical use of personnel, equipment, supplies and energy.

Advises administrative superiors of the feasibility of proposed construction and remodeling projects, and the need for major equipment replacement; provides assistance in the development of capital improvement budget request.

Conducts inspections of assigned areas; plans, schedules and assigns maintenance repair work.

Requisitions supplies and materials as needed and maintains records and prepares reports on the cost of materials used, power produced or consumed, and other similar information.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the operation and maintenance of a high pressure steam heating plant; high pressure, high temperature water heating plant; a total energy electric and steam generating system, or complex electrical heating or central HVAC system.

Considerable knowledge of the mechanical and building trades and skill in the use of a variety of maintenance tools.

Considerable knowledge of occupational hazards pertaining to the mechanical and building trades, including safety precautions relating to the operation of steam heating plants, total energy systems or complex electrical heating or central HVAC systems.

Ability to plan, organize, assign and supervise the work of labor and trade personnel.

Ability to interpret and work from sketches, penciled layouts and blueprints.

Ability to prepare equipment specifications and estimate the costs of materials and equipment.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

(The following entrance requirements are used to admit or reject applicants for merit system examinations, or may be used to evaluate applicants for employment in positions not requiring selection from merit system registers. When applicable, equivalent substitution will be allowed for deficiencies in experience or education.)

Three years experience in one or a combination of the areas described below; including or supplemented by at least one year of supervisory experience in the operation, installation or maintenance of a large high pressure steam heating plant; a high pressure, high temperature water heating plant; a steam-electric power plant; or comparable work involving a large-scale electrical heating or central HVAC system; and possession of a high school diploma or a GED certificate. (An undergraduate degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, or civil engineering with specialization in electrical or mechanical engineering from an accredited college or university may substitute for the required experience.)

AREAS OF QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE

1. Maintenance Supervisor I or comparable work as a general maintenance supervisor with responsibility for carpentry, plumbing, electrical and related mechanical and building maintenance activities.

2. Supervisory experience in a major construction and maintenance trade comparable to that of an Electrician Supervisor, Plumber Supervisor or Carpenter Supervisor; or control foreman responsible for the operation and maintenance of pneumatic, electrical and electronic controls.

3. Construction manager or general supervisor on building construction projects involving institutional, commercial or industrial buildings, multi-unit housing developments or office buildings.

4. Stationary Engineer, Operating Engineer (Total Energy System) or comparable supervisory work in the operation and maintenance of a large high pressure steam heating plant; a high pressure, high temperature water heating plant; and/or a steam-electric power plant; supervisory experience with responsibility for the operation and maintenance of a large-scale electrical heating or central HVAC system.

SPECIAL NOTE:

(Six years of prerequisite experience at a semi-skilled or higher level in the areas of building and plant maintenance, building construction or plant operations must be satisfied before supervisory experience can be considered comparable to that required at these levels)

(Rev. 2/1/89)