PLANT MAINTENANCE ENGINEER III

DEFINITION

This is technical administrative work as the chief engineer of a large facility in directing the operations of the maintenance department and heating plant (or HVAC) systems.

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 in a large facility. The work of this class is normally distinguished from the next lower level by the additional size and complexity of the physical plant. Work includes responsibility for landscaping and care of grounds, general maintenance of building and distribution lines and operation and maintenance of all heating, refrigeration, air conditioning, power plant and auxiliary mechanical equipment. Supervision is exercised over a large number of labor and trade employees (or inmates) through subordinate supervisory personnel. Special projects or problems are discussed with and reviewed by an administrative superior, leaving the employee considerable latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative in overall plant maintenance operations.

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

Through subordinate supervisors and in person, directs and evaluates all building and plant maintenance operations in a large state facility.

Directs (through subordinate supervisors) and inspects the operation and maintenance of a large high pressure steam heating plant; a high pressure, high temperature water heating plant; a steam-electric power plant; total energy electric and steam generating system, or a complex electrical heating or central HVAC and chilled water systems. Reviews the work of Stationary Engineers, Operating Engineers (TES); Steam Fireman, Power Plant Mechanics and Refrigeration Mechanics; determines the efficiency of operation through observation and analysis of reports; participates in special or complex maintenance or equipment installation projects.

Directs and inspects the operation and maintenance of auxiliary mechanical equipment in the facility, including a central HVAC chilled water system, refrigeration equipment, pumps, motors, fans and complex controls; examines boiler or condenser tubes for overall performance of operations and repairs.

Directs and inspects the work of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled employees (or inmates) engaged in building and grounds maintenance and repair work; may personally participate in complex or special work projects.

Develops and directs the implementation of a comprehensive preventive maintenance program.

Advises administrative superiors of the feasibility of proposed construction and remodeling projects, and the need for major equipment replacement; assists in developing capital improvement budget requests.

Approves requisitions for maintenance and power plant supplies and equipment; estimates needs; conducts inspections; prepares periodic studies and reports personnel, equipment, supplies and energy costs; evaluates the cost of peak energy usage for lowered operating costs.

Advises administrative superior in regard to advancements in the construction and maintenance field and assists in the selection of equipment and supplies best suited to the needs of the facility.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

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

Extensive knowledge of modern methods, techniques and equipment used in building and mechanical maintenance activities.

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

Considerable knowledge of underwriters, codes, safety laws and regulations, and methods of prevention and control of fires.

Ability to make detailed plans for repairs, alterations and limited additions to the physical plant of a large facility.

Ability to plan and direct the work of subordinate supervisors and large numbers of skilled and semi-skilled workers (or inmates).

Ability to develop and direct the implementation of a comprehensive preventive maintenance program.

Ability to maintain production, cost and other records and make necessary reports to insure the most efficient and economical use of personnel, equipment, supplies and energy.

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.

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.)

Two years of experience as a Plant Maintenance Engineer II under the Missouri Merit System.

OR

Five years of large-scale supervisory experience in the building construction or maintenance trade (comparable to that of a general construction foreman, Maintenance Supervisor II, or higher-level position) with responsibility for carpentry, plumbing, electrical and related building or plant maintenance work, including or supplemented by two years of supervisory experience involving responsibility for 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 supervisory 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 a maximum of one year of large-scale supervisory experience.)

SPECIAL NOTE:

Six years of prerequisite experience at a semi-skilled or higher level including one year in a supervisory capacity 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 this level.

(Rev. 2/1/89)