Second Class Power Plant Engineer

Job no: 523882
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Utility Power Plant
Union: AFSCME
Categories: Facilities/Grounds, Skilled Labor

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The incumbent performs numerous operations and maintenance tasks and leads others in the safe and efficient operation of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Power Plant, meeting all environmental and safety requirements. Works under the direction and supervision of the Power Plant Manager and Power Plant Assistant Plant Manager.

Essential Functions

• Oversees and provides guidance on all Power Plant operations, including startup and shutdown of main plant components and auxiliaries assuring that electrical and steam generation is maintained in a safe and reliable manner.
• Performs control room operator duties as necessary to operate a gas and oil-fired power plant with gas turbines, boilers, and associated balance of plant equipment.
• Direct functional supervision of Power Plant Operator assigned to their shift. Assists in the orientation, training, and development of Power Plant Operators. Assigns, monitors, and assures high work quality of the Power Plant Operator assigned to operating shift.
• Complies with and ensures that all site safety requirements and procedures are properly implemented and consistently observed.
• Monitors Power Plant emissions levels and operates the Power Plant within permitted limits.
• Identifies safety hazards and takes corrective actions as necessary.
• Maintains accurate and neat shift operating logs, reports, and records.
• Assists the Assistant Plant Manager with reporting requirements.
• Performs routine chemical testing.
• Opens and closes valves and adjusts controls to regulate flows of operating fluids.
• Reads and records gauges and meters.
• Responsible for the safe receiving, handling, and storage of ammonia, water treatment chemicals, and fuel oil.
• Assists in developing standard procedures for operations and maintenance.
• Maintains central control of the lock out/tag out logbook, lock boxes, and keys.
• Understands and utilizes the Power Plant computerized maintenance management system.
• Performs basic electrical and mechanical inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks under the direction of Management when assigned.
• Executes work orders.
• Understands, is committed to, and supports non-discrimination goals.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties necessary to fulfill plant requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Possession of a Second-Class Stationary Engineer's license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety pursuant to Chapter 146 of the Massachusetts General Laws required.
• Knowledge of Power Plant mechanical and electrical equipment, including motors, pumps, turbine generators,) boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, cooling towers, pollution control equipment, AC and DC electrical distribution and control systems, etc., and associated maintenance functions.
• Knowledge of Power Plant safety policies and procedures, especially in the areas of high-energy systems, chemical handling, heavy equipment, rotating machinery, confined spaces, fire suppression, and first aid.
• Thorough understanding of the water treatment process. Working knowledge of the impact of water treatment requirements on overall plant operations.
• Knowledge of and experience in at least four (4) of the following skill areas: pipefitting, welding, machining, rigging, rotating machine repair, fabrication, machine alignment, piping schematics, mechanical drawings, electrical theory, electrical safety, vibration analysis, electrical test equipment, basic electrical trouble-shooting, and high- and low- voltage systems, equipment, and components.
• Demonstrated ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with Power Plants.
• Ability to use basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, and basic rigging equipment such as winches, hoists, and slings.
• Ability to comprehend and apply technical information, including mechanical and electrical drawings (such as blueprints, P&IDs, single-line diagrams, and schematics), to problem-solving situations and troubleshooting.
• Ability to locate, trouble-shoot, and adjust defects in mechanical equipment and/or maintain, install, modify and trouble-shoot plant electrical systems and equipment (even while on-line) without "tripping" equipment (with supervision, if necessary).
• Ability to read and write effectively in English and to do basic mathematics.
• Ability to communicate and coordinate work on technical subjects with other Power Plant personnel and with outside vendors.
• Ability to operate and maintain various analytical and test equipment.
• Outstanding skills in leadership and interpersonal relationships.
• A basic working knowledge of windows-based software programs.
• General knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems.
• General knowledge of emissions control and monitoring equipment.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Five (5) years of Power Plant experience in operations and/or maintenance; control room operator qualification preferred.
• Experience with gas turbine operations preferred.
• High school diploma preferred.

Physical Demands/ Working Conditions

Ability to balance, carry, push/pull, stand, bend, climb, reach, twist, lift, and perform repetitive motion. Will be exposed to inherent Power Plant conditions. Must be able to use ladders and industrial trucks and must be physically fit to perform heavy work.

Work Schedule

Must work rotating shifts, including weekends.

Additional Details

• Possession of a Grade 2-1 full active or higher Certificate of Competency issued by the Massachusetts Board of Certifications of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities pursuant to the Code of Massachusetts Regulations 257 CMR 2.00. Individuals must obtain this qualification within the first year of employment.
• This position is essential. This includes the obligation to work overtime, to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed, and to report to work during any delays, early departures, and closures. The incumbent is responsible for updating the service desk with current phone number.

Salary Information.

Grade 26; special recruitment rate: step 6.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Jun 27 2024 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 27 2024 Eastern Daylight Time