Chief Stationary Engineer

Posting number: 26-N97-A

Department: Facilities Department

Division: Building Operations

Job classification: Chief Stationary Engineer

Posting type: Open

Categories: Building Maintenance, Facility Management

Summary

Under direction, to plan, organize, coordinate, evaluate, and supervise the work center of plant operations and direct personnel engaged in plant maintenance and building equipment services activities that include the major central plant type HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and utility systems for maintenance and repair.

Examples of duties

• Plans, coordinates, and supervises the activities of personnel engaged in plant maintenance and building equipment services within County facilities, but are not limited to the operation of plant equipment including pumps, motors, chemical feeders and filters to control the quality of water distributed for domestic use and water analysis to maintain water quality and proper chemical dosage in process systems;
• Interviews, trains, hires, and evaluates performance of subordinate staff;
• Manages, inspects, and reviews work orders and completed work;
• Reviews and evaluates plant performance utilizing the building automation system and alarm management system to ensure compliance with Federal and State standards, and reviews plant modification plans prepared by others and make recommendations to appropriate managerial personnel;
• Reviews all plant operating logs and prepares required operational reports;
• Evaluates and advises the building automation system performance to utilize the most recent technology and market research;
• Communicates with departmental personnel, regulatory agencies, outside vendors, other organizations, and the public regarding operation and maintenance activities of the water treatment plants;
• Provides technical expertise, identifies potential problems with work plans, participates in estimating guidelines, and gives feedback;
• Monitors and makes recommendations regarding employee training and safety, workplace safety, and environmental safety program requirements to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and regulations;
• Oversees and monitors the operation and maintenance of boilers and related industrial, hospital, and kitchen equipment located in County buildings;
• Develops and executes operational procedures for building equipment and stationary engineering operations;
• Uses blueprints, diagrams, schematic drawings, and maintenance manuals to locate sources and diagnose problems with electrical, plumbing, and mechanical equipment;
• Oversees equipment maintenance records and makes reports;
• Identify training needs for staff in the Stationary Engineers series, monitors competency of staff, and reviews task performance;
• Resolves customer service issues;
• Implements and monitors an effective energy efficiency, conservation, and management program to ensure measures are implemented to keep operations cost at a minimum;
• Ensures compliance with the Joint Commission Standards for hospital Utilities Management Program, Fire and Life Safety Management Program;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Qualifications

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent;

and

Seven (7) years of full-time experience performing maintenance, troubleshooting, service, and repair of hot water and low- and high-pressure steam boilers and other equipment;

and

Three (3) years of full-time lead and/or supervisory experience overseeing maintenance staff.

Possession of Unlimited Horsepower Steam Engine License or Certified Plant Engineer may substitute for up to one (1) year of the maintenance, troubleshooting, service, and repair of hot water and low- and high-pressure steam boilers and other equipment experience.

Possession of a certificate as a Healthcare Facility Manager or Facility Manager may substitute for up to one (1) year of the lead and/or supervisory experience overseeing maintenance staff.

Special Requirements

• Depending on the position, must be able to pass a background check.
• Possess a valid Water Distribution Operator certification at Grade D2 or higher upon appointment and maintain for the duration of employment in this classification.
• Possess a valid Universal Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) certificate issued by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency upon appointment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this classification.
• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver’s license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of supervision, training, and mentoring;
• Applicable safety codes and regulations;
• Bacteriological and chemical properties required at various phases of water treatment;
• Operational, maintenance, use, and repair requirements of a wide variety of pumping, heating, ventilating and related plant machinery and equipment and the tools and equipment necessary for proper care and safety;
• Machinery, equipment and operation of central utility plant and water distribution facilities and filtration plants;
• Various boiler manufacturers, models, styles, and operation of high- and low-pressure steam boilers;
• Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standards relating to hospital equipment, when assigned to the County Health System;
• Emergency power systems;
• Electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems for large buildings and facilities;
• Techniques, procedures, and correct use of protective barrier equipment, infection control measures, proactive risk assessment and interim life safety measures;
• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

• Hire, supervise, train, direct, and evaluate the work of staff;
• Plan, assign and direct the operation and maintenance activities of subordinate personnel and program objectives;
• Review, analyze, and make recommendations relative to the improvement of plant operation and maintenance methods and procedures;
• Manage the maintenance program for all equipment related to the facility;
• Consult and advise management and directors on activities and statuses of the maintenance and repair program;
• Develop budget plans that accurately reflect facility, customer, and maintenance program needs policies;
• Read and understand safety data sheets (SDS) and other safety communications;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;
• Operate, inspect, maintain, and make repairs to high- and low-pressure steam boilers, HVAC systems, water treatment equipment, plumbing fixtures, electrical motors, and other ancillary equipment;
• Learn and recall requirements of regulations affecting the activities, procedures, and policies surrounding the work;
• Interpret blueprints, diagrams, schematic drawings, and maintenance manuals;
• Respond quickly and appropriately in an emergency;
• Manage and operate generator units during power outages;
• Maintain accurate records and write reports;
• Use computer systems and applications.

Supplemental information

• Lift and/or move moderately heavy and/or bulky equipment and objects up to 50 lbs. without assistance;
• Work in small and confined spaces;
• Climb ladders;
• Push, pull, grasp, and perform manual tasks, as necessary;
• Work on weekends, holidays, and at odd or irregular hours.