JOB TITLE: UTILITY PLANT OPERATOR 2

JOB CODE: 97120

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Utility Plant Operator series describes work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of boiler and chiller plant systems.

DEFINITION: This is skilled mechanical or lead work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of boilers, chillers, and related plant equipment.

An employee in this job performs skilled mechanical work maintaining and repairing plant systems and related equipment, is assigned sole shift responsibility for plant operations, or leads lower-level employees on an assigned shift. Work involves ensuring that steam or chilled water is generated and that operations are conducted in accordance with established operating and safety procedures; taking corrective action to resolve or prevent plant equipment malfunctions; making adjustments and repairs to boilers, chillers, pumps, and related equipment; and documenting and maintaining data regarding plant operations for quality assurance purposes and required reporting to regulatory oversight agencies. Work includes conducting scheduled preventive maintenance on all plant equipment; testing water for proper chemical levels; operating electric generating equipment for electricity production or emergency standby; and recommending changes to improve boiler or chiller plant efficiency. General supervision is received from a Utility Plant Supervisor or other technical supervisor who reviews work for compliance with instructions, procedures, and safe operations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Work is distinguished from the lower-level jobs by

serving in one or more of the following capacities:

• Carries out sole shift responsibility for utility plant operations.

• Functions as a lead worker over semi-skilled utility plant staff.

• Performs skilled maintenance and repair work, such as repairing or replacing boiler tubes and tube bundles, plates, grates, gaskets, safety and steam valves, stokers, feed water pumps, water softeners, and fuel handling and related boiler equipment.

• Performs skilled maintenance and repair work, such as cleaning and plugging chiller tubes, repairing or replacing chiller barrel gaskets, safety and isolation valves, make-up water pumps, chemical treatment equipment, and related chiller equipment.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Distributes and interprets work assignments, demonstrates proper work methods, provides assistance, and reviews work of lower-level utility plant staff for adherence to standards.

• Operates, maintains, and repairs boilers, chillers, and auxiliary equipment in accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Reads gauges, meters, chart recorders, data loggers, and other indicators used to monitor boiler and chiller plant systems; and takes needed action to prevent potential problems.

• Records data on plant operations, equipment maintenance, personnel attendance, and meter and gauge readings and reports required information to supervisor.

• Keeps records for an assigned shift of steam, chilled water, or electricity produced, and fuel or water consumed.

• Makes adjustments and repairs to boilers, chillers, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.

• Repairs and re-rolls tubes, and repairs tube bundles.

• Conducts monthly load bank tests on the Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) to ensure proper operation.

• Replaces pump seals, valves, and fittings.

• Monitors feed and makeup water, tests samples to determine the type and number of inhibitors needed to control impurities, and adds inhibitors as needed.

• Operates and maintains chillers and performs maintenance and repair on cooling towers.

• Communicates critical operating information to utility plant staff assigned to the following shift.

• Performs preventive maintenance and cleans the utility plant equipment and areas in

accordance with procedures.

• Conducts safety tests and verifies operation of safety devices.

• Paints, cleans, rebuilds, and replaces all operating parts of boilers for annual inspections.

• Recommends changes in utility plant operating procedures to increase operating efficiency.

• Operates steam or electric motor-driven fans, pumps, and other related equipment.

• Unloads and receives deliveries for the plant and places materials in designated storage areas.

• An employee in this job participates in the performance of other trades’ tasks consistent with operational and organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of utility plant systems and related equipment.

• Knowledge of utility plant hazards and safety procedures.

• Ability to read and interpret chart recorders.

• Ability to operate and configure data loggers and collect, store, and analyze the data.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of experience as a Utility Plant Operator 1 (commonwealth title);

or

• One year of semi-skilled work experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes six months of semi-skilled work experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Certain positions require possession of an EPA Universal Refrigerant Transition and Recovery Certification types 1,2, and 3, from an approved provider within 6 months of employment.

• Certain positions require possession of an active Class C motor vehicle license.