JOB TITLE: PLANT MECHANIC

JOB CODE: 97810

DEFINITION: This is skilled work in the repair and maintenance of high-pressure boiler and steam distribution systems.

An employee in this job performs a wide variety of skilled work in the repair and maintenance of high-pressure steam boilers, auxiliary boiler equipment, and steam distribution systems. Work involves troubleshooting malfunctions, disassembling and assembling equipment, and performing adjustments and repairs necessary to restore plants to operating standards. Work may include preparing equipment for plant inspections. Work is performed independently and is reviewed for adherence to quality and timeliness standards.

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.)

• Repairs and replaces boiler tubes, plates, burners, gaskets, steam safety valves, water safety valves, and all safety devices on high-pressure boilers.

• Repairs, replaces, and adjusts a variety of pumps and components including water pumps, condensate pumps, circulating pumps, fuel oil pumps, boiler chemical feed pumps, pressure and temperature control valves, and related equipment.

• Maintains plant combustion engines including adjusting valve timing and replacing bearings, piston rings, slide valve rods, and related parts.

• Performs electric arc and acetylene welding and burning to fabricate, dismantle, and repair the machinery, piping, and equipment throughout the plant and distribution system.

• Operates lathes, drill presses, threading machines, power saws, grinding machines, and related power and hand tools.

• Prepares plant equipment for testing and inspections.

• Verifies proper fits, clearances, and backlashes on equipment and makes necessary adjustments and repairs.

• Locates, troubleshoots, and resolves leaks and malfunctions within the steam distribution system which may include repairing and replacing a variety of bearings, steam fittings, hardlines, and hoses.

• Assembles pipe sections, tubing, or fittings using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, or caulking; or through soldering, brazing, or welding processes.

• Performs preventative maintenance and minor repairs on generators, such as replacing and adjusting brushes.

• Performs preventative maintenance and testing on pneumatic and electronic controls.

• Demonstrates maintenance and repair tasks to employees assigned to the plant during the completion of work orders.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the mechanical equipment involved in steam plant operations.

• Knowledge of the methods, materials, hazards, safety precautions, and practices of the plumbing and pipefitting trades.

• Knowledge of the methods, materials, hazards, safety precautions, and practices of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).

• Knowledge of the methods, materials, hazards, safety precautions, and practices of the welding trade.

• Knowledge of flows, pressure, and capacity of commercial or industrial water tanks and lines.

• Knowledge of the care and use of hand and power tools used in the maintenance and repair of steam systems, fixtures, and components.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to read and interpret plumbing and mechanical equipment blueprints, schematics, and manuals.

• 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 performing skilled work in the maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, or steam systems in a commercial or industrial facility;

or

• Three years of experience performing semiskilled work in the maintenance and repair of HVAC, plumbing, or steam systems in a commercial or industrial facility;

or

• One year of experience performing semiskilled work in the maintenance and repair of HVAC, plumbing, or steam systems in a commercial or industrial facility and completion of a high school vocational technical program from an accredited institution in HVAC, plumbing, steamfitting, pipefitting, or welding;

or

• One year of experience performing semiskilled work in the maintenance and repair of HVAC, plumbing, or steam systems in a commercial or industrial facility and completion of a post-secondary technical training program or associate’s degree in HVAC, plumbing, steamfitting, pipefitting, or welding from an accredited institution.