JOB TITLE: UTILITY PLANT OPERATOR 1

JOB CODE: 97110

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 semi-skilled work in the operation of boilers, chillers, and related plant equipment.

An employee in this job operates boilers, chillers, and related plant equipment that generate or receive steam, hot water, chilled water, or electricity. Work involves monitoring plant operations and adjusting systems to ensure proper functioning, keeping safe water levels, and maintaining prescribed steam pressure or water temperature. Work includes making adjustments and repairs to boilers, chillers, and related equipment; maintaining system pipelines; operating engines or motors used to drive fans and related equipment; and documenting and maintaining data regarding plant operations. Work may also include assisting in the operation of electric generation equipment. Employees may function as lead workers by assigning and demonstrating operational and maintenance tasks to lower-level staff assigned to the utility plant. Supervision is received from a Utility Plant Supervisor or other technical supervisor who reviews work performance for compliance with instructions, procedures, and safe operations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Work is distinguished from the lower-level job based on the responsibility for independently performing a variety of semi-skilled duties associated with the operation of boilers, chillers, and related plant 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.)

• Lubricates pumps, checks water temperatures and levels, and checks steam pressure to ensure a safe and constant supply of steam.

• Maintains and repairs piping systems and components.

• Performs air and hydronic balancing to ensure correct system distribution of water.

• Collects samples and adds chemicals to the system as directed.

• Fires boilers, blows down boilers, cleans flues, and lubricates equipment according to a prescribed schedule.

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

• Assists in the operation of steam or electric generators.

• Reads meters, cleans equipment, and performs preventive maintenance according to prescribed procedures.

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

• Cleans utility plant rooms.

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

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

• Distributes and interprets work assignments for lower-level staff, provides assistance, conducts on-the-job training, and reviews work for adherence to standards.

• 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 of utility plant systems and related equipment.

• Knowledge of utility plant hazards and safety procedures.

• 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)

• Six months of experience as a Utility Plant Helper (commonwealth title);

or

• Six months of unskilled work experience assisting in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment, electronic equipment, electrical systems, heavy machinery, motors, engines, drives or hydraulic systems;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

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