Job Description

Incumbents of positions in this series operate, maintain and repair heating and air conditioning chiller systems; operate electronic controls for heating and air conditioning systems; monitor general, mechanical and/or electrical repairs on power distribution, chilled water, gas, domestic and de-ionized water, signal, fire alarm, security, remote building equipment monitoring, sanitary, acid waste and storm drain systems.

The basic purpose of this work is to operate, monitor, maintain and repair utility systems and equipment.
– Operates, maintains and repairs heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, including chilled water recirculating pumps, chilled water condenser pumps, air compressors, firehouse fans, air-supply and recirculating fans, electric heating coils, electric cabinet unit heaters, electric baseboard radiation units, pedestal electric baseboard heating units, cooling coils and chilled water BTU meters, hyperchlorite water treatment system, high voltage main driver motors and refrigeration compressors.
– Operates a high voltage power distribution system including switches on generating equipment; operates, maintains and repairs generators and related equipment
– Operates and maintains a sewerage and drainage system and an neutralized acid waste system, including pressurized main drain system and associated equipment.
– Inspects machinery; reads meters and gauges; performs tests on chilled water, boiled water and sea water to control pollution and quality of water; starts and stops equipment and machinery according to schedules.
– Operates, maintains and repairs piping systems such as those for methane and carbon monoxide gas monitoring and evaluation.
– Maintains operating logs, records and reports on all equipment; draws stock and materials for maintenance and repairs; measures and reports fuel levels to appropriate personnel.
– Implements the lubrication schedule for heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment and auxiliary equipment.
– Major work contacts are with agency staff, outside contractors, tradespeople and vendors.
– Incumbents of positions at this level receive general supervision from an employee of higher grade who provides procedural guidance, assigns work and reviews performance through conferences and reports for compliance with laws, rules and regulations.
– Incumbents of positions at this level may exercise functional supervision (i.e., over certain, but not all work activities, or over some or all work activities on a temporary basis) over 1 – 5 laborers and/or tradespeople.

Working Conditions:
– Incumbents of positions in this series may be exposed to the hazards of gases or noxious fumes, high pressure boilers, steamlines, caustic or inflammatory chemicals and high voltage; are exposed to intense heat and excessive noise; lift heavy objects; work varied shifts and/or weekends, holidays, nights; are subject to standby (on call work status); may be exposed to the harmful effects of coal dust, asbestos or inadequate ventilation.

Qualifications Required at Hire for all Levels in Series:
– Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques used in the operation of a power plant.
– Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of large electrical heating systems.
– Knowledge of the types and uses of electronic control systems.
– Knowledge of the operation, maintenance and repair of fire alarm systems, signal systems and control systems for mechanical and electrical systems.
– Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of outside electrical systems such as underground cables, transformer subsystems and vaults and subtransmission lines.
– Knowledge of the operating characteristics of electrical generating systems.
– Knowledge of the types and uses of industrial type heating systems.
– Knowledge of the principles of pneumatics as applied to heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
– Knowledge of the types and uses of pneumatic controls used in power plant operations.
– Knowledge of calibration and/or adjustment techniques as applied to pneumatic control systems.
– Knowledge of the fundamentals of electrical practice.
– Knowledge of the types and uses of precision measuring equipment used in a power plant such as manometers, voltmeters, anemometers, tachometers, etc.
– Knowledge of the types and uses of pumps used in water and fuel systems.
– Knowledge of the methods and techniques of pipefitting.
– Knowledge of the types and uses of chemicals used in water treatment.
– Knowledge of the principles of operation of internal combustion engines.
– Knowledge of the types and uses of chemicals used in water treatment.
– Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures followed in power plants.
– Knowledge of the types and uses of high- and low-pressure boilers.
– Knowledge of the types and uses of steam plant accessory equipment, such as throttle valves, superheaters, back-pressure valves, feed-water regulators, etc.
– Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques used in firing and operating high- or low-pressure coal or oil-fired boilers and their auxiliary equipment.
– Knowledge of the methods of general report writing.
– Knowledge of the proper methods for storing and handling fuels.
– Skill in using hand power tools such as drills, electric saws, etc.
– Skill in using small hand tools such as wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, hacksaws and pipethreaders.
– Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
– Ability to lift heavy objects.
– Ability to deal tactfully with others.
– Ability to adjust to changing situations to meet emergency or changing program or production requirements.
– Ability to understand and apply the laws, rules and regulations governing assigned unit activities.
– Ability to explain the procedures, guidelines, policies, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
– Ability to use tools and equipment required for maintaining and repairing power plant and utility distribution systems.
– Ability to do routine electrical and mechanical repair work.
– Ability to read gauges, adjust equipment and observe the operation of machinery.
– Ability to read and interpret building plans and control and wiring schematics.
– Ability to read and interpret documents such as plans, specifications, blueprints, drawings, technical manuals, etc.
– Ability to maintain accurate records.
– Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
– Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
– Ability to perform arithmetical calculations with speed and accuracy (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
– Ability to distinguish colors.
– Ability to give oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
– Applicants must have at least two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the operation and/or maintenance of an electric generating station, water pumping station or sewage treatment station.
– Universal Freon Recovery Certificate

Other Consideration:
– Massachusetts Refrigeration Technician’s License preferred.

How to Apply