Steam Plant Operating Engineer

05-Mar-2024

Campus Services

65167BR

Job Summary

Oversees the operation of the control room and directs the work of other Utility Plant Operating Engineers and/or Utility Plant Auxiliary Operators.  Operates and performs routine maintenance of equipment associated with plant operations and the production of utilities (e.g. steam, chilled water and electrical generating equipment).  Operates boilers, steam turbine generators, diesel/natural gas generators, chillers, electrical switchgear and substations as well as associated auxiliary equipment. Maintains logs, prepares equipment for operations or shutdown condition, monitors instrument readings and performs related duties as assigned. 

Position Description

• Under the supervision of the Utility Plant Operations Supervisor, is responsible for the safe and proper operation, monitoring and control of all equipment associated with plant operations and the production of utilities.  Oversees the operation of the control room and directs the work of other Utility Plant Operating Engineers and/or Utility Plant Auxiliary Operators.  Communicates regularly with the Utility Plant Operations Supervisor, uses judgment, and takes action in order to safely maintain or restore utility production.
• Participates in the starting, control, operation, shutdown and inspection of boilers, steam turbine generators, diesel/natural gas generators, chillers, electrical switchgear, substations and all other equipment associated with plant operations and the production of utilities.
• Monitors instrumentation for proper operating conditions, determines nature and cause of trouble and performs necessary corrective action to protect personnel, equipment, system integrity, and to maintain optimum efficiency and safety.  Participates in emergency response training and drills.
• Prepares logs and other operating records including data collection via the plant computer/control systems and computerized asset/maintenance management system, prepares and changes charts. Where applicable, synchronizes generators with the distribution system and performs electrical switching operations.
• Reviews plant and equipment status with personnel on shift and via control/computerized systems to monitor load conditions, status, etc.  Observes various instruments, records readings, evaluates readings and takes appropriate action when required.  Required to perform duties of Utility Plant Auxiliary Operators on an as needed basis.  For short periods of time, may assume responsibilities of Operations Supervisor in his/her absence and when directed.
• Performs routine operating maintenance, including cleaning of equipment and plant work areas.  Participates in emergency response activities; may be assigned work of equal or lower skill level, including maintenance work; and must participate in mandatory training and other programs as required.
• Must observe and comply with all codes and perform work in accordance with recognized industry standards; University policies, procedures, and standards; and local, state, and federal laws/requirements.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Basic Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent, with a minimum of four years’ prior work experience in the operation of modern high-pressure boilers, turbines and auxiliary equipment required. 
• Requires valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s Second Class Engineer’s License.
• Must have, or successfully obtain within 6 months of hiring, EPA CFC certification (universal). 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Must be safety conscious, have a fair degree of mechanical ability, and have in-depth working knowledge of the power plant cycle. 
• Must possess a high degree of professionalism and the ability to work well independently and effectively with others. 
• Must be detail oriented and have a good safety record, and the ability to take and follow directions intelligently. 
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks and prioritize work effectively. 
• An ongoing willingness to acquire new skills and utilize technology to streamline processes and problem solve is essential.

Technology Skills Required:

• Familiarity with database, spreadsheet, email, and word processing software is helpful. 
• Required to interface with/utilize control systems and computerized asset/maintenance management systems.

Driver Designation:

• Valid State driver’s license required. 
• Driving history must meet University Operations Services standards.

Special Requirements:

• Required to work a rotating shift. 
• May be required to work overtime relief, off-shift, emergency coverage (nights, weekend, etc.) and /or other schedules, as needed. 
• Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s Grade I or higher Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator’s license desirable. 
• May be required to operate cranes, forklifts (and/or similar machinery), or lifting devices.

Certificates and Licenses

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s Second Class Engineer’s License
• Valid State driver’s license required. 
• EPA CFC certification (universal)

Physical Requirements

• Must be physically fit and mentally alert at all times. 
• Must be able to perform all duties in a utility/industrial plant environment that includes exposure to loud noises, chemicals, temperature extremes, inclement weather conditions, airborne particles, vibration, hazardous materials, stairs, ladders, confined spaces, etc.; requires stooping, bending, climbing, reaching, lifting, and carrying; working from ladders, scaffolds, high-lifts, and in confined spaces; and lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 65 pounds. 
• Required to wear personal protective equipment and clothing where appropriate; may be required to wear a respirator (negative pressure or equivalent) and other respiratory protection equipment up to the level of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). 
• At no time is facial hair permitted. 
• Required to participate in Hearing Conservation and medical surveillance programs.

Working Conditions

Work Format: On site

Additional Information

Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off:
• Health and Welfare
• Work/Life and Wellness
• Retirement
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development
• Commuting and Transportation
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

273002 Steam Plant Operating Engineer

Sub-Unit

Energy & Facilities

Department

Engineering and Utilities

Union

42 - Int Un Oper Engineers Loc 877

Hourly Rate and/or Rate Range

$52.34

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, DMV, Drug Testing, Employment, Identity, License/Cert.

Schedule

Schedule: Vacation Relief

Sunday: 6:00am - 2:00pm
Monday: 6:00am - 2:00pm
Tuesday: 6:00am - 2:00pm
Wednesday: 6:00am - 2:00pm
Thursday: 6:00am - 2:00pm
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Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.