Distinguishing Characteristics
Plant Utilities Engineer 1
Reports to a higher-level Plant Utilities Engineer or trades supervisor
Responsible for the operation, repair, and maintenance of HVAC, mechanical, and boiler systems
May supervise Plant Utilities Assistants, Facility Operations Assistants, trades staff, and contractors
May assume responsibility for plant operations during off-hours or emergencies
Plant Utilities Engineer 2
Supervises Plant Utilities Engineers 1 and other lower-level staff
May function as a shift supervisor in large facilities
May supervise trades and contractors for specific projects or emergency work
May assume off-hours operational responsibility
Plant Utilities Engineer 3
Plans, directs, and coordinates plant operations in moderately sized facilities or major areas in large facilities
Supervises Plant Utilities Engineers 2 and other lower-level staff
May supervise ancillary services (cleaning, transportation, security) in small facilities
May serve as assistant to a Plant Utilities Engineer 4 or Plant Superintendent C
Plant Utilities Engineer 4
Oversees utility operations in the largest and most complex facilities
May include responsibility for high voltage electrical systems
May serve as assistant to a Plant Superintendent A or B
Related Classes
Plant Utilities Assistants: Semiskilled support under direction of Plant Utilities Engineers
Plant Superintendents: Administrative managers of physical plant and maintenance operations
Maintenance Supervisors: Oversee skilled, semiskilled, and unskilled maintenance and repair teams
Illustrative Tasks
Plant Utilities Engineer 1
Operate and maintain steam/hot water boilers, HVAC systems, chillers, and related equipment
Conduct systems testing, add chemicals, and maintain equipment cleanliness
Maintain computerized energy management systems and troubleshoot malfunctions
Respond to HVAC, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical emergencies
Perform chiller, pump, compressor, and motor repairs and maintenance
Identify and support energy conservation initiatives
May handle hazardous materials and respond to environmental incidents
May operate electrical distribution systems and emergency power systems
Supervise Plant Utilities Assistants, Facility Operations Assistants, and contractors
Plant Utilities Engineer 2
Supervise Plant Utilities Engineers 1 and lower-level staff
Schedule and direct daily operations and repair activities
Train staff and improve operational efficiency
Inspect plant operations and ensure safety and compliance
Order materials, tools, and equipment
Manage hazardous materials and incident response
Identify and recommend budget and staffing needs
Enforce and implement energy efficiency measures
Plant Utilities Engineer 3
Supervise Plant Utilities Engineers 2, other staff, and contractors
Coordinate safety, energy conservation, and systems maintenance
Review contractor documents and oversee project execution
Develop training, operations procedures, and technical documentation
Monitor quality control and keep operations records
Direct hazardous materials response
Recommend operating budgets and staffing
May oversee all plant operations in small facilities
Plant Utilities Engineer 4
Perform all duties of a Plant Utilities Engineer 3
Supervise Plant Utilities Engineers 3 and larger teams in the most complex facilities
Manage large-scale or critical utility systems
May assist a Plant Superintendent A or B
Qualifications
Plant Utilities Engineer 1 Open Competitive: four years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of boilers, HVAC, or auxiliary plant utilities equipment in commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities.
Plant Utilities Engineer 2
Promotion:
One year of permanent service as a Plant Utilities Engineer 1.
Plant Utilities Engineer 3
Promotion:
One year of permanent service as a Plant Utilities Engineer 2.
Plant Utilities Engineer 4
Promotion:
One year of permanent service as a Plant Utilities Engineer 3