Second Class Power Plant Engineer

Second Class Power Plant Engineer

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities Management

Department: Utility Power Plant

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

The Second Class Power Plant Engineer performs numerous operations and maintenance tasks and leads others in the safe and efficient operation of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Power Plant, meeting all environmental and safety requirements. Works under the direction and supervision of the Power Plant Manager and Power Plant Assistant Plant Manager.

• Oversee and provide guidance on all Power Plant operations, including startup and shutdown of main plant components and auxiliaries, ensuring that electrical and steam generation is maintained safely and reliably.
• Perform control room operator duties as necessary to operate a gas and oil‑fired power plant with gas turbines, boilers, and associated balance of plant equipment.
• Direct functional supervision of Power Plant Operator assigned to their shift, assist in orientation, training, and development, and assign, monitor, and assure high work quality.
• Comply with and ensure that all site safety requirements and procedures are properly implemented and consistently observed.
• Monitor Power Plant emissions levels and operate the Power Plant within permitted limits.
• Identify safety hazards and take corrective actions as necessary.
• Maintain accurate and neat shift operating logs, reports, and records.
• Assist the Assistant Plant Manager with reporting requirements.
• Perform routine chemical testing.
• Open and close valves and adjust controls to regulate flows of operating fluids.
• Read and record gauges and meters.
• Safely receive, handle, and store ammonia, water treatment chemicals, and fuel oil.
• Assist in developing standard procedures for operations and maintenance.
• Maintain central control of the lock out/tag out logbook, lock boxes, and keys.
• Understand and utilize the Power Plant computerized maintenance management system.
• Perform basic electrical and mechanical inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks under the direction of management when assigned.
• Execute work orders.
• Understand, be committed to, and support non‑discrimination goals.

• Perform other duties necessary to fulfill plant requirements.

• Possession of a 2nd Class Stationary Engineer's license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety pursuant to Chapter 146 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
• Knowledge of Power Plant mechanical and electrical equipment, including motors, pumps, turbine generators, boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, cooling towers, pollution control equipment, AC and DC electrical distribution and control systems, etc., and associated maintenance functions.
• Knowledge of Power Plant safety policies and procedures, especially in the areas of high‑energy systems, chemical handling, heavy equipment, rotating machinery, confined spaces, fire suppression, and first aid.
• Thorough understanding of the water treatment process and working knowledge of the impact of water treatment requirements on overall plant operations.
• Knowledge of and experience in at least four of the following skill areas: pipe fitting, welding, machining, rigging, rotating machine repair, fabrication, machine alignment, piping schematics, mechanical drawings, electrical theory, electrical safety, vibration analysis, electrical test equipment, basic electrical troubleshooting, and high‑ and low‑ voltage systems, equipment, and components.
• Demonstrated ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with Power Plants.
• Ability to use basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, and basic rigging equipment such as winches, hoists, and slings.
• Ability to comprehend and apply technical information, including mechanical and electrical drawings such as blueprints, P&IDs, single‑line diagrams, and schematics, to problem‑solving situations and troubleshooting.
• Ability to locate, troubleshoot, and adjust defects in mechanical equipment and/or maintain,…