Plant Utilities Engineer : HVAC, Boilers & Energy Systems

JOB DESCRIPTION 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.