FACILITIES SERVICES
Job Description
Campus Engineering & Operations
Power Plant Operating Engineer 1
Job Code: 8876 – Contract Classified
Department Introduction:
Campus Engineering provides professional engineering support for the design, construction, operation and maintenance
of all University facilities. Campus Operations maintains and operates critical building systems including fire/life safety
systems, elevator systems, building environmental systems and controls, central clock systems, high voltage distribution
systems, and a utility shutdown coordination program. Campus Operations also provides emergency maintenance
response service to the Seattle campus community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Campus Utilities produces steam,
emergency electrical power, chilled water, and compressed air for the campus.
Job Purpose:
Work in a highly complex power plant that provides steam, chilled water, electricity and emergency power to a large
campus with a combined teaching, research, and health care mission. Operate and maintain multiple high-pressure
superheated boilers (425 psi or greater), multiple chillers (2000 ton or greater), and at least one steam turbine electrical
generator with a minimum 5000kW output. Operate and monitor a complex steam and electrical power distribution system
using a computer-monitored control system serving a population equivalent to a city of 50,000. Operate and maintain
several diesel generators which provide emergency power to a medical center for critical life-safety and other emergency
power loads on campus. Operate and maintain a high-pressure air system for instrument and control air.
Maintain, clean, and fuel high-pressure steam boilers under the direction of a lead person and assist with the operation of
power plant equipment. Under general supervision, follow established procedures to operate, maintain, and clean highpressure, superheated boilers. Operate, maintain, and clean other power plant equipment as directed. Learn all aspects of
plant operation to be able to independently operate the system in emergency situations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
 Perform internal and external cleaning of boilers including steam drum and firebox areas
 Disassemble, remove and clean internal boiler components
 Clean fuel oil guns and fuel oil systems, and other equipment and areas in the power plant facility
 Assist higher level Power Plant Operating Engineers with operation of multiple high-pressure superheated boilers
(425 psi or greater) and other lower-pressure boilers (185 psi), up to an individual boiler capacity of 250,000
pounds or more per hour, and all auxiliary equipment
 Assist with the operation of other power plant equipment including: combustion control equipment, ash conveyor
systems, fuel systems, air compressors, electrical generating equipment, water analysis equipment, fans,
blowers, and turbines
 Assist with the maintenance and repair of power plant equipment
 Collect, log and print operational data and change recording charts, monitor fuel deliveries
 Perform water treatment testing and chemical additions
 Study required training materials, information, and training tasks while on shift to become qualified to
independently operate boilers and other equipment within the power plant facility
 Maintain safe operating practices and comply with other local, state, and federal regulatory requirements while on
shift
 Perform minor maintenance and repairs while on shift and perform other emergency repairs necessary to
maintain continuous operation
 Perform other duties as assigned
 Regular and predictable attendance is required
Core Competencies:
 Demonstrate personal integrity and trustworthiness
 Manage stressful situations and changing priorities effectively
 Anticipate, recognize and resolve problems
 Be responsible and accountable
 Use organizational skills and provide attention to details
 Maintain a positive, optimistic and success-oriented attitude
02/09/15
Page 1 of 2



Exercise professional demeanor, which includes being tactful and courteous
Exhibit a professional work ethic
Continuously promote a safe work environment
Required Skills, Experience and Knowledge:
 Applicable Steam Engineer License required by local municipality, if any
 Three years of experience in operation and maintenance of boilers and related systems OR equivalent
education/experience
 Have knowledge and understand of safe work practices and policies
 Must be able to wear all proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required
 Must be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions and communicate in English regarding the use of
chemicals, supplies, and equipment; comply with safety policies and procedures
Desirable Skills, Experience and Knowledge:

Conditions of Employment:
 Approved safety shoes must be acquired at employee's expense and worn on the job
 A valid Washington State driver's license is required. Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment
 A satisfactory outcome from a criminal background verification will be required prior to hire
02/09/15
Page 2 of 2