FACILITIES SERVICES
Job Description
Campus Engineering & Operations
Power Plant Mechanic
Job Code: 8879 – 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 the University of Washington Power Plant, 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. Inspect,
repair and maintain multiple high-pressure superheated boilers (425 psi or greater), multiple chillers (2,000 ton or greater),
and a large steam turbine electrical generator. Inspect, repair and maintain a diesel generator power station which
provides emergency power to a medical center for critical life-safety and other emergency power loads on campus.
Inspect, repair and maintain a high-pressure air system for instrument and control air serving the campus and the power
plant.
Positions in this class are distinguished by responsibility to inspect, maintain and repair mechanical systems in the
University of Washington Power Plant. This class requires journey- level ability in machinery repair, pipefitting,
steamfitting, welding, rigging, carpentry, machining, plumbing, and a working knowledge of power plant operations and
electrical distribution systems. May respond to emergency calls.
Duties and Responsibilities:
 Perform journey-level mechanical work in support of the operation, maintenance, repair, and alteration of the
University of Washington Power Plant
 Perform maintenance and repairs on:
o High capacity superheated and saturated steam boilers
o High horsepower steam turbines
o Boiler forced draft and induced draft fans
o Large capacity centrifugal pumps
o Large capacity reciprocating, centrifugal and rotary air compressors
o Ion exchange water softeners, dealkalizers, and condensate polishers
o Boiler feedwater deaerators
o Large pressure reducing valves with separate and/or integral desuperheaters
o Hydraulic variable speed transmissions
o Electric motors
o Cooling towers fans and drive systems
 Perform shaft alignment checks on all rotating machinery repairs
 Perform maintenance, repairs and install piping for steam, chilled water, industrial water, condensate, fuel,
chemical treatment and compressed air systems
 Perform maintenance and repairs in confined spaces such as boiler steam and mud drums, boiler fireboxes, flue
gas ductwork, fuel oil storage tanks, hotwells, and water treatment tanks
 Clean or change filters, change oil, grease
 Inspect and test mechanical systems
 Operate machine shop equipment including engine lathes, drill press, grinders, milling machine, hydraulic press,
power saws, arc welding machines, gas and plasma cutting torches to fabricate equipment parts
 Operate a variety of hand tools
 Drive a service van and forklift as required; load and unload materials and supplies
 May lead and instruct helpers, may perform work in other trade skills, perform related duties as required
 Perform other duties as assigned
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
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
 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:
 Full journey status as a Machinery Mechanic by work experience, vocational or trade school, apprenticeship
programs, or any combination of the above; or four years of applied work experience
 Vocational training may substitute for work experience on a year-for-year basis
 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:
 Five or more years of experience as a Power Plant Mechanic working on complex and critical systems, and with a
complete understanding on how to work safely on steam systems
 Trade experience should also include welding, pipefitting, and steamfitting
 Demonstrated ability for metal fabrication using the appropriate metal working tools
Conditions of Employment:
 Employee must provide and wear steel-toed shoes
 Must be able to work in a non-smoking environment
 A satisfactory outcome from a criminal background verification will be required prior to hire
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