FACILITIES SERVICES
Job Description
Campus Engineering & Operations
Power Plant Operating Engineer Lead
Job Code: 8878 – 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:
Operate and direct others in the safe operation of equipment in a complex steam, power, and chilled water generating
facility.
Duties and Responsibilities:
 Monitor power distribution and emergency power systems and make operational decisions to ensure continuous,
uninterrupted generation of steam, electrical power, and chilled water to a large campus with a population of
approximately 50,000
 Regularly assign, instruct, and check the work of others
 Have principle shift responsibility for the operation of a power plant to maintain proper overall operation of a
complex steam, power, and chilled water generation facility such as exercising discretion and decision making
authority to make adjustments to power plant equipment to maintain safe operations and meet output
requirements within established procedures and regulated guidelines; monitor and balance the campus steam
distribution system; respond to emergency situations in the operation of the power plant in order to ensure safety
of personnel and to protect power plant equipment and maintain continuous operations
 Direct the work of Power Plant Operating Engineers and others
 Monitor and balance the campus steam distribution system
 Operate 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
 Operate and monitor electrical power distribution systems for the campus: visually monitor power distribution,
isolate disruptions, and use manual and computerized controls to adjust and reconfigure power distribution
 Operate one or more 5000kW turbine generators, and multiple emergency power generators and auxiliary
equipment serving a medical center and other life safety and critical power loads on the campus
 Operate Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) and ensure that other assigned facility equipment is
operating within parameters monitored by CEMS
 Maintain and enforce safe operating practices and comply with other local, state, and federal regulatory
requirements while on shift
 Provide and document training to assigned personnel regarding operation of equipment and systems within the
facility and assess their ability to operate those systems and equipment
 Perform the duties of a Power Plant Operating Engineer II
 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
 Exercise professional demeanor, which includes being tactful and courteous
 Exhibit a professional work ethic
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
Continuously promote a safe work environment
Required Skills, Experience and Knowledge:
 Applicable Steam Engineer License required by local municipality, if any; and six years of experience in operation
and maintenance of boilers and related systems
 Must include two years of experience with operation of high-pressure superheated boilers, turbine generators,
and/or diesel generators, feedwater systems, oil and natural gas fuel systems, high voltage generation and
distribution systems; related safety systems, air emissions monitoring equipment, and related auxiliary 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:
 A satisfactory outcome from a criminal background verification will be required prior to hire
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