A Plant Utilities Engineer 2 supervises Plant Utilities Engineers 1 and others engaged in the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, testing and calibration of mechanical and electrical equipment providing heat, hot water, ventilation, air-conditioning and electrical distribution in the most efficient and safe way possible.
Incumbents are working supervisors and, as such, perform any task in the Plant Utilities Engineer trade. They coordinate the major overhauls and replacement of equipment and oversee energy conservation projects. Such activities are covered in the Classification Standard for Plant Utilities Engineer 1, Occ. Code 7520100.
Plant Utilities Engineers 2 are employed by several agencies, with the greatest number in the Office of Mental Health, State University, Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Office of General Services and Department of Correctional Services.
Plant Utilities Engineer 2 is a working supervisor with direct responsibility for the operation, preventive maintenance and repair of a full range, in size, type and pressure, of steam or hot water boilers and auxiliary heating system equipment, and the mechanical equipment outside of the power plant. This can include, but is not limited to, steam lines, mechanical equipment rooms, refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment of various types, chillers, pumps, air compressors, temperature and humidity control systems, plumbing systems, pneumatic and electronic computerized control systems, auxiliary and emergency generators, portable emergency equipment, transformers, switch gear, electrical distribution systems, sprinkler and fire safety systems, elevators and HVAC fan systems, fired and unfired pressure vessels and water treatment systems, such as water softeners, chlorination systems, deionized water systems, and ph adjustment systems.
In plants which generate the electrical power, heating and/or cooling for a facility at the Office of General Services' central plants in Albany, and at the more complex physical plants, Plant Utilities Engineers 2 may be shift supervisors.
The Plant Utilities Engineers 2 may be required to supervise other trades or private contractors on a project basis and in emergency situations.
At a State office building facility operated and maintained by the Office of General Services, generally outside of the Albany area, Plant Utilities Engineers 2 are the highest ranking plant utilities engineers at the location and are supervised by Building Superintendent positions which are responsible for the overall operation of the building. The Plant Utilities Engineers 2 in such a facility may act for the Building Superintendent during the latter's absence.
Positions of Plant Utilities Engineers 3 or 4 supervise the operation of the "Engineering Department" in a facility employing one or more Plant Utilities Engineer 2 positions, which generally includes the responsibility for all facility mechanical, electrical repair and maintenance activities, and for the operation and maintenance of sewage plant and water supply units; or at a facility which generates its own heat and electrical power or at a more complex physical plant.
Plant Utilities Engineers 1 may supervise subordinate staff in the operation and maintenance of heating facilities and mechanical equipment. On off hour shifts, the Plant Utilities Engineer 1 assumes responsibility for operations of the overall physical plant. They may be required to supervise other trades employees or private contractors on these off shifts. They may also supervise contractors in an emergency or project situation.
A Plant Utilities Engineer 2 performs the activities and tasks listed in the Classification Standard for Plant Utilities Engineer 1. In addition, a Plant Utilities Engineer 2 schedules, plans, and lays out work and supervises the activities of a crew of skilled and semi-skilled employees who are involved in the operation and maintenance of heat generating, air-conditioning, HVAC and electrical equipment. Incumbents are also responsible for oversight of systems maintenance, health and safety issues, and energy conservation projects.
Plant Utilities Engineers 2 are usually supervised by higher level Plant Utilities Engineer positions which provide direction and technical assistance to the facility's engineering department, or by an administrator who directs the facility's operation and maintenance activities. A Plant Utilities Engineer 2 assigned to a State office building facility is supervised by a Building Superintendent or Building Manager who is responsible for the overall operation of the building. Characteristically, incumbents function with considerable technical independence. Generally, work priorities and preventive maintenance schedules are prescribed and technical manuals, plans and specifications covering the operation and maintenance of equipment are provided.
Plant Utilities Engineer 2 is the first level of supervision in the title series with responsibility for direct supervision of the operation, maintenance, and repair of highly complex equipment which must be operated in strict accordance with technical and safety policy and procedure.
Failure to exercise good supervisory judgment or follow appropriate procedures could result in personal injury or death, in damage to equipment or facilities, or in an incident having potential environmental impact or safety concerns.
Plant Utilities Engineers 2 have frequent oral and written communications with the staff supervised in assigning work and providing training, instruction, assistance and technical direction in the operation and maintenance of heat generating, air-conditioning, HVAC, and electric equipment, systems maintenance, health, safety, and energy conservation issues.
Oral communications are also conducted with other maintenance employees and contractors in the facility working on the same shift in order to exchange information about maintenance problems and projects in progress.
Relationships with their supervisor are characterized by such activities as discussions concerning plant operations and maintenance, recommended changes to operating procedures, preventive maintenance schedules, work priorities and needed maintenance and repairs, disciplinary process, counseling, time and attendance, and drug and alcohol abuse on the job.
Incumbents maintain written procedures and records of plant operational activities, such as energy consumption, equipment malfunction, meter and gauge readings, and preventive maintenance.
Plant Utilities Engineers 2 supervise a staff by assigning work, giving instructions and assistance, providing necessary tools, materials and supplies, and observing operations to insure the effective, efficient and safe operation of equipment, and inspecting maintenance and repairs to insure that appropriate standards are followed, that quality workmanship is performed, and that instructions are followed.
Plant Utilities Engineers 2 use a variety of hand and power tools, including the tools of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades, water test equipment, electric-test equipment and meters, refrigeration test equipment, air adjustment test equipment, soot blowers and turbine cleaners, computer terminals and microprocessors, sonic light and vibration meters, combustion analyzers, personal protective equipment, confined space equipment and portable emergency equipment. Incumbents insure appropriate inventory control of tools and equipment.
One year of permanent service as a Plant Utilities Engineer 1.
NOTE: For current information on minimum qualifications contact the Division of Staffing Services.