Utility Plant Engineer

Overview

A Utility Plant Engineer (UPE) must be able to operate and understand each individual piece of equipment and systems in all the University’s energy plants in a safe, reliable, and economical manner. At all times while at work you must be alert and attentive. UPE must be able to operate all the equipment in each plant as an integrated system. UPE’s are responsible for maintaining the equipment and the plant.

This position must embody the core values essential to the Facilities Operation: teamwork, innovation, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and sustainability. The UPE collaborates with administrative leadership within Facilities to support the Campus.

Responsibilities

• Able to operate the equipment and/or provide maintenance on the equipment.
• Understand the complete operation of the plants.
• Exercise judgment in determining the load anticipated for daily steam, electricity, and air conditioning. Be able to start, run, and shutdown all equipment necessary to satisfy these demands.
• Monitor the equipment and plant to ensure that it is properly operating. This includes, but is not limited to, listening to equipment sounds, checking flows, pressures, temperatures, rotational speeds, currents, and voltages. Record necessary data in the operational logs.
• Understand the concentration limits for the air emissions and the monitoring equipment.  Run plant equipment within the air emissions limits.
• Contact the Senior Shift Operator in the event of a plant issue, safety concern or emergency - in addition to handling the problem and making minor repairs.
• Understand utility energy rate structures, monitor plant and campus energy usage, then run equipment to best minimize costs (utilizing Icetec).
• Ensure proper application of the University’s water treatment program.
• Assist in the training of Apprentices or new Operators.
• When not operating, the UPE will perform maintenance and housekeeping duties.

Working Conditions and Schedule:

Plant environment is noisy and hot. There are some outdoor related tasks. UPE must be willing to work a five-week rotating schedule with two weekends that are 12 hour shifts. Must wear, and know when to wear, all required safety equipment. Plant provides heating, cooling and electricity to the University. UPE’s are deemed critical employees and must report to work in weather emergencies.

Qualifications

• Black Seal High Pressure Operators license.
• High School Diploma or equivalent work experience.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English.
• Minimum of seven years plant operating experience in a plant that requires a Blue or Black Seal Steam License. Time spent in an applicable Apprenticeship Program may count towards some of the time requirements.
• Stay current with changes that affect the plant; and attend and successfully complete future applicable University or State required courses.
• Must be or become a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 68. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Blue Seal Steam license
• Blue Seal Refrigeration license
• Universal refrigeration CFC Technician Certification

Physical Demands - The following tasks and skills are necessary for any person to fulfill while working within the Cogeneration/Chilled Water Plant:

• Stand or walk for two hours at one time for up to eight-hours per day.
• Sit for less than two hours during an eight-hour day, except that SSO’s and UPE’s may sit up to four hours per day.
• Operate heavy equipment (e.g., forklift, high reach, cherry picker) occasionally (less than 33% of the workday).
• Lift or carry up to 50 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead occasionally (less than 33% of the workday).
• Frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling (34 – 66% of the workday).
• Occasionally squat, kneel, bend, lie down, crawl, reach overhead, lift overhead, knee stand, push or pull with forces up to 50 pounds (less than 33% of the workday).
• Frequently climb stairs or ladders up to 40 feet in height, (34 – 66% of the workday).
• Work outdoors in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions.
• Able to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance.
• Work in confined spaces with proper safety equipment and procedure in place.
• Handle chemicals and lubricants with safety precautions.
• Work in extreme temperature conditions typical of a boiler room.
• Work with hazardous materials including asbestos (according to regulations).
• Able to see and hear plant emergencies. 

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Standard Weekly Hours

Eligible for Overtime

Benefits Eligible

Probationary Period

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

Physical Capacity Exam Required

Valid Driver's License Required

Union Code