CLASS TITLE:  HEATING PLANT OPERATOR

CLASS DEFINITION:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

On an assigned shift, to act as watch engineer, having supervisory responsibility for the operation, maintenance and repair of a large high-pressure central steam heating plant; and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of a superior; assignments are given in detail, but some latitude is allowed in determining methods and techniques to be used in effecting the desired results as to repairs and general operation of the unit; work is reviewed in process and upon completion.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Supervises the work of subordinates engaged in tasks involved in the operation, maintenance and repair of equipment used in the operation of the heating plant.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

On an assigned shift, to act as watch engineer, having supervisory responsibility for the operation, maintenance and repair of a large high-pressure steam heating plant for a group of buildings such as the Ladd School or the University of Rhode Island.

To read and record findings of instruments and gauges; to keep records of fuel and water consumed and to make reports based on this data.

To supervise and participate in the making of repairs to the high-pressure steam boilers, pumps, valves, blowers, ventilators and other heating plant equipment.

To supervise the work of firemen and other heating plant employees.

To inspect equipment and note its condition and performance.

To assist in new installations and the making of major repairs.

To be responsible for the maintenance and operation of emergency diesel-powered electricity generating equipment.

As required, to note the level of water in the central water supply tank.

As required, to operate and maintain the water pumps to keep the central water tank at the prescribed level.

To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES:

A working knowledge of the operation, maintenance and repair of high-pressure steam boilers, oil and water pumps, blowers, ventilators and other auxiliary heating plan t equipment; a working knowledge of the safety precautions and practices necessary to work effectively around high-pressure steam boilers and moving equipment; the ability to supervise and direct the work of employees in such a plant; a familiarity with steam fitting, plumbing and boiler making and the ability to use the tools of these trades; and related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATION:
Such as may have been gained through: graduation from a senior high school; and

EXPERIENCE:
Such as may have been gained through employment in a responsible capacity in the firing and maintenance of steam boilers and other heating plan equipment.

OR- any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

At the time of appointment must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties as evidenced by a physician’s certificate.