Classification Description

University of Michigan
Issued: 12/02/79 Classification Code
# 839000
Supersedes: NEW FLSA NE

TITLE: OPERATING ENGINEER GRADE: E6

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY
To operate and maintain steam boilers, pumps, fans, motors, regulators, turbines, generators and other mechanical equipment in a heating plant or powerhouse.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitor the operation of all plant equipment.
Start up and shutdown boilers.
Evaluate and determine as assigned, the need for changes in temperature, pressure or flow to satisfy varying plant load situations.
Coordinate as assigned, the loading and unloading of turbine generators, starting or shutting down of boilers and general maintenance and repair operations.
Evaluate the causes of equipment malfunctions and take appropriate corrective steps or shut down machinery.
Participate in the training and direction of Powerhouse Operators and Powerhouse Operator-Operating Engineer Designees with administrative directives.
Oversee and coordinate heating plant or powerhouse operation and maintenance activities when the Senior Operating Engineer is out of the control room.
May coordinate the work of assigned assistants.

RELATED DUTIES
Record equipment operation and maintenance data. Blow down boiler when conductive solids and impurities exceed specified limits; test high and low pressure safety controls.
Add chemicals to condition boiler water and water treatment equipment.
Maintain a chemical balance in boiler water and cooling towers according to prescribed procedures by performing standard testing procedures.
Start up, synchronize, load and unload turbine generators.
Check meters and gauges to monitor pressure and temperature of steam, water, oil, air, steam traps, reducing valves and water treatment equipment.
Set and control steam and heating pressure through switchboard operation making adjustments via relays, switches and valves.
Observe gauges and meters to read voltage, amperage and kilowatts of generators and transformers.
Perform periodic rounds of inspection of heating plant, checking for proper function of equipment. Inspect and adjust control mechanisms.
Clean, inspect, and perform routine maintenance of equipment and facilities including, but not limited to, oiling, greasing, repair of furnace refractories and repacking of leaking packing glands.
Observe University fire and safety procedures such as burn permits, personal protective equipment use, lockout and combined space procedures.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Supervision is received from a designated official.
May receive direction from Senior Operating Engineers.
QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from high school or a trade school equivalent is necessary.
Considerable maritime or powerhouse experience with boiler and turbine operations or satisfactory and reliable performance as a Powerhouse Operator-Operating Engineer Designee is necessary.
Ability to tolerate high levels of heat and noise is necessary.
Considerable mechanical aptitude is necessary.
Thorough knowledge of the equipment, methods and materials used in boiler and turbine operations is necessary.
Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of high and low pressure boilers, turbines, generators and related equipment is necessary.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports is necessary.
Thorough knowledge of safety standards and procedures is necessary.
Ability to exercise tact and discretion in relationships with subordinates and staff is necessary.
Physical ability to perform the full range of duties of the classification is necessary.
Ability to train and direct the work of assigned assistants is necessary.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind or level of difficulty.