GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

The CO-GENERATION ENGINEER performs skilled journey-level work in the operation, repair, and maintenance of high-pressure steam boilers, chillers, steam and gas turbine-driven electric generators, associated machinery, tools, and equipment. Positions classified at this level operate, monitor, and troubleshoot centrally controlled district heating, cooling, and power generation plants and associated distribution systems requiring continuous operation

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a single classification and not currently part of a series of classes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Operation. Typical tasks: Start-up. shutdown, and operation of high-pressure steam generating power boilers, centrifugal, reciprocating, and heat-absorption chiller systems and associated pumps and equipment, gas and/or steam turbine driven electric generators, and associated pumps and equipment; samples boiler water, condensate, chilled water systems, and closed loop heating water systems; analyzes chemical and mechanical water treatment to maintain parameters; monitors operation of boilers and steam distribution and condensate collection equipment, turbine generators and electrical distribution equipment, low pressure air compressors, and air purification and distribution systems, chillers, and water circulation pumps, heat exchangers, perimeter heating equipment and medical gas distribution and monitoring systems; medium voltage electrical distribution equipment, reclosures, and feeders; performs operating adjustments to maintain efficiency of boilers, chillers, generators, and associated engineering plant equipment; operates computer terminal to interface with energy management system components. May monitor energy management systems and call in repair personnel in case of emergencies.
2. Mechanical Repair and Maintenance. Typical tasks: performs planned and corrective maintenance on steam boilers, chillers, air compressors, generators, heat exchangers, centrifugal and positive displacement pumps, meters, electrical, mechanical, pneumatic control components valves, piping, and steam traps, blowers, refractory, flow meters, conveyor equipment, gauges, and de-aerating feed tanks; manufactures parts from metal and sheetmetal using lathe and drill presses, sheet metal fabrication tools, oxygen, acetylene and electrical welding equipment, hydraulic presses, and hand tools; utilizes precision measuring devices including micrometers, calipers, electrical test meters, compressed gas analysis equipment, dial indicators, and electronic temperature sensors.
3. Miscellaneous/administrative. Typical tasks: keeps manual or computerized inventory of parts, supplies, and equipment; requisitions additional parts, supplies, and equipment when needed; contacts environmental agencies to provide notification of changing boiler configurations and reporting; maintains plant operation logs and completes required reports: may confer with salespeople to learn of new products; keeps work area clean and orderly by sweeping and disposing of debris, and painting; may assist other skilled or journey-level tradespeople such as Engineers, controls technicians, HVAC technicians, Pipe and Steamfitters, sheet metal workers, electricians, welders, general mechanics, or plant maintenance repair workers in the performance of their tasks.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

Employees in this class have regular in-person contact with agency staff and customers to minimize disruption of work unit. They have regular In-person contact with members of other trades to prioritize and coordinate work assignments. Employees in this class have regular in-person or phone contact with suppliers and salespeople when requisitioning supplies or learning of new products.

DECISION MAKING

The decisions regularly made are at the operational level. Within limits set by the specific process, choices involve deciding which operation is required to carry out a process (e.g., action taken to minimize impact of power interruption). Choices are within a range of specified, acceptable standards, alternatives, and technical practices.

COMPLEXITY

Positions in this class study available information such as equipment technical manuals, service bulletins, layout sketches, blueprints, operating manuals and practices, agency guidelines, OR-OSHA and environmental guidelines and regulations. Guidelines in the form of written manuals exist for most situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Employees In this class receive general supervision from the unit supervisor or other administrative superior. Work is assigned verbally or through written work orders. Work Is reviewed through feedback from agency staff for quality, timeliness, compliance to fire codes, building codes, environmental regulations, and agency regulations, policies, and guidelines. Employees in this class exercise independence in judgment and action to ensure the uninterrupted flow of utility services to the customers and to complete assigned tasks

GENERAL INFORMATION

Positions are found in specific colleges or universities within the Oregon State System of Higher Education that require co-generation system technology. Systems are typically comprised of power boilers of greater than 500 horsepower, absorption and/or centrifugal refrigeration systems, and electrical co-generation capabilities.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: completion of a 2-year state or federal apprenticeship in power boiler operations, theory, maintenance and troubleshooting and completion of a 2-year state or federal apprenticeship in turbine generator operations, theory, maintenance and troubleshooting, or six years of related work experience.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• completed Boiler and Turbine Operator apprenticeship or equivalent combination of education and experience to include knowledge of turbine generators, centrifugal absorption chillers, high pressure boilers and related technical systems involving electrical, steam, and refrigeration.

Position requires valid Oregon driver's license and acceptable driving record.