OPERATING ENGINEER

The Operating Engineer is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of a range of mechanical systems and equipment within the organization. This role includes overseeing HVAC systems, boilers, generators, and other critical infrastructure to ensure their efficient and safe operation. The Operating Engineer will perform routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with other engineering and maintenance staff to maintain optimal facility performance.

Essential Duties

• Operate and monitor mechanical systems and equipment, including HVAC systems, boilers, chillers, generators, and pumps.
• Conduct routine inspections and preventive maintenance on systems and equipment to ensure they are functioning properly and efficiently.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical, electrical, and operational issues, performing repairs and adjustments as necessary.
• Maintain accurate records of system performance, maintenance activities, repairs, and inspections.
• Respond to emergency situations and equipment breakdowns promptly, coordinating with other staff to resolve issues quickly.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, codes, and company policies while operating and maintaining systems.
• Collaborate with other engineers and maintenance staff to plan and execute facility improvement projects and upgrades.
• Monitor energy usage and implement measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Assist with the development and implementation of maintenance schedules, procedures, and best practices.
• Provide training and support to less experienced staff as needed.
• Addresses patient and family concerns.
• Oversee maintenance duties after hours
• Ability to provide 24-hour on-call coverage, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Must be available to respond to emergencies or urgent requests during these times to ensure continuity of care/services.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in mechanical maintenance, including experience with HVAC systems, plumbing, and electrical systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot and repair a wide range of equipment and systems.
• Proficiency in using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and practices related to maintenance work.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to perform physical tasks, including lifting, bending, and working in various conditions.

Required Licensure/Education

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid drivers license and a clean driving record.

Preferred Education

• Technical certification or vocational training in mechanical engineering, facilities management, or a related field is preferred.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to: 

Chemicals: Industrial water treatment chemicals, acids, bases, resins, salts, anti-foaming agents, biocides, cleaners and paints

Video Display Terminals: Average

Blood and Body Fluids: During work on sewer systems, sinks, toilets and central vacuum outlets and patient beds.

TB or Airborne Pathogens: During work in and on heating and ventilating systems and duct work.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

Speech: Needed to instruct, delegate and communicate operational and maintenance requirements.

Vision: Must be able to determine the proper operational characteristics of functioning equipment and systems, recognize dangerous and hazardous conditions.

Smell: Must be able to determine the proper operational characteristics of functioning equipment and systems, recognize dangerous and hazardous conditions.

Hearing: Must be able to determine the proper operational characteristics of functioning equipment and systems, recognize dangerous and hazardous conditions, hear overhead paging, radio pagers, telephones and walkie talkies.

Touch: Must be able to determine the proper operational characteristics of functioning equipment and systems, recognize dangerous and hazardous conditions, must be able to sense vibrating pagers.

Activity/Lifting Requirements

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

Sit: 5%

Twist: 5%

Stand: 15%

Crawl: 2%

Walk: 15%

Kneel: 5%

Lift: 10%

Drive: 3%

Squat: 5%

Climb: 15%

Bend: 5%

Reach above shoulders: 15%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

Up to 10 lbs: Frequently

Up to 20 lbs: Frequently

Up to 35 lbs: Frequently

Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally

Up to 75 lbs: Occasionally

Up to 100 lbs: Occasionally

Over 100 lbs:Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Lifting and installing pipes, valves, sheet metal and other materials up to 20' and weighing up to 40# unassisted. Can perform some work at same height with greater weights with assistance. May need to carry equipment, tools, and materials up to 75#, 100' unassisted and over 100# the same distance using stairways and ladders with assistance.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

Sit: 30

Twist: 35

Stand: 100

Crawl: 20

Walk: 100

Kneel: 35

Lift: 70

Drive: 20

Squat: 35

Climb: 100

Bend: 35

Reach above shoulders: 100

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

Simple grasp up to 15 lbs.

Pushing & pulling Normal weight: up to 200#

Fine Manipulation: Adjustment of environmental controls, co-generation equipment, blow down controls.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Operates foot controlled pipe threader and drill presses. Occasionally with 5# of force.

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

Inside hours: 6

Outside hours : 2

Temperature: Extreme cold to extreme hot

Lighting: Very dark to very bright

Noise levels: Very loud to very soft

Humidity: Humid to Dry

Atmosphere: Dust, fumes, odors, gas, poor ventilation

Special Hazards: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Radiation, Other - Must work daily on electric power or steam powered equipment. Natural gas is primary source of fuel for boilers and power generating equipment. Work in radiation areas to control HVAC environment such as Nuclear Medicine.

Protective Clothing Required: Goggles, gloves, face shields, aprons, hearing protectors, respirators and full protective suits occasionally.