Stationary Engineer Jobs

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Salary Range: $33.00 - $39.00 per hour

INTRODUCTION:

This position is located in the Division of Technical Resources (DTR), Office of Research Facilities Development and Operation (ORF), Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The Division of Technical Resources (DTR) serves the NIH Community by providing support for renovations, new construction and maintenance of existing facilities, utilities and grounds. The Division provides professional leadership for the engineering programs of the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (NIH). The scope of DTR operations is such that the effectiveness with which they are carried out has a major and direct effect on the worldwide biomedical research programs of the NIH. In addition to the main facilities at the Bethesda Campus and in Poolesville, MD, NIH has facilities at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Montana and the Gerontology Research Center in Baltimore, MD.

The Central Utilities Plant operates and maintains twelve electrically driven industrial centrifugal chillers of different manufactures. Each has a capacity of 5,000 tons, for a total plant capacity of 60,000 tons. The Plant also operates and maintains three centrifugal air compressors, with a capacity of 1,800 to 3,000 CFM each. This equipment is used to supply chilled water and compressed air utility services to over 50 buildings on the NIH reservation. The buildings house a variety of research and medical facilities, a hospital, and other administrative buildings.

The incumbent served as a senior level Utility Systems Repairer Operator responsible for independent operation, maintenance, and minor repair of large industrial chiller units and systems. The position is organizationally located within the DTR in one or more of the subordinate organizational components responsible for the provision of operations and maintenance of NIH facilities. The position is multi-disciplinary and requires the incumbent to be multi-skilled and flexible in the types and complexity of work performed. The position requires that the incumbent be able to work independently and take the initiative to complete the work assigned with a minimum of direct supervision regardless of the nature of the work thus requiring that specific trade skills be shared between staff members.

This position is designated an Emergency Essential position. The incumbent must possess a current state driver's license, an EPA Universal Technician Certification as required by Section 608 of the Clean Air Act or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire. The incumbent must also possess State of MD licensure or equipment or be able to obtain within 60 days of hire. The incumbent must pass a physical examination. The incumbent is subject to shift work or irregular work hours, with overtime as required.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for the monitoring, operation, and minor repair of the central chilled water plant, including the large tonnage chillers that supply chilled water in support of the programs and operations of NIH research, medical, and administrative facilities. Applies in-depth knowledge of utility systems to independently operate the central chilled water plant under varying load conditions. Stands watch in a large utility plant on rotating shifts, with prime responsibility for operation, maintenance, servicing, repair and monitoring of all equipment associated with this position, to include multiple centrifugal chillers, several cooling towers, associated chilled water pumps, spray water pumps, water treatment systems, chilled water distribution systems, and boilers. The chilled water distribution system must run 24/7, without interruption. The incumbent is subject to call-in during emergencies and to relieve personnel on extended shift duty.

Independently operates and monitors master control console. Performs all necessary plant readings that are critical for operations, and efficient performance, including pressures, temperatures, flows, oil levels, and meter readings. Troubleshoots operational problems by locating and checking various elements such as the temperature of the refrigeration units, the temperature of the liquid and suction lines, and the running time of the various mechanisms.

Takes all measures necessary to operate, maintain, and repair all associated devices to preclude interruption in service. Applies a thorough knowledge of emergency procedures. Provides immediate response to any indication of problems with systems and equipment to preclude interruption to critical systems.

Assures the proper chilled water temperature for outgoing and return water at maximum plant operation or proper chilled water supply. Performs inspections, shift rounds, and preventive maintenance on chillers, pumps, compressors, cooling towers, and other equipment as required or directed. Must be familiar with all relevant refrigerants and oils used in these applications.

Starts, stops, operates, adjusts, maintains and repairs all of the twelve large electrically driven chillers and associated auxiliary equipment, including cooling towers, condensers, pumps, and motors. Starts the system, adjusts control settings, obtains desired temperatures and operational needs, and observes equipment to ensure proper pressure and operating speeds. Modifies and balances elements of the systems using controls theory and system knowledge to meet system requirements.

Diagnoses trouble by analyzing malfunctions in equipment by means of pressure gauges, temperature probes, leak detectors, multi-meters, amp-meters, ohm-meters and other instruments for locating defects in complex mechanical, electronic and electrical systems and controls.

As a secondary responsibility, independently operates and maintains various plant systems, including steam boiler systems, HVAC, and other related systems, in order to meet equipment and occupant requirements. Operates and monitors five steam boilers ranging in size from 150,000 lb/hr to 200,000 lb/hr, taking hourly readings and reporting any problems with these units. Steam is generated at 165 psi saturated conditions. Primary fuel is natural gas with #2 fuel oil as a backup.

Operates other miscellaneous plant equipment as required. Works with other trades and personnel as necessary to maintain continuous plant operations and performance. Performs a variety of trades worker tasks involved in the upkeep of buildings and related structures, fixtures, and utilities. Maintains work areas, tools, and equipment. Performs other housekeeping tasks, such as cleaning, painting, and covering pipes.

Determines the methods and techniques required to solve unusually complex maintenance and repair problems without supervision. Knows where switchgear is located and supports high voltage electricians using proper procedures in case of emergency to help preclude a power outage.

Operates and maintains three central 1,800 to 3,000 CFM air compressors; tests three water softeners for hardness, and regenerates and adjusts chemical and water flow when necessary to assure efficiency. Test procedures involve setting up, calibrating, and operating measurement equipment. Frequent testing is required to confirm system operation and validate performance. Uses electronic and pneumatic controls throughout the facility to conduct tests.

Maintains required chemical treatment program for plant systems. Completes daily logs, enters daily information into automated systems, and prepares reports as necessary.

Reads and interprets blueprints, plans, and operating/technical manuals for equipment and systems to be repaired. Estimates time and materials required for each job.

Uses tools and other means to identify equipment problems, such as observation of metal corrosion; checking gauges for pressure, temperature, and level; assessing sounds of motors; detecting odors given off from flow or gas leaks; and detecting temperatures of pipes. Reviews computer data and written logs, and uses schematics, maintenance manuals, and drawings to troubleshoot problems with electrical, electronic, or pneumatic controls and mechanical equipment.

Observes and complies with all standard safety codes and practices, and performs routine operational tasks such as operating manual valves, adding oil to gearboxes, greasing equipment, etc. Performs work in accordance with recognized trade practices, industry standards, codes, and requirements of jurisdictional authorities.

Uses a PC for word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, internet based research and data input.

Performs other duties as assigned.

FACTORS:

Skills and Knowledge:

In-depth knowledge of the principles, theories, operations, and sequences of utility systems repair and operation. This includes such aspects as operation of multi-chiller refrigeration systems; air conditioning/refrigeration cycles; refrigerant R-22 and R-134(a) and required handling precautions; distribution systems, including piping and chilled water loads; steam boiler systems; heat transfer laws; refrigerant tables; air flow measurement procedures, techniques, and calculations; and system pressure-temperature characteristics, in order to identify, locate, diagnose, and repair faulty equipment swiftly and to reduce inoperative time to a minimum.

Knowledge of a wide range and type of industrial refrigeration systems.

Skill in the monitoring, operation, and servicing of chilled water generating and distribution systems in a multi-chiller, manual system environment. Skill in dealing with unexpected and emergency conditions, such as power outages and chiller failures. Skill in using troubleshooting methods, including sensory, mechanical, and computer diagnostic methods, to locate causes of malfunctions in centrifugal chillers, high-temperature hot-water generators, pumps, valves, and related systems.

Knowledge of the refrigeration cycle of a variety of commercial and industrial systems to locate and check elements such as those which control low side and high side pressure; the temperature of the cooling units, the temperatures of the liquid and suction lines; and the running time of the various mechanisms.

Knowledge of systems which contain a variety of compressors, such as gear, reciprocating, centrifugal, and rotary pump, and a variety of refrigerant controls such as those with low and high pressure side floats, automatic and thermostatic expansion valves, capillary or choke types, and those based on volume or quantity change.

Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of complex electric, electronic, and pneumatic control systems, as well as unique control systems required in a central chilled water and steam plant. Ability to read blueprints and wiring diagrams.

Knowledge of low and high pressure pneumatic controls and devices.

Ability to maintain and apply knowledge of plant utility systems to identify and resolve problems, consistent with recognized trade practices, industry standards, codes, and jurisdictional authorities.

Skill in using automated computer-based instrumentation and distributed control systems for heating/cooling systems, in order to verify normal operating performance, adjust controls, and identify and isolate operational problems.

Knowledge of proper rigging techniques for safe moving and handling of large, bulky and/or heavy pieces of equipment and machinery.

Ability to read and use technical manuals, illustrations, wiring diagrams, schematics and similar guides covering the complete assembly, troubleshooting, and layout of complex commercial and industrial HVAC equipment. Skill in interpreting schematics and manufacturers’ specifications in order to perform repair work such as replacing impellers and mechanical seals, and tracing circuitry in control panels.

Ability to perform required checks for the probability of leaks by visual and audible examination by applying prescribed test procedures and equipment.

Knowledge of water treatment techniques required for industrial and chilled water systems for the prevention of corrosion and scale, as well as control of biological contamination.

Skill in using various trade tools and equipment, such as gauges, thermometers, multimeters, amp probes, vacuum pumps, torches, acid pumps, leak detectors, flow meters, and refrigerant reclaimers, to make repairs, perform maintenance and rebuilding tasks, and adjust equipment to close tolerances per manufacturers’ specifications and requirements.

Responsibility:

Supervision received consists of either oral assignment of work with instructions of any special requirements or a written job/service order with or without drawings and sketches. Independently performs work in accordance with accepted work standards and is called upon to determine the methods and techniques required to solve unusually complex maintenance and repair problems while on shift work, without supervision. Independently performs risk assessments for all work, determines the work methods, sequences, tools and equipment to use in making the extensive and complex repairs to the equipment. Works directly with engineers on occasion while modifying a system to meet specific conditions and consults with supervisor or engineering personnel on problems which are unique. Responsibility is great due to frequent judgments and decisions to be made regarding testing, balancing, and modifications to meet critical conditions, as well as operational decisions which must be made while on shift assignment to preclude any interruption in service. Review of work is limited to occasional spot checks for adequacy and quality of work accomplished and customer satisfaction.

Physical Effort:

Considerable physical effort is expended to maneuver large equipment into and out of specific locations while dismantling and reassembling. Frequently carries and sets up parts and equipment that weighs up to 50 pounds. Hoists, holders, and pulleys are operated when removing units such as large compressors, condensers, and chillers. Necessary repairs may be made from ladders, scaffolding and platforms where the parts of systems worked on are frequently in hard-to-reach places requiring stooping, stretching, bending, and kneeling for extended periods of time.

Working Conditions:

Position will be subject to shift and irregular work hours, including overtime as required.

Works inside and outside, exposed to dirt, sewage, dust, grease, fumes, temperature extremes, and refrigerant gases. Is subject to injury from use of hand and power tools, and to burns, cuts, bruises, and electrical shock. May be required to wear and/or use protective clothing and equipment in accordance with established health and safety regulations and SOPs. May be required to enter permit required confined spaces to perform inspections.

Works outside and is occasionally exposed to bad weather while loading and unloading vehicles.

DAWSON is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/VEVRAA federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

DAWSON offers a best-in-class benefits program including medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; paid vacation and sick leave; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance; an Employee Assistance Program; and a flexible work environment. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including critical illness coverage; accident insurance; identity theft coverage; pet insurance, and more.

DAWSON gives preference to internal candidates. If no internal candidate meets our qualifications, external candidates will be given consideration.