Power Plant Mechanic

Job Description

Campus Energy, Utilities and Operations has an outstanding opportunity for a Power Plant Mechanic to join our team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Central Power Plant Mechanic Lead, the Power Plant Mechanic will work in the University of Washington Central Power Plant, a highly complex heating, chilling and emergency power plant that provides steam, chilled water, Future hot water and emergency power to a large campus with a combined teaching, research, and health care mission, and in the West CUP facility.

Positions in this class are distinguished by responsibility to inspect, maintain and repair mechanical systems in the University of Washington Central Power Plant and West CUP facility. This class requires journey-level ability in machinery repair, pipefitting, steamfitting, welding, rigging, carpentry, machining, plumbing, and a working knowledge of power plant operations and electrical distribution systems. May respond to emergency calls.

Key responsibilities

Mechanical Maintenance & Repair (80%)

• Perform journey-level mechanical work supporting operation, maintenance, repair, and alteration of UW Power Plant systems
• Perform maintenance and repairs on:
  • High-capacity saturated steam boilers
  • High horsepower steam turbines
  • Boiler forced draft and induced draft fans
  • Large capacity centrifugal pumps
  • Large capacity reciprocating, centrifugal and rotary air compressors
  • Ion exchange water softeners, dealkalizers, and condensate polishers
  • Boiler feedwater deaerators
  • Large pressure reducing valves
  • Hydraulic variable speed transmissions
  • Cooling towers fans and drive systems
  • Follow preventative maintenance schedule
• Perform Lockout Tagout of plant systems to establish safe working conditions
• Maintain auxiliary systems such as pressure-reducing valves, chillers, and cooling tower equipment
• Conduct shaft alignment checks on rotating machinery

Systems Operations & Installation (15%)

• Install, maintain, and repair piping systems for steam, chilled water, condensate, fuel, chemicals, and compressed air
• Write/Test/Perform operational procedures to perform system or component maintenance
• Perform work in confined spaces (e.g., cooling towers, tanks, ductwork, etc.
• Respond to emergency situations such as critical plant alarms and system failures requiring human intervention.

Tools, Fabrication & General Duties (5%)

• Operate machine shop equipment (lathes, milling machines, presses, welding and cutting tools) to fabricate parts and use a wide range of hand tools and perform routine maintenance
• Operate vehicles and equipment such as service vans and forklifts; handle materials and supplies
• Provide guidance to helpers, support other trades or vendors as needed, and perform additional assigned duties

Required Qualifications

• To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Full journey status as a Machinery Mechanic by work experience, vocational or trade school, apprenticeship programs, or any combination of the above; or four years of applied work experience. Vocational training may substitute for work experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Additional Qualifications

• Must be able to get a Universal EPA 608 certification within 6 months
• Must be able to work in a diverse workforce
• Must be able to work in a tobacco free and non-smoking environment
• Must be able to work outdoors under all weather conditions
• Must be able to be fitted for and wear a respirator on the job.
• Have possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license recognized by the State of Washington and have a good driving record
• Must be able to communicate effectively with staff on portable hand-held radios with the Seattle Fire Department, University Police Department, and other Facilities Services staff.
• Must be able to follow all Washington State safety rules and regulations
• Must be able to lift or carry heavy objects, work in confined spaces, restricted movement areas, mechanical/electrical spaces, and around operating equipment such as boilers, fans, pumps, and transformers, etc. for extended periods of time and be able to climb ladders and work at heights
• Must be able to work both independently and as a team member
• Must maintain a professional appearance at all times
• Regular and predictable attendance is required
• Approved footwear must be provided by the employee and worn on the job (footwear expense may be reimbursed per allowance guidelines).
• This position is subject to callback outside normal working hours (nights, weekends, holidays) and mandatory scheduled and unscheduled overtime to respond to emergencies on an as-needed, scheduled on-call, or standby basis.
• Standard work hours are Monday through Friday 7:00AM – 3:30PM
• Must be able to respond to system emergencies during regular business hours and outside of regular business hours

Preferred Qualifications

• Have knowledge and understanding of safe work practices and policies
• Must be able to wear all proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required
• Must be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions and communicate regarding the use of chemicals, supplies, and equipment; comply with safety policies and procedures
• Five or more years of experience as a Power Plant Mechanic working on complex and critical systems, and with a complete understanding of how to work safely on steam systems
• Universal EPA 608 certification
• Experience developing and testing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and/or Emergency Operating Procedures (EOP) in similar facilities
• Experience participating in operational ‘drills’ to validate and improve crew response and understanding of procedures.
• Experience and training in the operations and maintenance of large chillers and/or diesel generators in similar facilities
• Experience as a Machinery Mechanic working on complex and critical systems in a power plant or comparable facility, must have a thorough understanding on how to work safely around live systems
• Experience with Lean implementation
• Experience in applicable basic desktop computer skills, maintenance work request and work order programs and working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook as well as Adobe Acrobat or Bluebeam.
• Trade experience should include welding, pipefitting, and steam fitting
• Demonstrated ability for metal fabrication using the appropriate metal working tools

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.