Steam Operating Engineer

Class Specifications – G.15
Lead Steam Operating Engineer – 8235
Steam Operating Engineer – 8239
Apprentice Steam Operating Engineer – 8240

July, 1986

Series Concept

Steam Operating Engineers operate, maintain and repair high pressure steam generating, heating,ventilating and air conditioning equipment; and perform other related duties as required.

Class Concepts

Lead Steam Operating Engineer

Under genera supervision and in the absence of the Assistant Chief Steam Operating Engineer, incumbents serve as working leaders of a small crew of Steam Operating Engineers. Incumbents typically perform the work of Steam Operating Engineers in addition to transmitting orders and explaining tasks to co-workers and performing record keeping and ordering functions.

Steam Operating Engineer

Under supervision incumbents perform operational level duties in the operation, maintenance and repair of heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment; gas and oil-fired high pressure boilers; and compressors and auxiliary equipment used in the manufacture and distribution of steam, chilled water, compressed air and distilled water. Steam Operating Engineers stand boiler watch; feed and regulate fires; maintain proper pressures, temperature, water levels and concentrates; inspect, adjust and make normal and emergency repairs to boilers, burners, pressure regulators, piping and pumps; report breakdowns requiring outside repair; assist in making major repairs to steam lines; maintain and clean boilers regularly; clean fire tubes and fumes by the use of blowers and rods; service compressors; vacuum pumps and other equipment by oiling parts and packing valves; make boiler water chemical tests and treat water as tests indicate; keep log of steam plant operations; operate and/or maintain associated stationary equipment such as water chillers, pumps, cooling towers, water stills, and heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment. May perform minor plumbing such as cleaning strainers and changing filters.

Apprentice Steam Operating Engineer

Under close supervision, incumbents participate in a prescribed program of work experience and vocational education and upon completion progress to the level of Steam Operating Engineer.

Incumbents assist journey-level Steam Operating and Service Engineers in the performance of duties in areas of heating and ventilation and related controls; maintenance of mechanical equipment; steam plant operation; refrigeration and air conditioning; and related record keeping and ordering. As part of a bona fide apprentice program incumbents concurrently complete a prescribed sequence of vocational education courses such as mechanical drawing, steam plant operation, heating and ventilation, and refrigeration and air conditioning.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants for positions in this series are expected to possess the skills, knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.