Chief Stationary Engineer

Chief Stationary Engineer

Salary

$160,160.00 - $194,459.20 Annually

Location

Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

26-N97-A

Department

Facilities Department

Division

Building Operations

Opening Date

09/11/2026

Closing Date

10/2/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

92

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

Under direction, to plan, organize, coordinate, evaluate, and supervise the work center of plant operations and direct personnel engaged in plant maintenance and building equipment services activities that include the major central plant type HVAC, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and utility systems for maintenance and repair.

Typical Tasks

• Plans, coordinates, and supervises the activities of personnel engaged in plant maintenance and building equipment services within County facilities, but are not limited to the operation of plant equipment including pumps, motors, chemical feeders and filters to control the quality of water distributed for domestic use and water analysis to maintain water quality and proper chemical dosage in process systems;
• Interviews, trains, hires, and evaluates performance of subordinate staff;
• Manages, inspects, and reviews work orders and completed work;
• Reviews and evaluates plant performance utilizing the building automation system and alarm management system to ensure compliance with Federal and State standards, and reviews plant modification plans prepared by others and make recommendations to appropriate managerial personnel;
• Reviews all plant operating logs and prepares required operational reports;
• Evaluates and advises the building automation system performance to utilize the most recent technology and market research;
• Communicates with departmental personnel, regulatory agencies, outside vendors, other organizations, and the public regarding operation and maintenance activities of the water treatment plants;
• Provides technical expertise, identifies potential problems with work plans, participates in estimating guidelines, and gives feedback;
• Monitors and makes recommendations regarding employee training and safety, workplace safety, and environmental safety program requirements to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and regulations;
• Oversees and monitors the operation and maintenance of boilers and related industrial, hospital, and kitchen equipment located in County buildings;
• Develops and executes operational procedures for building equipment and stationary engineering operations;
• Uses blueprints, diagrams, schematic drawings, and maintenance manuals to locate sources and diagnose problems with electrical, plumbing, and mechanical equipment;
• Oversees equipment maintenance records and makes reports;
• Identify training needs for staff in the Stationary Engineers series, monitors competency of staff, and reviews task performance;
• Resolves customer service issues;
• Implements and monitors an effective energy efficiency, conservation, and management program to ensure measures are implemented to keep operations cost at a minimum;
• Ensures compliance with the Joint Commission Standards for hospital Utilities Management Program, Fire and Life Safety Management Program;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The required knowledge and abilities are attained through training and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent;

and

Seven (7) years of full-time experience performing maintenance, troubleshooting, service, and repair of hot water and low- and high-pressure steam boilers and other equipment;

and

Three (3) years of full-time lead and/or supervisory experience overseeing maintenance staff.

Possession of Unlimited Horsepower Steam Engine License or Certified Plant Engineer may substitute for up to one (1) year of the maintenance, troubleshooting, service, and repair of hot water and low- and high-pressure steam boilers and other equipment experience.

Possession of a certificate as a Healthcare Facility Manager or Facility Manager may substitute for up to one (1) year of the lead and/or supervisory experience overseeing maintenance staff.

Special Requirements

• Depending on the position, must be able to pass a background check.
• Possess a valid Water Distribution Operator certification at Grade D2 or higher upon appointment and maintain for the duration of employment in this classification.
• Possess a valid Universal Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) certificate issued by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency upon appointment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this classification.
• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.
• *As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of supervision, training, and mentoring;
• Applicable safety codes and regulations;
• Bacteriological and chemical properties required at various phases of water treatment;
• Operational, maintenance, use, and repair requirements of a wide variety of pumping, heating, ventilating and related plant machinery and equipment and the tools and equipment necessary for proper care and safety;
• Machinery, equipment and operation of central utility plant and water distribution facilities and filtration plants;
• Various boiler manufacturers, models, styles, and operation of high- and low-pressure steam boilers;
• Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standards relating to hospital equipment, when assigned to the County Health System;
• Emergency power systems;
• Electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems for large buildings and facilities;
• Techniques, procedures, and correct use of protective barrier equipment, infection control measures, proactive risk assessment and interim life safety measures;
• English usage, style, grammar, punctuation, and spelling;
• Common computer systems and applications.

Ability to:

• Hire, supervise, train, direct, and evaluate the work of staff;
• Plan, assign and direct the operation and maintenance activities of subordinate personnel and program objectives;
• Review, analyze, and make recommendations relative to the improvement of plant operation and maintenance methods and procedures;
• Manage the maintenance program for all equipment related to the facility;
• Consult and advise management and directors on activities and statuses of the maintenance and repair program;
• Develop budget plans that accurately reflect facility, customer, and maintenance program needs policies;
• Read and understand safety data sheets (SDS) and other safety communications;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies;
• Operate, inspect, maintain, and make repairs to high- and low-pressure steam boilers, HVAC systems, water treatment equipment, plumbing fixtures, electrical motors, and other ancillary equipment;
• Learn and recall requirements of regulations affecting the activities, procedures, and policies surrounding the work;
• Interpret blueprints, diagrams, schematic drawings, and maintenance manuals;
• Respond quickly and appropriately in an emergency;
• Manage and operate generator units during power outages;
• Maintain accurate records and write reports;
• Use computer systems and applications.

Physical Requirements

• Lift and/or move moderately heavy and/or bulky equipment and objects up to 50 lbs. without assistance;
• Work in small and confined spaces;
• Climb ladders;
• Push, pull, grasp, and perform manual tasks, as necessary;
• Work on weekends, holidays, and at odd or irregular hours.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more here.

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits

The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account

The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)

The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D

The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave. These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness

The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement

A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.

01

Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete.

Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:

a) Employer name(s)

b) Job title(s)

c) Start/end dates of employment

d) Total hours worked per week

e) Description of task(s) performed

Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School or GED equivalent
• College (1 to 29 semester units / 1 to 44 quarter units)
• College (30 to 59 semester units / 45 to 89 quarter units)
• College (60 to 89 semester units / 90 to 134 quarter units)
• College (90 to 119 semester units / 135 to 179 quarter units)
• College (120 or more semester units / 180 or more quarter units)
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• None of the above

03

Are you a Certified Plant Engineer (CPE) credentialed by the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE)? If "yes", please attach a copy to your application.

• Yes
• No

04

Do you possess an Unlimited Horsepower Steam Engine License? If "yes", please attach a copy to your application.

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a certificate as a Healthcare Facility Manager or Facility Manager? If "yes", please attach a copy to your application.

• Yes
• No

06

You MUST be in possession of a valid Universal Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) certificate issued by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency upon appointment and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this classification. Do you understand this requirement? Please attach a copy to your application.

• Yes
• No

07

You MUST be in possession of a valid Water Distribution Operator certification at Grade D2 or higher upon appointment and maintain for the duration of employment in this classification. Do you understand this requirement? Please attach a copy to your application.

• Yes
• No

08

How many years of experience do you have performing maintenance, troubleshooting, service, and repair of hot water, and low- and high-pressure steam boilers and other equipment?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six to less than seven years
• Seven to less than eight years
• Eight to less than nine years
• Nine to less than ten years
• Ten or more years

09

Please describe your experience performing maintenance, troubleshooting, service, and repair of hot water, and low- and high-pressure steam boilers and other equipment.

Include in your response:

a) Employer name(s)

b) Job title(s)

c) Start/end dates of employment

d) Total hours worked per week

e) Description of task(s) performed

If no experience, please type N/A.

10

How many years of lead and/or supervisory experience do you have overseeing maintenance staff?

• No experience
• Less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• five to less than six years
• Six or more years

11

Please describe your lead and/or supervisory experience overseeing maintenance staff.

Include in your response:

a) Employer name(s)

b) Job title(s)

c) Start/end dates of employment

d) Total hours worked per week

e) Description of task(s) performed

If no experience, please type N/A.

12

How did you find out/hear about this job?

• In Person Job Fair
• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Email Newsletter
• Virtual Event
• Community Event
• Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Student Career Center
• Handshake
• Professional Association
• Contacted by an External Staffing Firm
• Hospital Website
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Governmentjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Employee Referral: Friends, Families and Coworkers
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• Other (Specify in the next question)

13

How did you find out about this job? If "Other" is selected: Please describe how you heard about this job.

Required Question

Employer County of Santa Clara

Address 70 W. Hedding Street

8th Floor, East Wing

San Jose, California, 95110

Phone (408) 299-6816

Website http://www.sccjobs.org/