Second Class Power Plant Engineer

Second Class Power Plant Engineer

• 509204
• Amherst, Massachusetts, United States
• AFSCME
• Staff
• Opening on: Jun 21 2026
• Closing on: Sep 22 2026

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Title: Second Class Power Plant Engineer

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities Management

Department: Utility Power Plant

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Second Class Power Plant Engineer performs numerous operations and maintenance tasks and leads others in the safe and efficient operation of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Power Plant, meeting all environmental and safety requirements. Works under the direction and supervision of the Power Plant Manager and Power Plant Assistant Plant Manager.

Essential Functions

Oversees and provides guidance on all Power Plant operations, including startup and shutdown of main plant components and auxiliaries assuring that electrical and steam generation is maintained in a safe and reliable manner.

Performs control room operator duties as necessary to operate a gas and oil-fired power plant with gas turbines, boilers, and associated balance of plant equipment.

Direct functional supervision of Power Plant Operator assigned to their shift. Assists in the orientation, training, and development of Power Plant Operators. Assigns, monitors, and assures high work quality of the Power Plant Operator assigned to operating shift.

Complies with and ensures that all site safety requirements and procedures are properly implemented and consistently observed.

Monitors Power Plant emissions levels and operates the Power Plant within permitted limits.

Identifies safety hazards and takes corrective actions as necessary.

Maintains accurate and neat shift operating logs, reports, and records.

Assists the Assistant Plant Manager with reporting requirements.

Performs routine chemical testing.

Opens and closes valves and adjusts controls to regulate flows of operating fluids.

Reads and records gauges and meters.

Responsible for the safe receiving, handling, and storage of ammonia, water treatment chemicals, and fuel oil.

Assists in developing standard procedures for operations and maintenance.

Maintains central control of the lock out/tag out logbook, lock boxes, and keys.

Understands and utilizes the Power Plant computerized maintenance management system.

Performs basic electrical and mechanical inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks under the direction of Management when assigned.

Executes work orders.

Understands, is committed to, and supports non-discrimination goals.

Other Functions

Performs other duties necessary to fulfill plant requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a 2nd Class Stationary Engineer''s license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety pursuant to Chapter 146 of the Massachusetts General Laws required.

Knowledge of Power Plant mechanical and electrical equipment, including motors, pumps, turbine generators,) boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, cooling towers, pollution control equipment, AC and DC electrical distribution and control systems, etc., and associated maintenance functions. ·

Knowledge of Power Plant safety policies and procedures, especially in the areas of high-energy systems, chemical handling, heavy equipment, rotating machinery, confined spaces, fire suppression, and first aid.

Thorough understanding of the water treatment process. Working knowledge of the impact of water treatment requirements on overall plant operations.

Knowledge of and experience in at least four (4) of the following skill areas: pipefitting, welding, machining, rigging, rotating machine repair, fabrication, machine alignment, piping schematics, mechanical drawings, electrical theory, electrical safety, vibration analysis, electrical test equipment, basic electrical trouble-shooting, and high- and low- voltage systems, equipment, and components.

Demonstrated ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with Power Plants.

Ability to use basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, and basic rigging equipment such as winches, hoists, and slings.

Ability to comprehend and apply technical information, including mechanical and electrical drawings (such as blueprints, P&IDs, single-line diagrams, and schematics), to problem-solving situations and troubleshooting.

Ability to locate, trouble-shoot, and adjust defects in mechanical equipment and/or maintain, install, modify and trouble-shoot plant electrical systems and equipment (even while on-line) without "tripping" equipment (with supervision, if necessary).

Ability to read and write effectively in English and to do basic mathematics.

Ability to communicate and coordinate work on technical subjects with other Power Plant personnel and with outside vendors.

Ability to operate and maintain various analytical and test equipment.

Outstanding skills in leadership and interpersonal relationships.

A basic working knowledge of windows-based software programs.

General knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems.

General knowledge of emissions control and monitoring equipment.

Possession of a Grade 2-1 full active or higher Certificate of Competency issued by the Massachusetts Board of Certifications of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities pursuant to the Code of Massachusetts Regulations 257 CMR 2.00. Individuals must obtain this qualification within the first year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

Five (5) years of Power Plant experience in operations and/or maintenance; control room operator qualification.

Experience with gas turbine operations.

High school diploma.

Additional Details

This position is essential. This includes the obligation to work overtime, to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed, and to report to work during any delays, early departures, and closures. The incumbent is responsible for updating the service desk with current phone number.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments, and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Must work rotating shifts, including weekends.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: AFSCME Grade 26

Click here to view the Classified Step Scale

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.