Assistant Chief Engineer

County of Santa Clara; California; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Santa Clara seeks a seasoned Stationary Engineer Supervisor to oversee boiler operations and maintenance across county facilities. You will lead Stationary Engineers, coordinate with contractors, review diagrams, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities include scheduling, training, and directing emergency repairs, with an emphasis on reliable plant operation and efficient energy use.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and 3+ years as Stationary Engineer.
• Valid Water Distribution Operator certification required within 6 months.
• Valid Universal CFC certificate required upon appointment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation and maintenance of boilers and related equipment in County facilities.
• Review meters, gauges, and operating conditions; supervise repairs.
• Supervise staff; assign schedules and monitor training and competency.
• Ensure safety and regulatory compliance; coordinate with vendors and contractors.
• Maintain records and report on equipment performance and maintenance.

Skills

Boiler operation

HVAC systems

Supervision

Emergency response

Blueprints & schematics

Education

High school diploma

3 years Stationary Engineer experience

Tools

Water Distribution Operator certification

Universal CFC certificate

California driver’s license

Job description

Description

Under general supervision, to oversee and assist in the surveillance, regulation, and maintenance of boiler equipment; to act as lead and oversee the work performed by Stationary Engineers, including emergency repairs to a variety of plumbing, refrigeration, air conditioning, and other equipment.

Description

Under general supervision, to oversee and assist in the surveillance, regulation, and maintenance of boiler equipment; to act as lead and oversee the work performed by Stationary Engineers, including emergency repairs to a variety of plumbing, refrigeration, air conditioning, and other equipment.

Typical Tasks

• Oversees and monitors the operation and maintenance of boilers and related industrial, hospital, and kitchen equipment located in County buildings;
• Reviews meter and gauge readings and the operating condition of equipment;
• 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;
• Troubleshoots and directs service calls to Stationary Engineers and other maintenance personnel, including contracted vendors;
• Ensures staff performs work safely and in compliance with appropriate codes and regulations;
• Reviews repair work to check for completeness;
• Prepares schedules and work assignments for subordinate personnel;
• Orders supplies, parts, and equipment necessary for operation and maintenance activities;
• Oversees equipment maintenance records and makes reports;
• Trains and monitors competency of staff in the Stationary Engineer classification series and reviews task performance;
• Identify training needs for Stationary Engineers and Associate Stationary Engineers;
• May perform any task assigned to staff in the Stationary Engineer classification series;
• Resolves customer service issues;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required*;
• Perform other related duties, as required.

Education

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 high school graduation, and Three (3) years of experience equivalent to a Stationary Engineer with the County of Santa Clara.

Special Requirements

• Possess a valid Water Distribution Operator certification at Grade D2 or higher within six (6) months of appointment as long as certifications are available to obtain and maintain certification for the duration of employment in this classification. Failure to obtain will result in a probationary release.
• 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

• Various boiler manufacturers, models, styles, and operation of high and low pressure steam boilers;
• Safety precautions and hazards of pressure vessels and lines;
• When assigned to the County Health System, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) standards relating to hospital equipment;
• Appropriate Federal and State requirements for handling hazardous chemicals, including asbestos;
• Requirements of regulations affecting the activities, procedures, and policies surrounding the work;
• Emergency power systems;
• Electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems for large buildings and facilities;
• Methods of repairing and maintaining mechanical and electrical hospital and kitchen equipment;
• Proper and safe use of tools and equipment used in electrical, plumbing, and mechanical repairs;
• Common computer systems and applications;
• Principles of supervision and training.

Ability To

• 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;
• 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;
• Respond quickly and appropriately in an emergency;
• Manage and operate generator units during power outages;
• Maintain accurate records and write reports;
• Work independently and with minimal supervision;
• Train, lead, and review the work of others;
• Follow written and oral instructions.

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.