Assistant Chief Operating Engineer

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A public utility agency in the Chicago area is seeking an Assistant Chief Operating Engineer to supervise and maintain sewage treatment plant operations. The position requires a high school diploma, six years of related experience, and a City of Chicago Stationary Engineer’s License. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of mechanical equipment, effective communication skills, and the ability to supervise personnel in a critical environment.

Qualifications

• Must have six years of experience as an operating engineer at a wastewater treatment plant.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and participates in the operation of treatment plant equipment.
• Plans and coordinates activities of assigned personnel.
• Inspects operational activities and ensures compliance.
• Train and direct staff; enforce district policies and conduct performance reviews.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and project work; troubleshoot outages.

Skills

Knowledge of operational characteristics of mechanical equipment

Ability to supervise and coordinate work

Ability to diagnose equipment malfunctions

Effective communication skills

Blueprint reading

Record keeping

Safety procedures

Education

Graduation from high school or equivalent

City of Chicago Stationary Engineer’s License

Job description

Assistant Chief Operating Engineer (#20006855)

Under general supervision, supervises and participates in the operation and maintenance of treatment plant or pumping station equipment within a sewage treatment plant complex.

Essential Job Functions

• Plans, organizes and coordinates the activities of assigned personnel. Properly staffs all locations under his/her supervision in accordance with District rules, regulations and applicable union contracts.
• Inspects operational activities to insure that all sampling, monitoring, and housekeeping tasks are performed. Reviews operating logs and ensures they are accurate and complete.
• Responds effectively and in a timely manner to difficult, unusual or emergency situations, making necessary revisions in operating procedures to ensure an efficient and continuous operation.
• Communicates and cooperates with plant management and other work groups in the performance of his/her duties, keeping them informed regarding potential or existing problems.
• Prepares time records and reports; prepares and provides communication relative to operations, gives operating personnel instructions and training in the performance of their duties.
• Assigns, supervises and reviews work; ensures staff compliance with District policies and procedures including Personnel Rules and Administrative Procedures; completes performance reviews; addresses employee complaints and grievances; may recommend employment actions such as hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion or discharge.

Other Job Functions

• Performs the duties of an Operating Engineering I or II as needed.
• Participates in special projects involving operational processes.
• Troubles‑shoots causes of plant/equipment outages when time allows.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Work is performed in a typical office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment including computers. Some duties may require field work that involves exposure to a variety of operating mechanical equipment and loud noise and/or noxious odors. Field work may include working in all types of weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold, throughout the plant facility and collection system and may involve working in close proximity to or in conjunction with construction activities and heavy equipment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the operating characteristics and maintenance requirements of a wide variety of pumps, motors, boilers, generators, digesters, HVAC equipment, and related mechanical and electrical equipment as they are used in sewage treatment plants and pumping stations.
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work.
• Basic knowledge of hydraulic schematics.
• Basic knowledge of collective bargaining agreements applicable to subordinate personnel.
• Skill in supervising schedules and coordinating work at several locations.
• Ability to read basic blueprints and schematics.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Ability to diagnose electrical, mechanical and related malfunctions of equipment and to program corrective action.
• Ability to keep detailed records and to prepare and submit comprehensive operating reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Absolute Requirements

Must possess a City of Chicago Stationary Engineer’s License.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent and six years of experience in mechanical operating work as an operating engineer at a wastewater treatment plant or pumping station.

Substitution

Additional experience may substitute for the required education on a year‑for‑year basis.

Promotional Requirement

• One year of service with the District as an Operating Engineer II.
• Civil service status as an Operating Engineer II.