CHIEF PUMPING PLANT ENGINEER (PROVISIONAL) DPW WATER

City of Buffalo; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Buffalo is seeking a Chief Pumping Plant Engineer to supervise the operation of all electric pumping equipment and switch gears at the Buffalo Water System. This senior, stationary-engineering role requires independent judgment while leading Pumping Plant Operators and Maintenance staff on shift.

You will monitor SCADA, regulate plant pumps, calibrate meters, keep operating records, and submit reports.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Three+ years in operation of high-pressure steam plants or water plants for large populations.
• Must possess strong supervisory and planning abilities.
• Experience with SCADA monitoring and data interpretation is essential.

Responsibilities

• Supervise operation of all pumping equipment and switch gears.
• Direct and oversee Pumping Plant Operators and maintenance staff on shift.
• Monitor SCADA and telemetry, regulate pump operations accordingly.
• Calibrate flow and pressure meters and maintain operation records.
• Submit reports electronically as required and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Supervisory skills

SCADA interpretation

Pumping plant operation

Electrical/mechanical troubleshooting

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Tools

SCADA systems

Electrical generators

Boilers

Job description

The Chief Pumping Plant Engineer, on an assigned shift, supervises and is responsible for the operation of all electric pumping equipment and switch gears at the Buffalo Water System. This is important stationary engineering work of a highly specialized nature involving responsibility for the proper operation of pumps, motors and auxiliary equipment at a large water pumping station. The incumbent is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of pumping plant equipment. Work is performed under the immediate supervision of the Pumping Plant Superintendent, however, the incumbent exercises independent judgment in determining work procedures, tasks and methods to be used. Supervision is exercised over Pumping Plant Operators, Maintenance Assistant (Water), Stationary Engineers and Laborers assigned to shift operations.

• May be responsible for the operation and maintenance of steam and hot water heating boilers and boiler accessories, compressors and fans;
• Directs the operation of steam and electric water pumps and auxiliary equipment;
• Operates priming pumps for the operation of the high-lift, pumps, all sump pumps and de-watering pumps;
• Operates and maintains the accumulator system for cone and butterfly valves;
• Directs and supervises all operations in the cleaning and maintenance of the pumping station;
• Monitors, reads and interprets supervised control and data acquisition (SCADA) system and other instruments and gauges for the efficient operation of the stations;
• Checks water demands as indicated on the telemetry instruments and regulates pump operations accordingly;
• Calibrates and adjusts flow meters and water pressure meters;
• Maintains operating records including but not limited to water and steam pressure;
• Electronically enters data into a water information management system;
• Submits reports electronically as required;
• Performs related work as required.

THE CITY OF BUFFALO IS AN EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYER

• Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment used in pumping plant operations including electrical generators and high pressure steam boilers;
• Good knowledge of occupational hazards connected with pumping plant operations;
• Good knowledge of water distribution system hydraulics including distribution system storage, pumping and disinfection operations;
• Mechanical aptitude for repairs in connection with the maintenance of pumping plant equipment;
• Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of others;
• Ability to read and interpret SCADA systems, gauges and meters used in regulating operations of a pumping plant;
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

Continuous and permanent status in the Department of Public Works, Parks and Streets as a Pumping Plant Operator or Senior First-Class Stationary Engineer for one year or a Maintenance Assistant (Water) for four years.

IN ADDITION, applicants must have three years of full-time experience in the operation of a high-pressure steam plant involving the operation of electric power pumping equipment, one year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity or four years of full-time experience in the operation and or maintenance of a water plant servicing a population greater than 50,000.

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma and four years of full-time experience in the operation of a high-pressure steam plant involving the operation of electric power pumping equipment, one year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity or four years of full-time experience in the operation and or maintenance of a water plant servicing a population greater than 50,000.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT FOR BOTH PROMOTIONAL AND OPEN COMPETITIVE

Applicants must possess a current First-Class Stationary Engineer's License, which must be presented at time of appointment and must obtain a Chief Stationary Engineer's License and a New York State Department of Health Class D Water Distribution License within one year of appointment and both must be maintained during employment. Course Certification and all future training will be provided through the Buffalo Water Board at no cost to the employee.