Operating Engineer

St Joseph Medical Center; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is seeking an Operating Engineer to independently handle journeyman-level duties for the energy plant, hospital, and related equipment. You will design, install, maintain building systems to ensure safety, efficiency, and occupant comfort, and monitor operations to recommend improvements.

This role demands extensive technical expertise, a strong safety focus, problem-solving skills, and autonomous work with high standards in a hospital setting.

Qualifications

• Two years of vocational/technical training in mechanics, electricity, and electronics.
• Five years of related work experience required on hire or equivalent.
• Boiler Operator license for WA is required on hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform journeyman-level duties in energy plant and hospital systems.
• Design, construct, install, and maintain building systems for safety and efficiency.
• Design and monitor operations; log boiler/pump performance and safety.
• Identify and implement repairs and safety procedures.

Skills

Technical training

Mechanical

Electrical

Electronics

Education

Vocational/technical training

Boiler Operator WA

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As an Operating Engineer, you will independently perform journeyman-level duties, responsible for daily operational issues concerning the energy plant, hospital, and associated equipment/systems.

Every day, you will design, construct, install, or maintain building systems and equipment, ensuring safety, functionality, efficiency, and occupant comfort. You will also monitor equipment/system problems and recommend solutions for optimal facility performance.

Success in this role requires extensive technical expertise, a strong commitment to safety and efficiency, excellent problem-solving, and autonomous work with high operational standards.

• Performs preventive maintenance (oils motors, changes belts and filters, paints and cleans) on boilers and related equipment such as ventilating and refrigeration equipment, air conditioning machinery, generators, suction fans, pumps, and compressors. Reads gauges to check water level, steam pressure, and operation of valves and auxiliary pumps. Starts and stops pumps. Fires gas or oil-fired boilers. Adjusts fuel and airflow. Regulates water level.
• Monitors, maintains and makes minor repairs to mechanical devices (pumps, fans, motors, compressors, gear boxes, etc.) in operation. Dismantles devices to gain access to and remove defective parts; starts devices to test their performance. Assists, if needed, in performing major repairs.
• Maintains a logbook detailing the operation of boilers and/or pumping equipment and documents maintenance work performed.
• Alerts personnel regarding safety and hazards to ensure safe procedures and equipment.

Job Requirements

Required

• Two years of vocational/technical training (including courses in mechanics, electricity, and electronics) and minimum of five years of recent related work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities, upon hire or
• any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. and
• Boiler Operator: WA, upon hire

Preferred

• minimum of five years of recent related work experience that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities in hospital, commercial, or industrial setting.

Where You'll Work

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.