Plant Operating Engineer

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH); Whitesburg (KY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) seeks a Plant Operating Engineer to manage boiler room operations, electrical and mechanical systems, and related equipment across hospital facilities. You will perform routine maintenance, monitor safety, logs, and tests to ensure reliable steam, heat, and emergency power.

The role demands hands-on technical skills, the ability to read instructions, respond to emergencies, and maintain accurate records.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of plant operations and maintenance procedures.
• Ability to operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain facility equipment.
• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to safely use hand and power tools.
• Ability to maintain accurate logs, records, and documentation.
• Ability to recognize equipment malfunctions and respond appropriately.
• Knowledge of fire and safety procedures and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Prepares, fires, repairs and operates boilers to meet codes.
• Controls generation of steam for heating hospital buildings and power to equipment.
• Tours boiler room to observe equipment and ensure compliance.
• Maintains boiler room and related equipment in proper condition.
• Inspects oxygen supply systems and emergency power systems.
• Performs routine preventive maintenance and tests on plant equipment.
• Records required log information neatly and completely.
• Performs startup procedures after power failures.
• Performs minor repairs to patient-related equipment when needed.

Skills

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

Plant operations

Troubleshooting

Tools handling

Documentation/logging

Emergency response

Fire safety procedures

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Hand and power tools

Job description

Overview

The Plant Operating Engineer is responsible for completing basically mechanical oriented projects involved in plant operations.

Special Instructions

OUTSIDE DUTIES

Responsibilities

• Prepares, fires, repairs and operates gas fired, oil fired, coal fired and/or dual fuel boilers to meet ASME and ANSI codes.


• Controls generation of a continuous supply of steam for heating hospital and related buildings, supplying power to machinery and auxiliary equipment, and sterilizing equipment.


• Tours boiler room to observe boilers, their appurtenances and other operating equipment to ensure operations are in accordance with specified instructions.


• Assures that all boiler room and related steam generation equipment are operating normally.


• Ensures proper pressures and temperatures are developed and maintained.


• Ensures water in boilers is maintained at proper levels.


• Ensures combustion requirements for efficient and economical operation are met.


• Maintains boiler room areas in a clean and orderly condition.


• Inspects, repairs, and maintains boiler area equipment including pumps, coal conveyors, boilers, water heaters, valves, traps, and related equipment.


• Makes entries in boiler room and mechanical area logs documenting machinery operations and important daily activities.


• Accurately, neatly, legibly, and completely records all required log information.


• Performs boiler, chiller, and heating water chemical tests.


• Adjusts chemical feeding solutions based on testing results.


• Tours the entire facility grounds and mechanical areas to perform fire and safety inspections.


• Observes operations and records specified data.


• Makes adjustments to heating and cooling controls as needed.


• Adjusts, cleans, or replaces belts, strainers, and related components to ensure normal equipment operation.


• Inspects oxygen supply systems, records required data, and notifies approved sources when additional oxygen or repairs are needed.


• Connects oxygen cylinders to emergency supply systems when required.


• Locks and unlocks interior and exterior doors for security purposes.


• Operates exterior lighting systems as programmed.


• Inspects, operates, and records data for sewage lift stations, sewage plants, flood wall pumps, and related equipment.


• Operates, tests, and documents emergency power systems according to established schedules.


• Performs basic maintenance and adjustments on emergency power systems.


• Performs startup procedures for plant equipment following normal power failures.


• May perform minor repairs to patient-related equipment including wheelchairs, beds, nursing call systems, oxygen and medical gas systems, and other patient room equipment.


• Completes preventive maintenance assignments within the scope of training.


• Remains alert to indications of faulty operation or equipment malfunction.


• Ensures all safety precautions are observed.


• Maintains familiarity with the location and operation of fire detection systems.


• Performs assigned tasks using hand and power tools according to written or verbal instructions.


• Completes service requests, work requests, and project forms, including documentation of start and completion times and materials used.


• Selects stock, tools, and supplies required for assigned tasks.


• Stores stock, tools, and supplies in assigned locations.


• Advises and monitors stock levels of materials needed for efficient operation of plant and building equipment.


• Maintains current knowledge of applicable fire, safety, and boiler operation codes.


• Notifies supervisor when major repairs or additional assistance are required.


• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required.

Experience

• Must have a background in the electrical/mechanical or plant operations field which includes either:


• One (1) year of training in a technical school in the electrical/mechanical or plant operations field and one (1) year of experience; OR


• Three (3) years of documented experience from previous employer(s) performing electrical/mechanical or plant operator duties.


• Six (6) months to one (1) year of on-the-job training is required to attain proficiency in the performance of assigned duties.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems.


• Knowledge of plant operations and maintenance procedures.


• Ability to operate, inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain facility equipment.


• Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions.


• Ability to safely use hand and power tools.


• Ability to maintain accurate logs, records, and documentation.


• Ability to recognize equipment malfunctions and respond appropriately.


• Knowledge of fire and safety procedures and regulations.


• Ability to work independently and respond to emergency situations when necessary.


• Strong problem-solving and mechanical aptitude skills.