Second Class Power Plant Engineer

University of Massachusetts Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks a Second Class Power Plant Engineer to lead daily operations at the Amherst Power Plant. You will supervise a control room and shift personnel, perform routine maintenance, and ensure safe, compliant generation of electricity and steam.

Candidates must hold a 2nd Class Stationary Engineer's license and possess strong engineering knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and safety disciplines.

Qualifications

• The candidate holds a 2nd Class Stationary Engineer's license as required by MA law.
• Knowledge of power plant mechanical and electrical equipment and maintenance.
• Familiarity with power plant safety policies and procedures.
• Understanding of water treatment in plant operations.
• Experience in at least four listed technical skill areas (pipefitting, welding, etc.).
• Ability to operate valves, switches, and controls for plants.
• Proficiency with hand tools and basic rigging equipment.
• Ability to read technical information and drawings for troubleshooting.
• Ability to troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems while online with supervision.
• Strong English reading/writing and math abilities.
• Effective communication with power plant personnel and vendors.
• Experience with analytical/test equipment and plant CMMS knowledge.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Windows-based software and CMMS systems.
• Knowledge of emissions control and monitoring equipment.
• MA Grade 2-1 Certificate required within first year.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all plant operations and guide shift personnel for safe, reliable generation.
• Perform control room duties for gas/oil-fired plant with turbines and boilers.
• Direct supervision of the shift Power Plant Operator; mentor and train staff.
• Ensure site safety requirements and procedures are followed.
• Monitor emissions and keep operation within permitted limits.
• Identify hazards and take corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain accurate shift logs, reports, and records.
• Assist in reporting with the Power Plant Manager/Assistant Plant Manager.
• Perform routine chemical testing and process monitoring.
• Operate valves and adjust controls to regulate flows; read gauges/meters.
• Handle and store ammonia, water treatment chemicals, and fuel oil safely.
• Develop standard operating procedures for operations and maintenance.
• Maintain lockout/tagout logs, boxes, and keys access.
• Utilize the CMMS for maintenance tasks and scheduling.
• Perform basic electrical and mechanical inspections and troubleshooting.
• Execute work orders with quality and safety in mind.
• Support non-discrimination goals in daily operations.

Skills

Power Plant operations

Gas turbine operations

Mechanical & electrical equipment

Safety procedures

Leadership

Communication

Mathematics

English literacy

Reading blueprints

Troubleshooting

Education

Massachusetts Grade 2-1 Certificate of Competency

High school diploma

Tools

Windows-based software

Job description

Second Class Power Plant Engineer

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities Management

Department: Utility Power Plant

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Second Class Power Plant Engineer performs numerous operations and maintenance tasks and leads others in the safe and efficient operation of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Power Plant, meeting all environmental and safety requirements. Works under the direction and supervision of the Power Plant Manager and Power Plant Assistant Plant Manager.

Essential Functions

• Oversee and provide guidance on all Power Plant operations, including startup and shutdown of main plant components and auxiliaries, ensuring that electrical and steam generation is maintained safely and reliably.
• Perform control room operator duties as necessary to operate a gas and oil‑fired power plant with gas turbines, boilers, and associated balance of plant equipment.
• Direct functional supervision of Power Plant Operator assigned to their shift, assist in orientation, training, and development, and assign, monitor, and assure high work quality.
• Comply with and ensure that all site safety requirements and procedures are properly implemented and consistently observed.
• Monitor Power Plant emissions levels and operate the Power Plant within permitted limits.
• Identify safety hazards and take corrective actions as necessary.
• Maintain accurate and neat shift operating logs, reports, and records.
• Assist the Assistant Plant Manager with reporting requirements.
• Perform routine chemical testing.
• Open and close valves and adjust controls to regulate flows of operating fluids.
• Read and record gauges and meters.
• Safely receive, handle, and store ammonia, water treatment chemicals, and fuel oil.
• Assist in developing standard procedures for operations and maintenance.
• Maintain central control of the lock out/tag out logbook, lock boxes, and keys.
• Understand and utilize the Power Plant computerized maintenance management system.
• Perform basic electrical and mechanical inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks under the direction of management when assigned.
• Execute work orders.
• Understand, be committed to, and support non‑discrimination goals.

Other Functions

• Perform other duties necessary to fulfill plant requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a 2nd Class Stationary Engineer's license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety pursuant to Chapter 146 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
• Knowledge of Power Plant mechanical and electrical equipment, including motors, pumps, turbine generators, boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, cooling towers, pollution control equipment, AC and DC electrical distribution and control systems, etc., and associated maintenance functions.
• Knowledge of Power Plant safety policies and procedures, especially in the areas of high‑energy systems, chemical handling, heavy equipment, rotating machinery, confined spaces, fire suppression, and first aid.
• Thorough understanding of the water treatment process and working knowledge of the impact of water treatment requirements on overall plant operations.
• Knowledge of and experience in at least four of the following skill areas: pipefitting, welding, machining, rigging, rotating machine repair, fabrication, machine alignment, piping schematics, mechanical drawings, electrical theory, electrical safety, vibration analysis, electrical test equipment, basic electrical troubleshooting, and high‑ and low‑ voltage systems, equipment, and components.
• Demonstrated ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with Power Plants.
• Ability to use basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, and basic rigging equipment such as winches, hoists, and slings.
• Ability to comprehend and apply technical information, including mechanical and electrical drawings such as blueprints, P&IDs, single‑line diagrams, and schematics, to problem‑solving situations and troubleshooting.
• Ability to locate, troubleshoot, and adjust defects in mechanical equipment and/or maintain, install, modify and troubleshoot plant electrical systems and equipment (even while online) without tripping equipment (with supervision, if necessary).
• Ability to read and write effectively in English and to do basic mathematics.
• Ability to communicate and coordinate work on technical subjects with other Power Plant personnel and with outside vendors.
• Ability to operate and maintain various analytical and test equipment.
• Outstanding skills in leadership and interpersonal relationships.
• A basic working knowledge of windows‑based software programs.
• General knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems.
• General knowledge of emissions control and monitoring equipment.
• Possession of a Grade 2‑1 full active or higher Certificate of Competency issued by the Massachusetts Board of Certifications of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities pursuant to the Code of Massachusetts Regulations 257 CMR 2.00. Individuals must obtain this qualification within the first year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of Power Plant experience in operations and/or maintenance; control room operator qualification.
• Experience with gas turbine operations.
• High school diploma.

Additional Details

This position is essential. It includes the obligation to work overtime, to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed, and to report to work during any delays, early departures, and closures. The incumbent is responsible for updating the service desk with current phone number.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Must work rotating shifts, including weekends.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: AFSCME Grade 26.