Technician, Emergency Generator

Howard County Public School System; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Retirement plan membership

Job summary

The Howard County Public School System is looking for an experienced individual to maintain and repair emergency generators essential for life safety and other critical backup systems. Responsibilities include diagnostics, preventive maintenance inspections, and troubleshooting various issues in diesel and natural gas generators.

This role requires a high school diploma or GED, at least three years of experience, and a Maryland Class C driver’s license. A strong understanding of electrical systems and safety practices is crucial for this position.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience as a generator or automotive mechanic.
• Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license.
• Hands-on experience with diesel and natural gas generators.

Responsibilities

• Conduct PM inspections on emergency generators.
• Diagnose and repair generator systems.
• Maintain automatic transfer switches and electrical gear.
• Respond to routine and emergency repair calls.

Skills

Emergency generator maintenance

Electrical troubleshooting

Diagnostic skills

Customer service

Preventive maintenance

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Ammeter

Voltmeter

Resistive load bank

Job description

About the Position

Under the direction of the Building Maintenance Management team, we are seeking a candidate skilled in emergency generator maintenance and repairs. Responsibilities will include performing thorough diagnostics, replacing parts, monitoring and replacing oil and fluid levels, conducting safety and preventative maintenance (PM) inspections, and updating maintenance and repair records. The Howard County Public School System has over 95 industrial diesel and natural gas generators ranging from 25kW to 500kW from brands like Cummins, Caterpillar, Kohler, Generac, and MTU. They provide critical backup power to support life safety equipment, fire suppression, food storage, water and heating systems, and IT technology systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED (must scan and upload to the online application).
• Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization.
• Three (3) years of experience as a generator or automotive mechanic.

Preferred Qualifications

• ASE Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

Licensure

• Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record with two or fewer points.

Essential Position Responsibilities

• Conduct safety and preventative maintenance (PM) inspections on emergency generators to keep them operational and 100% reliable for all school and office building locations system-wide.
• Monitor oil and fluid levels, belts, hoses, batteries, and update maintenance and repair records.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot problems, make all critical and applicable repairs and adjustments.
• Remove and install parts, disassemble and assemble components, test and adjust assemblies, conduct generator pre‑start and start‑ups in accordance with the manufacturer checklist.
• Use resistive load bank equipment for testing and repair of generators.
• Perform operational tests and preventive maintenance inspections on a scheduled basis.
• Perform required oil changes and tune‑ups.
• Service or replace filters, belts, hoses, batteries, and any other expendable parts of various school system generators.
• Report to management life‑cycle replacement schedules and assist with design reviews for replacements.
• Maintain automatic transfer switches and associated electrical gear to ensure operational effectiveness of the Emergency Generator Systems.
• Ensure fuel levels are maintained for effective run times.
• Respond to routine and emergency calls for repairs and service.

Employee Safety

The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment to minimize the frequency and severity of work‑related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job. The employee is further responsible for correcting conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting them to the appropriate administrator. The employee is responsible for the safety and maintenance condition of their assigned vehicle.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough understanding of electricity and how electricity functions as related to engine generators.
• Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose equipment break‑downs and failures.
• Ability to read technical manuals, disassemble and reassemble, and use testing devices, such as ammeters and voltmeters, to identify problems.
• Ability to complete inspections, preventive maintenance, correct deficiencies, and keep records for the entire fleet of emergency generators.
• Ability to run load‑bank tests on diesel and natural gas generators.
• Maintain cooling systems on generators, check and adjust belts, grease bearings, and monitor coolant levels.
• Ability to make wiring modifications to control circuits and electrical apparatus including automatic transfer switches.
• Thorough understanding of automatic transfer switches and operation from normal to emergency power sources.
• Hands‑on experience working on power generation units, diesel and/or natural gas engines, and Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS).
• Inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, diagnosing, repairing and testing 25kw – 500kw generator systems.
• Ordering replacement parts and services efficiently and effectively.
• Performing electrical and mechanical repairs to the engine, generator, or components.
• Proficiency in using power tools and hand tools.
• Basic computer skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced customer service skills with excellent communication capability.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extensive periods of time, walk, sit, bend, kneel, squat, climb, and use arm and hand movements.
• Ability to carry tools and handle materials and equipment of 80 to 100 pounds.
• Ability to work at heights on aerial lifts, scaffolding, catwalks, stepladders, and/or extension ladders.
• Ability to crawl in, under, over, or through equipment and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to respond to emergency calls, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education.

Working Hours

The duty day for a full‑time position is 8.5 hours per day, including an unpaid duty‑free thirty‑minute lunch. This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement. Maintenance employees are issued a school system cell phone to receive calls from their supervisor and respond to emergency events as needed.

Application Requirements

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Compensation

This is a 12‑month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee bargaining unit. This position is Grade IX on the Audio Visual/ Grounds/ Maintenance/ Warehouse salary scale. Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the HCPSS and the AFSCME Master Agreement, which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is non‑exempt. Retirement: Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.

Benefits

HCPSS offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the negotiated agreement for employees in this bargaining unit.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

Professional references will be contacted prior to any offer of employment. Recommended candidates will be required to provide references from current and recent supervisors. All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6‑113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing. Anyone offered employment is required to provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility for employment in the United States. HCPSS participates in E‑Verify and does not offer employee sponsorship.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To request an accommodation during the application or interview process due to a documented disability, please email [e-mail]. HCPSS celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any kind. HCPSS is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees in providing them with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HCPSS are based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, veteran status or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.