Position: Building Equipment Operator I

Position Summary:

The Building Equipment Operator I will work and maintain low pressure boilers, auxiliary equipment, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. The incumbent will perform skilled, safe, economical operations and maintenance of heating, ventilating and air conditioning apparatus.  The Building Equipment Operator I will also perform weekly inspections in accordance with the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Act (MOSHA) and keeps required inspection forms.  The incumbent’s work will be checked periodically for conformance with work standards and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Opens building, unlocks office doors, turns on lights as assigned, checks gauges regularly for proper functioning of all aspects of boiler operations;
• Checks water level and steam pressure to ensure safe and constant generation of steam, blowing down boilers, cleaning burners and flues. Continuously checks all safety values and oil gauges assigned, lubricating equipment according to a prescribed schedule;
• Maintains grounds and acts as supervisor in his/her absence;
• Operates and maintains snow removal, lawn care, and other motorized equipment;
• Informs supervisor of water or steam leaks;
• Inspects air conditioning and blower systems for proper operating condition;
• Makes minor repairs and shuts down equipment when required to avoid damage;
• Keeps hourly, weekly, and monthly logs of operations and temperature readings; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the operation of boilers, auxiliary equipment, air conditioning and refrigeration, hazards and safety techniques of the trade;
• Ability to perform effective inspections in accordance with Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Act (MOSHA) and accurately maintain the required inspection;
• Knowledge of the tools, methods and practices used in maintaining boilers and air conditioning equipment;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions; and
• Familiarity with boiler operations, refrigeration, and other equipment to recognize changes that indicate impending difficulties.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Completion of a standard high school diploma or GED preferred.  A minimum of three (3) years of successful progressive school system custodial experience. Possession of certificate of completion for Boiler Class training courses prescribed by the Department of Plant Operations required or successful completion of the Boiler Class within the first six (6) months of hire date.

Certification:

Possession of certificate of completion of training courses prescribed by the Department of Plant Operations.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Some supervisory responsibilities are required.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing duties of this job, the employee must have the strength and dexterity to perform all required tasks including the ability to climb a 40' vertical ladder, work from scaffolding and a bucket truck, the ability to lift and carry a minimum of 80 lbs., work in cramped interior spaces, and the ability to do extensive walking, bending, stooping, crawling and kneeling in the course of completing daily work assignments. The employee is required to maintain sustained physical effort and some exposure to dust, dirt, chemical solutions, solvents, odors, and adverse weather conditions.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

Employees in this class are considered emergency personnel and therefore are expected to have working telephone service, possession of a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation 24 hours, seven days a week. Required to work overtime to support school system and community programs and/or respond to emergency situations. Required to work during inclement weather.