Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Engineer, 3rd Class Power

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively searching for a dedicated and proficient Engineer, 3rd Class Power to join our dynamic facilities management team. In this critical role, you will be the hands-on expert responsible for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of our facility's essential plant equipment. This includes high-pressure boilers, chillers, air compressors, HVAC systems, and related auxiliary equipment. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a strong commitment to safety protocols, preventive maintenance, and ensuring optimal building environmental conditions and operational uptime. You will serve as a key technical resource, ensuring all systems comply with regulatory standards and operate at peak performance.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

4th Class Power Engineer
Certified HVAC/R Technician
Experienced Maintenance Mechanic / Millwright

Advancement To:

2nd Class Power Engineer
Chief Power Engineer
Facilities Manager / Plant Manager

Lateral Moves:

Building Automation Specialist
Energy Manager / Analyst

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate, monitor, and maintain high-pressure steam boilers, air conditioning systems, chillers, cooling towers, and other plant utilities in a safe and efficient manner.
Conduct routine inspections and rounds on all powerhouse and mechanical room equipment, meticulously documenting readings, operational parameters, and any abnormalities in a daily logbook.
Perform comprehensive preventive and predictive maintenance tasks on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to minimize downtime and extend equipment lifespan.
Troubleshoot, diagnose, and execute repairs on complex building systems, including pumps, motors, air handlers, heat exchangers, and compressed air systems.
Execute and oversee the chemical water treatment program for boilers, cooling towers, and closed-loop systems, conducting regular testing and making necessary adjustments.
Respond promptly and effectively to system alarms and equipment failures, taking immediate corrective action to restore normal operations and ensure facility safety.
Maintain and repair building environmental control systems, ensuring optimal temperature, humidity, and air quality for occupant comfort and process requirements.
Strictly adhere to all safety procedures, including Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO), confined space entry, and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
Read and interpret technical manuals, blueprints, schematics, and P&ID drawings to understand system operations and aid in troubleshooting.
Maintain a detailed and accurate electronic log of all maintenance activities, repairs, and inspections using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Coordinate and oversee the work of external contractors and service vendors, ensuring their work meets our quality and safety standards.
Perform regular testing of emergency systems, such as fire pumps and emergency generators, to ensure they are in a constant state of readiness.
Isolate equipment for maintenance and ensure systems are safely returned to service upon completion of work.
Monitor building automation systems (BAS) to identify trends, optimize energy consumption, and make adjustments to system setpoints.
Manage and maintain an inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies required for the ongoing maintenance of plant equipment.
Participate in the development and continuous improvement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for plant operations and maintenance.
Conduct efficiency analysis of plant systems to identify opportunities for energy savings and operational improvements.
Assist in planning and executing minor capital projects related to facility infrastructure and utility systems.
Provide technical support and guidance to other maintenance staff and building operators.
Ensure all work is performed in compliance with relevant codes, regulations, and jurisdictional safety standards (e.g., TSSA, ABSA).

Secondary Functions

Participate actively in site safety committee meetings and contribute to the overall safety culture of the organization.
Assist other skilled trades with maintenance and repair tasks across the facility as required.
Provide training and mentorship to junior operators and apprentices within the department.
Support facility-wide initiatives related to sustainability and energy conservation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Boiler Operations: Expertise in the operation and maintenance of high-pressure steam and hot water boilers.
HVAC/R Systems: Strong knowledge of large-scale commercial/industrial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems (including ammonia or Freon).
Building Automation Systems (BAS): Proficiency in monitoring and operating BAS platforms (e.g., Johnson Controls Metasys, Siemens, Schneider).
Water Treatment: Practical experience with chemical testing and treatment programs for boiler feedwater, cooling towers, and closed-loop systems.
Mechanical Troubleshooting: Advanced diagnostic skills for identifying and repairing faults in pumps, motors, fans, and other rotating equipment.
CMMS Software: Experience using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems for work order management and asset tracking.
Blueprint & Schematic Reading: Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and mechanical drawings.
Safety Compliance: In-depth knowledge of occupational health and safety regulations, including LOTO and confined space entry.
Instrumentation & Controls: Understanding of basic control systems, sensors, and instrumentation used in plant environments.
Welding/Pipefitting: Basic skills in welding, brazing, and pipefitting for minor repairs and installations are highly desirable.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking abilities to diagnose complex issues under pressure.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to monitoring systems, keeping logs, and performing maintenance tasks.
Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with team members, management, and vendors.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a multi-trade maintenance team.
Safety-Conscious: A deeply ingrained commitment to maintaining a safe work environment for oneself and others.
Time Management: Excellent organizational skills to prioritize tasks and manage workload in a fast-paced environment.
Dependability: Reliable and self-motivated, with the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Valid 3rd Class Power Engineering (or Stationary Engineering) Certificate of Competency as recognized by the relevant provincial/state authority (e.g., TSSA, ABSA, SOPEEC).

Preferred Education:

Post-secondary diploma in Power Engineering Technology or a related technical field.
Gas Technician (G1/G2) or Refrigeration Operator (Class B) certification is a strong asset.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Power Engineering
Stationary Engineering
Building Environmental Systems Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5 years of hands-on experience operating and maintaining high-pressure boilers and related plant equipment in an industrial, commercial, or institutional setting.

Preferred:

Experience in a 24/7 operational environment such as a hospital, large manufacturing plant, data center, or university campus.
Proven experience working with a formal preventive maintenance program and CMMS.