University of Washington Human Resources

Power Plant Mechanic

UW CODE AND REPRESENTATIVE GROUP

18879 (WFSE Skilled Trades)

CLASS SERIES CONCEPT

Work in the University of Washington Power Plant, a highly complex power plant that provides steam, chilled water, electricity and emergency power to a large campus with a combined teaching, research, and health care mission. Inspect, repair and maintain multiple high-pressure superheated boilers (425 psi or greater), multiple chillers (2,000 ton or greater), and a large steam turbine electrical generator. Inspect, repair and maintain a diesel generator power station which provides emergency power to a medical center for critical life-safety and other emergency power loads on campus. Inspect, repair and maintain a high-pressure air system for instrument and control air serving the campus and the power plant.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Positions in this class are distinguished by responsibility to inspect, maintain and repair mechanical systems in the University of Washington Power Plant. This class requires journey- level ability in machinery repair, pipefitting, steamfitting, welding, rigging, carpentry, machining, plumbing, and a working knowledge of power plant operations and electrical distribution systems. May respond to emergency calls.

TYPICAL WORK

Perform journey-level mechanical work in support of the operation, maintenance, repair, and alteration of the University of Washington Power Plant.

Perform maintenance and repairs on:

High capacity superheated and saturated steam boilers
High horsepower steam turbines
Boiler forced draft and induced draft fans
Large capacity centrifugal pumps
Large capacity reciprocating, centrifugal and rotary air compressors
Ion exchange water softeners, dealkalizers, and condensate polishers
Boiler feedwater deaerators
Large pressure reducing valves with separate and/or integral desuperheaters
Hydraulic variable speed transmissions
Electric motors
Cooling towers fans and drive systems
Perform shaft alignment checks on all rotating machinery repairs;

Perform maintenance, repairs and install piping for steam, chilled water, industrial water, condensate, fuel, chemical treatment and compressed air systems;

Perform maintenance and repairs in confined spaces such as boiler steam and mud drums, boiler fireboxes, flue gas ductwork, fuel oil storage tanks, hotwells, and water treatment tanks.

Clean or change filters, change oil, grease. Inspect and test mechanical systems. Operate machine shop equipment including engine lathes, drill press, grinders, milling machine, hydraulic press, power saws, arc welding machines, gas and plasma cutting torches to fabricate equipment parts. Operate a variety of hand tools. Drive a service van and forklift as required; load and unload materials and supplies;

May lead and instruct helpers, may perform work in other trade skills, perform related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Full journey status as a Machinery Mechanic by work experience, vocational or trade school, apprenticeship programs, or any combination of the above; or four years of applied work experience. Vocational training may substitute for work experience on a year-for-year basis.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Five or more years experience as a Power Plant Mechanic working on complex and critical systems, and with a complete understanding on how to work safely on steam systems. Trade experience should also include welding, pipefitting, and steamfitting.

Demonstrated ability for metal fabrication using the appropriate metal working tools.

New Class: 7-1-07