WTE Plant Engineer

The employee in this class is responsible for participating in a variety of engineering assignments of more than average difficulty which may include design, planning, execution, and oversight of various projects. This position requires the ability to exercise a high degree of technical knowledge and ability in applying principles of plant engineering to both operations and maintenance functions, or in coordinating efforts to assist in the proper development, implementation, and completion of major programs and projects at the McKay Bay Waste to Energy Plant. This position will also require frequent participation in work overseeing numerous activities related to the safe, proper, and efficient operation of the waste to energy plant, in accordance with City policies, procedures, and standards. Work is performed under general direction with the employee exercising considerable initiative and independent judgment in selecting work methods and formulating recommendations and plans to ensure the operation of the plant combined with an effective maintenance program. This position provides supervisory type oversight and guidance of plant personnel and contracted personnel. Work is reviewed through conferences, oral and written reports, and observation of results obtained.

Plans, directs, and coordinates activities concerned with the design, construction, replacement, and maintenance of equipment and machinery at the Waste to Energy Power Plant. Prepares and revises preliminary designs utilizing the management of change process, cost estimates, and project recommendations for inclusion in planning and design process; supervises and participates in inspection of construction jobs; provides input into final “as built” plans and records in the assigned area.

Assists the management team in the formulation and implementation of policies and program objectives for the plant; conducts studies; prepares periodic special reports; leads the team(s) in the development of plans and specifications for replacement and maintenance of facility and equipment.

Directs and participates in annual department budget development and the expenditure of funds for operations and maintenance of existing facilities; assists in annual audits.

Coordinates plans, contracts, designs, and functional requirements with other municipal departments, contractors, engineering firms, and other government agencies; represents the Waste to Energy plant at technical and public meetings; performs functions in administration of federal programs through coordination with municipal departments and outside agencies by understanding and interpreting federal guidelines and requirements.

Solicits consultant proposals, negotiates fees, approves invoices, and performs all consult project management functions.

Assists plant manager and performs supervisory and technical work in the operation and maintenance of the waste to energy power plant and its associated buildings, structures, systems, and equipment. Develops, writes, and maintains reports, business correspondences, operating and maintenance procedures, and various schedules for the facility.

Monitors plant chemistry daily providing direction and oversight. Works hand in hand with operations and contracted water chemistry service provider monitoring reagents, chemical inventories, and analysis. Performs unit inspections and plant walkthroughs monitoring plant chemistry and air pollution control equipment, chemical usage, and efficiencies.

Supports maintenance team with outage planning, scheduling, executing, inspections, tracking workflow with computerized schedules and providing updates as needed. Attends daily outage meetings providing direction, guidance, and input to staff and contractors. Actively engages in outages and projects with steam power plant equipment including electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation and controls equipment. Maintains boiler tubing and piping ultrasonic testing data and inspection programs. Inspects tube welds and other outage related work. Performs a variety of Quality Assurance/Quality Control duties signing off on work performed.

Supervises and trains professional, sub-professional, technical, and clerical personnel; completes studies and reports and makes recommendations with respect to future projects and preventative maintenance programs; reads and interprets blueprints, P&IDs, technical drawings, and diagrams to determine proper interface configurations.

Produces construction contract documents; determines bid items and quantities for project contracts and prepares bid specifications and engineering estimates; approves or disapproves documents and communicates results to appropriate design professionals (architects, engineers, etc.); prepares construction and environmental permit applications, and coordinates actual filing, tracking, and resolution of permit issues and the attendant construction process documents.

Replies to technical queries and information requests from outside agencies, clients, customers, and the public regarding the waste to energy plant or processes; gives tours of the facility and performs other public relations functions as directed.

Performs periodic tests and evaluations, inspections, and monitoring of plant machinery and equipment which often requires climbing ladders, stairs and catwalks, exposure to large machinery and confined spaces; inspects ongoing activities for adherence to safety, environmental compliance, and standard operating procedures.

Maintains plant data files including equipment and machinery history. Works in the Computerized Maintenance Management System inputting data and updating equipment status. Tracks intervals on preventative and corrective maintenance and turbine overhauls.

Works in a safe and professional manner following all standard safety procedures and environmental requirements, reporting all safety and/or environmental concerns or issues noted or observed in a timely manner consistent with the severity of the occurrence. Reads, understands, and applies all policies, procedures, instructions, and trainings received.

Completes all training programs as assigned.

Performs related work as required.

Extensive knowledge of: principles and practices within the assigned area of engineering; federal, state, and municipal rules, regulations, ordinances, and other pertinent documents; engineering developments and information related to area of assignment, such as  Waste to Energy steam power plant machinery, equipment, and associated structures on a major scale; mechanical equipment including boilers, turbines, cranes, rotating machinery; electrical equipment including generators, motors, transformers, breakers, controls and instrumentation; steam plant engineering calculations determining efficiencies, heat rates, power generation; structural engineering, buildings, tanks, piping systems, conveying systems; complete understanding of the operation and control of a steam generating power plant; effective supervisory techniques.

Ability to: coordinate, assign, supervise, and review the work of others engaged in a variety of assignments; plan, design, and prepare complete engineering plans and specifications for major projects; read and interpret engineering plans and specifications; analyze engineering data and draw sound conclusions; prepare and submit detailed, clear, and concise reports, both orally and in writing; train others in the assigned area, as well as to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the general public.

Skills: use of personal computers and software including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, Computerized Maintenance Management System, and applicable engineering software (models).

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a minimum of six (6) years of experience in power plant project management, outage planning and execution, and steam plant performance studies and assessments. Two years of experience supervising both internal and external personnel such as technicians, engineers, and contractors.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license required.

Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Florida or Professional Engineer registration from another state and the ability to obtain Florida registration within six months of employment required.

Ability to obtain ASME QRO certification at the McKay Bay WTE facility will be expected.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR COMPLETING YOUR APPLICATION: Please register before you begin the application process. This will enable you to view and re-use information from previously submitted applications to complete and submit any future applications. Please make certain your application is complete and the information you provide clearly demonstrates that you possess the minimum job qualifications as stated in the job announcement. Resumes can be submitted in support of an application, but not in lieu of an application. Resumes and copies of certifications or other required documents may be attached to your online application.