Department: Facilities Mgmt EV
Salary/Grade: 399/S4

Job Summary:

Schedules, oversees, and performs the inspection, repair, calibrate, and perform preventative maintenance of plant control systems and associated modules, input/output devices, peripheral equipment, and instrumentation to ensure correct and reliable operation of control systems in the central utility plants on both Evanston and Chicago campuses.

Typical systems include high pressure steam boilers; combustion control and burner management systems; stack flue gas monitoring systems; steam turbine governors and controls; industrial chillers; data acquisition and historian systems; steam, water, power metering.

The role will support the department’s mission and values by exhibiting the following: inclusiveness, respect, initiative, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. The incumbent will strive to provide excellent service when performing job responsibilities and will practice safe work procedures, and follow safety rules at all times.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Maintains proper operation of the Central Utility Plant, which includes: safety, uninterrupted service, efficiency, order, cleanliness and keeping idle equipment in readiness;
• Maintains neat and accurate operating and maintenance log entries, instrument calibration records, and Plant efficiency records;
• Organizes work for, and performs, preventive maintenance routines on a scheduled basis in accordance with written procedures and master work plan;
• Studies reference materials including manuals, process control diagrams, blueprints, schematics. Consults with vendors and manufacturer representatives to research maintenance problems, product updates, device interoperability, etc.;
• Troubleshoots and repairs pneumatic and electronic control systems and devices;
• Identifies and recommends employee safety, technical, soft-skill training, and professional development opportunities as required to ensure optimum unit performance and development;
• Interviews and recommends hiring or promotion of qualified staff, and performs annual employee performance reviews of subordinate personnel;
• Willingness to take off-shift calls;
• Willingness to work shift maintenance when required (including annual plant shutdowns);
• Other duties assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of a high school diploma and five years of instrumentation and control experience in calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting in the following areas:
  • Analog and digital controls (electronic and pneumatic);
  • Microprocessor based instrumentation, DCS, and PLC systems;
  • Operation in a high pressure steam plant (150lb steam experience);
• Mechanical aptitude and proven ability to maintain operating standards; 
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and recurring safety precautions;
• Must be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399, or join after satisfactory completion of a 90-day probationary period.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Thorough knowledge of the tools, application methods and standard trade safety practices;
• Complete knowledge of the proper handling, mixing and disposal of toxic or potentially hazardous materials;
• Excellent written & oral communications & listening skills;
• Exceptional customer relationship skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment;
• Demonstrated leadership skills good and the ability to effectively motivate work groups toward defined and agreed upon common goals;
• Ability to perform calculations applicable to field of experience;
• Working knowledge of CAAPP, NPDES, State, Local, and other associated building codes;
• Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing of continuous improvement;
• Helpful, respectful, approachable, collaborative, team oriented;
• Ability to build strong working relationships and a positive work environment;
• Integrates health and safety precautions into daily activities;
• Thorough knowledge of DeltaV DCS, CEMS, pneumatic, relay logic, and PLC control systems including multi-loop configurable controllers;
• Ability to read ladder diagrams, P&ID diagrams, as well as function block diagrams;
• Proficiency with parallel positioning and fully metered boiler control systems;
• Experience with, and thorough understanding of the engineering theories associated with, straight condensing and back pressure steam turbines, ancillary equipment, steam and refrigeration cycles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum five (5) or more years of supervisory experience in planning, directing, and coordinating related work;
• Stationary engineer’s license or equivalent certification.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team;
• Plans ahead, manages time well and arrives on time;
• Recommends improvements and opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs;
• Analytical skills including critical thinking, decision making, trouble shooting and problem solving, reading and interpreting technical drawings;
• Achieves a standard of excellence with work processes and outcomes, honoring University and Department policies and all regulatory requirements.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.