Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Fourth Class Power Engineer

🎯 Role Definition

As a Fourth Class Power Engineer, you are the frontline guardian of our facility's core operational systems. You will be responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and maintenance of all plant equipment, including high-pressure boilers, chillers, HVAC systems, and related auxiliary machinery. This hands-on role requires a proactive approach to preventative maintenance, a sharp eye for troubleshooting, and an unwavering commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. You will be a key member of our operations team, ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for all occupants while optimizing energy consumption and extending the lifecycle of critical assets.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Graduate of a Power Engineering Technology Program
Junior Building Operator or Maintenance Assistant
Experienced Maintenance Technician seeking certification

Advancement To:

Third Class Power Engineer
Lead Operator or Shift Engineer
Facilities Maintenance Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

HVAC Technician (with additional certification)
Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate, monitor, and maintain high-pressure steam boilers, hot water boilers, and auxiliary equipment to ensure continuous, safe, and efficient facility operation.
Conduct regular rounds and inspections of the plant and mechanical rooms, meticulously logging readings from gauges, meters, and control panels to ensure systems are running within specifications.
Perform routine preventative and corrective maintenance on all building systems, including HVAC units, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, compressors, and air handling units.
Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and perform emergency repairs on mechanical and electrical systems to minimize downtime and ensure occupant comfort and safety.
Execute water treatment procedures for boiler, chiller, and cooling tower systems, including conducting chemical tests and adjusting chemical dosages as required.
Maintain detailed and accurate operational logs, maintenance records, and safety reports in compliance with company policies and regulatory standards (e.g., TSSA, ABSA).
Monitor and adjust building automation systems (BAS) to optimize energy consumption, maintain specific environmental conditions, and respond to system alarms.
Start up and shut down major plant equipment following established standard operating procedures (SOPs) for both routine and emergency situations.
Assist senior engineers and licensed tradespeople with major repairs, overhauls, and the installation of new equipment and systems.
Ensure all work is performed in strict adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) regulations, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols.
Respond promptly to service calls and tenant requests related to temperature adjustments, plumbing issues, and other facility-related concerns in a professional and courteous manner.
Perform minor plumbing repairs, such as fixing leaks and clearing drains, and assist with other general maintenance tasks throughout the facility as needed.
Utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to create, update, and close out work orders for all maintenance activities.
Conduct fire and life safety system testing and inspections, including fire pumps, sprinkler systems, and emergency generators, ensuring they are in a constant state of readiness.
Manage inventory of spare parts, tools, and maintenance supplies, and initiate purchase requisitions to replenish stock as necessary.
Analyze system performance data to identify trends, predict potential failures, and recommend opportunities for improved efficiency and reliability.
Operate and maintain refrigeration systems and associated equipment, ensuring they meet operational requirements and safety codes.
Provide support for small-scale projects, including coordinating with external contractors and ensuring their work meets facility standards and safety requirements.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of all mechanical rooms, workshops, and engineering spaces to promote a safe and efficient work environment.
Act as a first responder for facility emergencies, such as power outages, floods, or fire alarms, and take immediate action to stabilize the situation and protect assets.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development to maintain and upgrade technical skills and certifications.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc operational requests and exploratory system analysis.
Contribute to the facility's continuous improvement and energy management strategy.
Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Property Management, Security) to translate operational needs into engineering actions.
Participate in daily toolbox talks, safety meetings, and planning sessions within the operations team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Valid Fourth Class Power Engineer Certificate of Competency (SOPEEC or jurisdictional equivalent like TSSA, ABSA).
Proficiency in operating and maintaining high-pressure boilers, chillers, HVAC systems, and air compressors.
Strong understanding of Building Automation Systems (BAS), such as Johnson Controls, Siemens, or Schneider.
Experience with water treatment chemistry and testing procedures for boiler and cooling systems.
Deep knowledge of safety protocols, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and WHMIS.
Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, and blueprints.
Hands-on experience with mechanical and electrical troubleshooting and repair.
Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for work order tracking.

Soft Skills

Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities under pressure.
Excellent communication skills for logging information and interacting with team members and tenants.
High attention to detail and a commitment to safety and procedural compliance.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a collaborative team.
Physical stamina and the ability to work in various environmental conditions (heat, cold, noise).

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.
A valid Fourth Class Power Engineering Certificate is mandatory.

Preferred Education:

Diploma or Certificate in Power Engineering Technology from a recognized technical institute.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Power Engineering
Stationary Engineering
Building Environmental Systems

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1-3 years of hands-on experience in a plant environment or as a building operator in a large commercial, industrial, or institutional facility.

Preferred:

Experience in a critical environment such as a hospital, university, data center, or large-scale manufacturing plant is highly desirable. Candidates who have recently achieved their certification through a co-op or work placement program are encouraged to apply.