Operations Engineer (Facilities Maintenance) presso Skagit County, WA

About the Department

Performs skilled tasks in area of assignment, using standardized practices and technical expertise in the operation, maintenance, and repair of Skagit County mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, and equipment. Balances team and individual responsibilities with minimal supervision and within scope of established guidelines and practices while complying with codes, ordinances, rules, regulations, standards and requirements. Coordinates with other staff, vendors and contractors as needed to complete work. Establishes and maintains effective interpersonal relationships and communications with coworkers, county staff and elected officials in service to the general public. Works in a safe and well thought out manner to ensure a clean comfortable environment for the general public and county employees. 

• Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 ($32.71/hour - $35.04/hour) dependent on qualifications. 
• Progressive increases are based on years of service with Skagit County, up to 8 total steps (top step $41.64/hour). The Operations Engineer (Facilities Maintenance) is range 14 of the Teamsters CH, DC, Parks salary schedule.
• A certification premium of $225 per month will be provided to new hires that posses the Universal EPA Certification (Refrigeration).

Position Duties

Under direction of Facilities Manager or Facilities Maintenance lead, operate, maintain, adjust, troubleshoot and repair a variety of mechanical and plumbing systems including boilers, pumps, compressors, back-up power generators, refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, cooling towers, heat pumps, pneumatic controls, commercial kitchen and laundry equipment, fire alarm and fire sprinkler systems

Analyze and assess workload and 

Design, integrate, install, modify, and test systems and equipment using best practices, blueprints, and manuals associated with equipment

Assist other staff with or perform general and preventative duties in construction, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC as assigned. 

Prioritize and plan own work activities and use resources effectively in completion of work

Define, develop, and perform preventative maintenance programs on facilities systems and equipment as assigned

Maintain and repair Jail Detention Facilities such as commercial kitchen equipment, CCTV system and Electro/Mechanical security/access system for doors, lighting, water management, sprinkler system, and general plumbing for Juvenile Detention and Jail facilities 

Provide day to day direction, Guidance, and training of other staff as needed

Ensure safety and efficient maintenance techniques and work methods comply with recognized county, state, and national standards

Identify customer needs, explain services clearly and promptly respond to requests

Assess compliance and interpret and apply codes, ordinances, rules, standards, regulations and requirements legally and equitably for assigned areas

Maintains accurate and organized records, databases, systems and files

Use of computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) application in documentation of work performed and equipment history

Use of energy management/building management application in troubleshooting and controlling building functions

Perform monthly, quarterly, and yearly preventative maintenance and fire safety inspections

Obtains price quotes, locates vendors, purchases supplies, equipment, and materials necessary to complete projects and keep shop stock up to adequate inventory levels

Initiates or assists in preparation of correspondence, reports or other documents keeping others adequately informed writing concisely, correctly and with clear content.

Searches literature on an ongoing basis for information on the latest developments in technology, energy efficiency, environmental concerns, and cost containment

Repairing and replacing door locks, door closures and exit devices as well as maintenance of key control and related access controls

Operate boom lift and scissor lift in accomplishments of tasks

Monitor and maintain facilities buildings and grounds including additional seasonal requirements (snow & ice, flooding)

Brazing and welding and fabrication as needed

Available for cell phone call in to support critical issues affecting county resources

Assists with or handles emergency situations

General Building maintenance and other items as directed 

Keeps supervisor and lead informed on maintenance operations

Supervisory:

This position has supervisory responsibilities over part-time employees, jail work release individuals, and contracted staff

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs work of all maintenance positions and other duties as assigned

Assists with the development of procedures and tasks as assigned

Acts as a lead on projects as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Specialized training in the area of Industrial Plant & Commercial Building Maintenance that may be obtained through a community college, technical, vocational, trade or business program(s) is required.  Between 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience is required.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted which provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position.  

Position will require background check through Skagit County Sheriff, Washington State Patrol and FBI

Requires knowledge of:

Computer operation and a variety of software including energy management and maintenance management software, Microsoft office applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook, word processing, spreadsheet, database and other applications related to area of assignment

State of the art principles, procedures, methods, techniques, equipment, tools, and materials used in general construction, carpentry, mechanical, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical trades and in operation, maintenance and repair facilities, systems and equipment

Building codes and Uniform National Electrical Codes

Building mechanical and plumbing system operations

Jail security, fire, plumbing and HVAC systems and staff procedures

 Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Requires the ability to:

Work independently or cooperatively as a member of a team

Use tact, discretion, respect and courtesy to gain cooperation of others and establish and maintain effective working relationships and rapport with co-workers, representatives of other agencies, businesses, departments, officials, and diverse members of the public

Be attentive to detail and maintain a clean safe work area taking proper precaution to protect yourself and others who might enter work area

Fulfil the commitment of the county to provide outstanding public, inter and intra departmental customer service

Operate equipment such as scissor lift, boom truck, and ladders

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

Maintain current knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies, keeping technical skills up to date and using technology to increase system efficiency

Exhibit reliable attendance, punctuality, and appearance 

Interpret and translate facts and information; explain situations and issues to people and advising them of alternate or appropriate courses of action; and/or interviewing and developing information from others.

Math requirements for calculations and measurements.

Maintain confidentiality 

Operate all hand and power tools common to building trades and maintenance trade

Operate specialized testing instruments for electrical, air balancing, calibrating pneumatic controls and direct digital controls (DDC)    

Read and understand electrical diagrams and schematics, blueprints and technical service manuals

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Valid Driver’s License is required.

Other professional certifications are desirable.

Valid First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogen Training, and CPR Certification within 6 months of employment (County provided)

Work is performed in a variety of locations indoors and outdoors in all types of weather, occasionally in cramped dirty areas, or with exposure to heights, noise or vibration in a setting that includes office areas and a county jail and juvenile detention around inmates. Prolonged periods of physical activity, including walking, standing, bending, stretching, crawling, climbing and routinely lifting items weighing 35 to 50 pounds and occasionally lifts items weighing up to 100 pounds. Some work will be performed from ladders and high lift equipment. Requires driving to satellite sites.

Hazards:

Occasional exposure to high air velocities and high noise levels.   Exposure to hazardous materials such as: paints, solvents, adhesives, fuels, etc.  Works with electricity, chemicals, torches, rotating machinery and heights.

Working at height operating equipment such as scissor lift, boom truck, and ladders

Other Qualifications

SELECTION PROCESS:

Following review of applications and resumes, the highest qualified applicants will be interviewed and may be tested. After a selection is made, all applicants not selected will be notified in writing. Skagit County reserves the right to use applications received for this posting to fill any other positions within this classification which may open within six months following the closing of this position. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 336-9433. 

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.