Second Class Power Plant Engineer

Second Class Power Plant Engineer

Company: Framingham State University

Job Location: Framingham, 01701

Category: Maintenance and Trades

Type: Full-Time

Company Description:

Framingham State University was founded in 1839 for a singular purpose - to meet a public need and promote the public good. At our founding as the nation's first public normal school, that need was for comprehensively educated public school teachers who would, in turn, promote an educated citizenry. FSU continues to offer exceptional teacher education programs, and while we are proud of our roots as a teachers' college, we have grown far beyond them. Public need continues to evolve, and FSU right along with it. Our students and alumni are making waves in the fashion industry, designing nutrition plans for professional athletes, writing for major media and news organizations, working for Fortune 500 companies right here in Framingham, and so much more. FSU is a proudly public and truly transformative institution offering accessible, affordable educational opportunities that integrate an academically challenging liberal arts education with workforce preparation programs in a highly personalized teaching environment. Our programs have expanded, but our purpose and commitment to public education for the public good remain steadfast.

FSU currently enrolls about 3,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate and professional students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, and professional fields, and enrolls 48% BIPOC students and 54% first-generation college students in our undergraduate programs. We are deeply committed to inclusive excellence and strive to promote a culture of equity and antiracism. This commitment has earned FSU eight Insight Into Academia Higher Education Excellence and Distinction (HEED) Awards and led to our recognition in the Great Colleges to Work For program. We encourage applications from those who share our commitment to promoting a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community.

FSU is ideally situated between Boston and Worcester on land originally stewarded by the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. FSU and the surrounding area are steeped in history, achievement, and innovation, and provide access to urban hotspots, verdant landscapes, natural and cultural amenities, and diverse communities.

Our founding motto, LIVE TO THE TRUTH, was said at the end of each class by beloved first principal, Cyrus Peirce, who sought to discover and teach "truth in theory and principle...truth in spirit and motive...truth in manner and form...truth intellectual and truth moral." Early leaders found this motto "speaks of sincerity of spirit...of intensity of effort, of resolution to succeed, of joy in achievement." LIVE TO THE TRUTH aptly reflects our past and our pledge for the future as it continues to guide our institution in practice and endeavor. If you share in this quest for truth and a commitment to living it fully, make the next chapter of your career the best chapter at Framingham State University.

Learn more about our career opportunities at www.framingham.edu/careers.

Job Description:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Second Class Power Plant Engineer operates, maintains and/or repairs high pressure boilers and auxiliary machinery and equipment; cleans machinery and equipment; responds to emergencies or equipment breakdowns; maintains adequate supply of fuel; and performs related work as required.

The basic purpose of this work is to ensure that assigned power plant facility is operated and maintained safely and efficiently.

Please review the Power Plant Engineer Series

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Under general supervision of the Director of Boiler Plant and Utility Operations, or designee.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

This position may exercise direct supervision (i.e., not through an intermediate supervisor) over, assign work to and review the performance of 1 - 5 personnel; indirect supervision (i.e., through an intermediate supervisor) over 6 - 15 personnel; and functional supervision (i.e., over certain functions, but not over all daily work activities, or over all daily work activities on a temporary basis) over 6 - 15 personnel.

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Checks, inspects and monitors various types of machinery, equipment and systems such as steam traps, heat control panels, safety valves and gauges, high and low water converters and/or steam reducing stations, gas systems, fire alarms, fire sprinklers and fire hydrant systems, standpipes, hot water preheat or oil jackets; various types of generators such as diesel, steam and turbine; various types of pumps and water pumping stations; pneumatic temperature and pressure control systems; electrical systems; steam and water lines and systems; refrigeration systems; air conditioning and ventilating systems; and motor bearings, boiler fires, air compressors, smoke stack emissions, coiling oil tanks and chemical tank levels, etc., to ensure that assigned plant facility is operated in a safe, efficient and pollution-free manner.
• Operates machinery and equipment such as chillers, boilers, generators, pumps and valves to ensure the provision of power.
• Repairs, overhauls and maintains machinery and equipment by replacing turbines, boilers, burners, motors, pumps and compressors; by using metal laths, electric hacksaws, pipe threaders and other machine shop equipment; by turning over auxiliary equipment as needed; by repairing and overhauling pipes, valves, gauges, etc.; by cleaning or replacing filters; by lubricating equipment; and by making minor electrical or plumbing repairs to keep equipment operating efficiently and to prevent breakdowns.
• Cleans and maintains work areas and plant machinery and equipment, such as suction and discharge oil strainers, burners, boilers and pumps to ensure the safety and efficiency of plant operations.
• Responds to emergencies and breakdowns by evaluating equipment or system problems; by identifying problems with systems covered under service contract and informing the appropriate contractor; by determining that repairs are necessary and taking corrective action; by deciding when to shut down equipment or systems; by transferring from automatic to manual operation; and by operating the power plant by total steam when other systems fail to ensure uninterrupted service.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work under exposure to the hazards of gases or noxious fumes, high pressure boilers, steamlines, caustic or inflammatory chemicals and high voltage; are exposed to intense heat and excessive noise; lift heavy objects; work varies shifts, weekends, holidays and nights; are subject to standby (on-call) work status; may work under exposure to the harmful effects of coal dust, asbestos or inadequate ventilation; and may work in a penal institution.

Requirements:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of the principles of operation of industrial type heating systems.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of industrial type heating systems.
• Knowledge of the principles of pneumatics as applied to heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of pneumatic controls used in power plant operations.
• Knowledge of calibration and/or adjustment techniques as applied to pneumatic control systems.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of electrical practice.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of precision measuring equipment used in a power plant such as manometers, voltmeters, anemoneters, tachometers, etc.
• Possession of a Second Class or higher Stationary Engineer's license based on the standards established by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety and pursuant to Chapter 146 of the Massachusetts General Laws.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, non-exempt, benefits-eligible position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) bargaining unit with a union title of Second Class Power Plant Engineer. The bi-weekly pay rate is $3,550.10 (grade 19, step 12). This is a base annual salary of approximately $92,302.60.

Framingham State University conducts criminal history and sexual offender record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Framingham State University is an equal opportunity employer. The University considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, age, national origin, disability status, Veteran status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Members of underrepresented or minoritized groups, women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and all persons committed to equity, diversity, and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

Candidates must apply online by submitting:

• Cover Letter,
• Resume/CV,
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references (references are not contacted automatically upon submission of application).

For best consideration, please submit application materials by June 12,2026. The review of applications may continue beyond that date and until the position is filled, at the discretion of the search committee.

Framingham State University only accepts application materials through our online application system. We are unable to accept application materials through mail, email, fax, or hand delivery. If you experience technical issues with the online application process, please submit a helpdesk ticket.

Framingham State University understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at 508-626-4530 or humanresources@framingham.edu.