Summary

VCU's Facilities Management Department is seeking to hire an Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Technician in the Steam Plant. The steam plant is a 24/7/365 day operation, and the main steam plant consists of three 125,000 lbs/hour boilers with typical loads ranging from 35,000 lbs/hour (summer) and up to 135,000 lbs/hour (winter).

The Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Technician is responsible for the maintenance and repair of MCV and MPC steam plants and distribution systems, ensuring that each plant operates reliably, efficiently, and at all times in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Additional duties include (but are not limited to):

• Maintain, repair electrical, instrumentation, and control equipment providing utilities for Hospital, Academic, and State buildings
  
• Ensure long equipment life, operating efficiency, and equipment availability by following accepted procedures
  
• Use solid inspection techniques to detect and correct problems at an early stage to avoid costly problems later
  
• Utilize troubleshooting skills to remedy malfunctions and return equipment to full functionality in minimum time
  
• Work assigned shifts including weekends and overtime as required
  
• Work during inclement weather
  
• At times work other than normal shifts
  
• 24-hour rotational on-call status is required
  
• Make repairs and perform preventive maintenance tasks as needed
  
• Follow safety procedures to guard against burns, electric shock, noise, moving parts, and materials exposure
  
• Interface with customers ensuring needs are met should problems arise
  
• Demonstrate competency through successful completion of maintenance tasks and repair situations

Core Skills Knowledge

• Basic Hand Tools: Proper use of hammers, saws, levels, pullers, clamps, etc.
• Basic Power Tools: Proper use of drills, saws, grinders, sanders, etc.
• Basic Drawings: Use and interpret drawing dimensions, symbols, components, etc.
• Basic Rigging: Proper use of ropes, chains, hoists, loaders, cranes, signaling, etc.

Specific Knowledge

• Tools of the Trade: Proper use of hand and power tools, safety procedures and techniques
• Fasteners and Anchors: Proper use of hardware systems, applications, and installation
• Gaskets & Packing: Proper use and fabrication of gaskets, packing, and O-rings
• Mobile and Support Equipment: Safety and proper operation of forklifts, manlifts, compressors and generators

Global Knowledge

• Install and maintain electrical control systems and equipment and adjust electrical/electronic parts, assemblies, and systems to correct problems
• Set up test equipment and evaluate how parts, assemblies, or systems perform under simulated conditions; analyze test information to resolve problems
• Knowledge of the installation, repair and maintenance practices, equipment, and materials used in steam distribution operations, including procurement procedures and requirements
• Work as a member of multi-craft teams responsible for providing all repair and maintenance service required in all assigned campus and building areas
• Use technical manuals, understanding of industrial equipment, and observations to determine causes of, and solutions to problems. Identify and repair equipment malfunctions
• Calibrate and perform preventive maintenance on equipment and systems
• Read blueprints, diagrams, and instructions for EI&C units and components
• Write reports and record data on testing, techniques, equipment, and specifications

Steam Plants and Distribution Systems Safety and Environmental

• Follow proper safety procedures at all times; practice safety habits that reduce the possibility of personal injury to others, and damage to equipment
  
• Understanding of all potential hazards and the safety systems that provide protection
  
• Practice required Lockout/Tagout procedures when performing maintenance and repairs
  
• Know the locations of all fire extinguishers, emergency showers, and eyewash stations

Essential Qualities

• Technical skills: Ability to diagnose and repair complex systems and machines
  
• Manual Dexterity: Must use precise motions to control, maintain, or repair equipment; grasp tools and use hands to perform many tasks; a steady hand and good coordination
  
• Mechanical skills: Use hand tools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to build components by hand; ability to operate, maintain, and repair equipment
  
• Problem Solving Skills: Ability to identify and fix problems that arise in assembling and inspections designs and prototypes; must figure out how things work and solve problems

Work Environment

• Typically work in areas containing electrical switchgear, piping, valves, and machinery
  
• May be exposed to high temperatures, dust, dirt, and loud noise from equipment
  
• Maintenance and repair duties may require contact with oil, grease, fuel oil, and smoke
  
• Much time is spent on feet lifting heavy materials, climbing ladders, and work in tight spaces
  
• May have to crawl inside cabinets, boilers, vessels, tanks, etc. and work while crouched, or kneel to inspect, clean, or repair equipment

Training

• Train on-the-job under the supervision of experienced electrical, instrumentation, and controls (EI&C) technicians
  
• OJT may be supplemented by courses at trade, vocational, or technical schools
• After demonstrated competence, move on to more complicated tasks; use each task to refine knowledge and skills
  
• Update skills in the profession regularly, especially when new equipment is introduced
  
• NCCER Training Workbook: Core Curriculum - Introductory Craft Skills, Industrial Maintenance Electrical & Instrument Tech (Vol 1)