Technician, Emergency Generator

DESCRIPTION 

Under the direction of the Building Maintenance Management team, we are seeking a candidate skilled in emergency generator maintenance and repairs. Responsibilities will include performing thorough diagnostics, replacing parts, monitor/replace oil and fluid levels, conduct safety and preventative maintenance (PM) inspections, update maintenance and repair records. 

The Howard County Public School System has over 95 industrial diesel and natural gas generators ranging from 25kW to 500kW from brands like Cummins, Caterpillar, Kohler, Generac, and MTU. They provide critical back-up power to support life safety equipment, fire suppression, food storage, water and heating systems, and IT technology systems. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy. 

Education:  

• High School diploma or GED (must scan and upload to the online application). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click here. 

Experience:  

• Three (3) years of experience as a generator or automotive mechanic. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• ASE Certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). 

LICENSURE 

• Possession of a Maryland Class C driver’s license and satisfactory driving record with 2 or less points on your record. 

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. 

• Conduct safety and preventative maintenance (PM) inspections on emergency generators to keep operational and 100% reliable in case of power failure for all schools and office building locations system wide.  

• Monitor oil and fluid levels, belts, hoses, batteries and update maintenance and repair records.  

• Diagnose and troubleshoot problems, make all critical and applicable repairs and adjustments.  

• Remove and install parts, disassemble, and assemble components and test and adjust assemblies, conduct generator pre-start and start-ups in accordance with the manufacturer checklist and use resistive load bank equipment for testing and repair of generators. 

• Perform operational tests and preventive maintenance inspections on a scheduled basis. 

• Performs required oil changes and tune-ups. 

• Performs service on or replace filters, belts, hoses, batteries any other expendable parts of various school system generators. 

• Report to management life-cycle replacement schedules and assist with design reviews for replacements. 

• Maintains automatic transfer switches and associated electrical gear to ensure operational effectiveness of the Emergency Generator Systems. 

• Ensures fuel levels are maintained for effective run times 

• Respond to routine and emergency calls for repairs and service. 

Employee Safety 

• The employee is responsible for the use of safety devices and protective equipment in order to minimize the frequency and severity of work-related accidents. The employee is responsible for using safe practices and methods in the operation and supplies related to their job. 

• The employee is further responsible for correcting any conditions within the building or grounds that may be hazardous to employees, students, or staff assigned to the building and reporting same to the appropriate administrator. 

• The employee is responsible for the safety and maintenance condition of their assigned vehicle. 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list.  

• Thorough understanding of electricity and how electricity functions as related to engine generators. 

• Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose equipment break-down and failures. 

• Ability to read technical manuals, disassemble and reassemble, and use testing devices, such as ammeters and voltmeters, to identify problems. 

• Ability to complete inspections, preventive maintenance, correct deficiencies, and keep records for entire fleet of emergency generators. 

• Ability to run load bank tests on diesel and natural gas generators. 

• Maintain cooling systems on generators, check and adjust belts, grease bearings, and monitor coolant levels. 

• Ability to make wiring modifications to control circuits and electrical apparatus including automatic transfer switches. 

• Thorough understanding of automatic transfer switches and operation from normal to emergency power sources. 

• Hands-on experience working on power generation units, diesel and/or natural gas engines, and Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) 

• Inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, diagnosing, repairing and testing 25kw – 500kw generator systems 

• Ordering replacement parts and services in efficient and effective manner 

• Performing electrical and mechanical repairs to the engine, generator, or components 

• Proficient in using power tools and hand tools 

• Basic computer skills 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Possesses advanced customer service skills with excellent communication capability. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to stand for extensive periods of time, walk, sit, bend, kneel, squat, climb, and use arm and hand movements  

• Ability to carry tools and to handle materials and equipment of 80 to 100 pounds, etc. 

• Ability to work at heights on aerial lifts, scaffolding, catwalks, stepladders and/or extension ladders 

• Ability to crawl in, under, over, or through equipment and work in confined spaces 

• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions 

• Ability to respond to emergency calls, 24 hours a day/7 days a week 

The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education. 

Working Hours 

• The duty day for a full-time position is 8.5 hours per day including an unpaid duty-free thirty-minute lunch. 

• This position is designated as an “emergency employee” under the AFSCME negotiated agreement and may require a response during inclement weather and other emergencies. When work cannot be scheduled during the school year during normal hours, weekend/evening and shift work may be required as allowed by the AFSCME negotiated agreement. Maintenance employees are issued a school system cell phone to receive calls from their supervisor and respond to emergency events as needed. 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS 

Complete applications must be submitted, and once your application has been submitted, you will not be able to add documentation or make any changes. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.  
 
SELECTION CRITERIA 

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience which most closely matches the position qualifications and the needs of the school system.  

EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION 

Compensation 

This is a 12-month per year position in the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) employee bargaining unit.  This position is Grade IX on the Audio Visual/ Grounds/ Maintenance/ Warehouse salary scale . Actual placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the HCPSS and the AFSCME Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is non-exempt.   

Retirement 

Membership in the Maryland State Retirement Agency (MSRA) pension plan is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in the State Personnel and Pensions Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). A qualifying employee cannot reject membership, nor can an ineligible employee elect membership. The annual contribution to the pension plan will be 7% of an employee’s annual salary.