Mechanic/Operator

Vicinity Energy is North America’s largest provider of district energy solutions, offering low carbon energy to most of the iconic buildings you see in the skylines of Boston, Cambridge, Philadelphia, Baltimore and many other cities in the US. As a member of the communities we serve, all of us at Vicinity understand the critical role we play in reducing the impacts of climate change and being a leader in decarbonization. We are committed to net zero and eliminating our reliance on fossil fuels, but we need the best and the brightest minds on our team to help us reach our goal, not only for us as a company, but for our customers, our communities, and our planet.

Summary

The Mechanic/Operator installs, repairs, operates, monitors, maintains plant equipment to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient operation of the plant systems. The systems include: chillers, high pressure boilers and auxiliary equipment using natural gas as the primary fuel source to insure continuous reliable service of steam and chilled water to the company’s customers. This is a full-time, non-exempt, union position and reports to the Plant Manager. This position is located in Kansas City, MO.

Responsibilities 

• Install, repair, troubleshoot, control, and maintain chillers, steam turbines, HP boilers, valves, traps, expansion joints, piping systems, auxiliary equipment, and distribution systems for local and remote facilities. Verify all equipment systems, pressure and temperatures are operating and maintained within limitations for the intended purpose.

• Perform chemical analysis on boiler water samples as required.

• Perform precision alignment and measurement.

• Install mechanical seals, belts, couplings, and work with any hydraulic, pneumatic or city water system and related equipment.

• Operate and regenerate cold-water zeolites to produce water for boiler operation.

• Maintain logs of the various aspects of the plant’s operation as required.

• Monitor equipment, identify problem areas, and develop problem resolution for equipment failures and out of ordinary conditions. Performs trouble shooting, prepares work permits and work orders.

• Performs inspections, predictive and preventive maintenance and repairs on equipment including maintenance on valves, pumps, turbines, chiller, distribution system equipment etc.

• Provide on the job training to new employees.

• Plan, schedule and implement daily activities and identify and set priorities.  

• Communicate timely and relevant information to management, direct reports and others as situations necessitate. 

• Ensure task completion, operation efficiency and reliability for unit and corporate goals attainment. 

• Lock out equipment for maintenance, unlocks equipment and tests equipment after completion of repair following established Lock Out/Tag Out Permit Procedures. 

• Monitor and maintain the cleanliness of the plant and equipment.

• Perform all work in accordance with established safety procedures. 

• Comply with all company policies and procedures and adhere to company standards.

• Perform any other duties and tasks as assigned by Supervisor. 

• Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts that include holidays, nights, and weekends.  

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Navy nuclear experience is preferred.

• Technical trade school training is preferred.

• Will be required to obtain a Kansas City Operating Engineers License within 3 years of starting employment.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in pipe fitting along with steam plant maintenance of boilers, turbines, pumps, valves, and traps.

• Ability to weld and pass site welding exam is preferred but not required.

• Ability to use computer and calculator. 

• Boiler or power plant experience preferred.

• Chiller / chilled water system experience preferred.

• Proficiency with rigging and hoisting, welding, cutting, brazing, and pipe fitting.

• Ability to meet highest punctuality and attendance requirements.

Physical Requirements 

• Must submit to company required pre-employment physical exam and drug screening.
• Must possess a driver’s license in good standing in order to operate a company vehicle.
• Standing, sitting, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, walking on uneven surfaces, and grating, working from elevated platforms, scaffolding or ladders, required to lift up to and including 50 pounds and maneuver approximately 100 pounds.
• Must qualify to wear a respirator.
• Ability to tolerate confined spaces, including manholes and varying temperatures and weather conditions.
• Exposure to temperature extremes, high noise level areas, high pressure steam lines, rotating equipment, and dusty/dirty environment. 
• Required to wear PPE such as hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection and other protective gear as required.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT Vicinity North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.