STATIONARY ENGINEERS California Occupational Guide Number 234 Interest Area 5-D 1995
THE JOB
STATIONARY ENGINEERS operate and maintain boilers, engines, generators, compressors, and related equipment such as pumps and fans. These systems provide power, heat, air conditioning, and refrigeration for buildings and manufacturing facilities. Depending on where they work, Stationary Engineers also service industrial machinery, hospital equipment, plumbing fixtures, elevators, and other electrical or mechanical devices used on the premises.
Engineers are responsible for the safe, efficient operation of all systems under their control. Generally they make regular rounds of equipment areas, reading meters and gauges, listening to the machinery, and adjusting the controls as required. Periodically they perform tests and take corrective action, such as adding chemicals to the boilers to prevent corrosion and scale. In large, automated facilities, engineers in a central control room monitor conditions throughout the plant by watching video display terminals and checking computer printouts that show instrument readings from machinery in remote locations. Necessary adjustments often can be made simply by typing commands to the main computer on the computer terminal keyboard.
If machinery breaks down or malfunctions occur, engineers are responsible for locating the source of trouble and making or arranging for all the necessary repairs. Using hand and power tools, they may replace or modify defective parts, fabricate new parts, or completely overhaul the equipment. When necessary, they contact the equipment manufacturer or call in the appropriate specialist. For each shift, engineers keep a log of test results, instrument readings, and any preventive or corrective maintenance work performed. In many establishments, Stationary Engineers handle all aspects of the job; in others, they are assisted by apprentices, helpers, or maintenance personnel.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Stationary Engineers work in food processing and other industrial plants, hospitals, airports, and other major buildings and complexes. Some travel to perform maintenance work for building service firms. Equipment rooms may be noisy or hot, while control rooms are quiet and cool. Some engineers are stationed in one location, such as a central control room or high pressure boiler plant, which requires continuous attention. Others circulate throughout the premises, checking each place in which equipment is installed. Considerable standing and walking are required. Work areas are generally clean. However, when repairing machinery, Stationary Engineers are exposed to dust, grease, and oil.
Many engineers belong to a Stationary Engineers' local of the International Union of Operating Engineers. Some belong to industrial unions or unions representing government employees. Engineers may also join related groups such as the National Association of Power Engineers.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division, shows that the number of Stationary Engineers will grow slower than average through 2005. (Projected growth for all occupations in California is expected to average 24 percent through 2005.)
Estimated number of workers in 1990 4,580 Estimated number of workers in 2005 5,040 Projected Growth 1990-2005 10% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 2,230
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover)
The trend toward automated, centralized control of building operations has not reduced the need for Stationary Engineers. When automated systems are installed in older buildings, they often take the place of simpler systems and equipment that had not required the high-level services of Stationary Engineers. Furthermore, Stationary Engineers not only operate, but also maintain these sophisticated systems. Automated systems typically require fewer operators but more maintenance personnel. Technically trained engineers must also be available to take over manually if the system should fail.
Due to the increasing complexity of power-generating systems, job opportunities will be best for those with apprenticeship training or vocational school courses in computerized controls and instrumentation. Although there are relatively few job openings for Stationary Engineers at any given time, highly skilled Stationary Engineers are currently in short supply and have little difficulty finding employment.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Wages for Stationary Engineers vary with the industry in which they are employed, the location in which they work, and their level of responsibility. As of 1995, union journey-level wages range from about $13.00 to over $30.00 an hour. Wages for chief Engineers range up to $32.00 per hour. Apprentices start at 65 percent of the journey-level rate, with five percent increases every six months after the first year of a four-year apprenticeship. Stationary Engineers employed by nonunion firms may start about $10.00 an hour, although some earn more.
Engineers generally work eight hours a day, 40 hours a week. However, in plants that operate around the clock, engineers often rotate night and weekend duty, with extra pay for late shifts. Engineers on rotating shifts may work six or seven days at a stretch and then get two to four consecutive days off. Engineers may also be called to work at any time to handle emergencies, at a higher rate of pay.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Some Stationary Engineers begin as maintenance or refrigeration mechanics, or as boiler operators or helpers. Over many years, they may pick up additional skills on the job. Good training and related maintenance experience may also be obtained in the navy or merchant marine. However, most training authorities recommend formal apprenticeship programs as the fastest and surest way to learn and enter the trade. Stationary Engineer apprenticeship programs combine four years of on-the-job training with classroom instruction in subjects such as physics, electricity, electronics, blueprint reading, steam boilers, air conditioning, refrigeration, and welding. Persons who are not in apprenticeship training should supplement their work experience with community college, trade school, or home study courses in these subjects.
Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by joint labor-management apprenticeship committees located in various parts of the State. New apprentices are selected at least every two years. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Applicants must also pass a written examination and personal interview. High school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, electronics, mechanical drawing, and machine shop are helpful but not required. The work requires manual dexterity, mechanical aptitude, and a great deal of physical activity.
Journey-level engineers must continue to keep abreast of new technological developments. To help them do so, the Stationary Engineers Union provides classes and correspondence courses for members.
ADVANCEMENT
Journey-level engineers may become senior or assistant chief engineers, whose job is to supervise workers and activities on a single shift. Some advance to chief engineer or to superintendent of buildings and grounds, responsible for all facility operations.
FINDING THE JOB
Journey-level engineers usually find work through their union or by direct application to employers. Engineers seeking government jobs must pass civil service examinations. Applicants for apprenticeship programs should inquire at district offices of the Stationary Engineers Union.
Those who pass the written exam and the screening process will be assigned to jobs as openings occur. Persons interested in helper positions should apply at the personnel offices of large firms.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Information about apprenticeship programs may be obtained from:
International Union of Stationary Engineers Local 39 337 Valencia Street San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 927-3399
Department of Industrial Relations Division of Apprenticeship Standards 455 Golden Gate Avenue, Room 1193 San Francisco, CA 94102 (415) 975-2035
Additional information about the occupation, including material for home study, is available from:
National Association of Power Engineers 1 Springfield Street Chicopee, MA 01013 (413) 592-6273
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics No. 32 Maintenance Mechanics (Machinery) No. 136 Water/Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator No. 443
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Stationary Engineer 950.382-026
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) Stationary Engineers 950320
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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