Stationary Engineers
Nature of the Work
Large buildings require a considerable amount of equipment to
provide heating, air-conditioning, and ventilation. Industrial plants
often have facilities to provide electrical power, steam, or other
services in addition to heating and ventilation. Stationary engineers
operate and maintain this equipment, which can include boilers, air-
conditioning and refrigeration equipment, diesel engines, turbines,
generators, pumps, condensers, and compressors. These workers are
called stationary engineers because much of the equipment they operate
is similar to the equipment operated by locomotive or marine engineers
except that it is not in a moving vehicle.
Stationary engineers start up, regulate, and shut down equipment in
order to meet demands for heating, cooling, or power. They insure that
equipment is operating safely and economically and within established
limits by monitoring meters, gauges, and other instruments attached to
equipment. They make adjustments and perform repairs and maintenance
whenever necessary. They also keep a log of all relevant events and
facts concerning the operation and maintenance of the equipment. On a
steam boiler, for example, they observe, control, and keep records of
steam pressure, temperature, water level, power output, and the amount
of fuel consumed.
These workers must identify and correct any trouble that develops.
They watch and listen to their machinery and routinely check safety
devices. Stationary engineers often use hand or power tools to make
repairs, ranging from a complete overhaul to replacing defective
valves, gaskets, or bearings.
Stationary engineers also perform routine maintenance, such as
lubricating moving parts, replacing filters, and removing soot and
corrosion that can reduce operating efficiency. They also may test
boiler water and add necessary chemicals to prevent corrosion and
buildup of harmful deposits.
Computers are increasingly being used to help stationary engineers
perform their duties. Much of the instrumentation on the equipment
they operate is now computer controlled. This allows the stationary
engineer to monitor the system from a central location and reduces the
time necessary to check each piece of equipment. The engineer must
read the computer's output to determine if the system is operating
properly. If the automated systems malfunction, the stationary
engineer must manually control the equipment.
In a large building or industrial plant, a stationary engineer may
be in charge of all mechanical systems in the building or an
industrial powerplant or engine room. The engineer might direct the
work of assistant stationary engineers, turbine operators, boiler
tenders, and air-conditioning and refrigeration operators and
mechanics. In a small building or industrial plant, there may be only
one stationary engineer at a time operating and maintaining the
equipment.
Working Conditions
Stationary engineers generally have steady year-round employment.
They usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. Many work one of three daily
8-hour shifts, and weekend and holiday work often is required.
Engine rooms, powerplants, and boiler rooms usually are clean and
well lighted. Even under the most favorable conditions, however, some
stationary engineers are exposed to high temperatures, dust, dirt, and
high noise levels from the equipment. General maintenance duties may
cause contact with oil and grease, as well as fumes or smoke. Workers
spend much of their time on their feet; they also may have to crawl
inside boilers and work in crouching or kneeling positions to inspect,
clean, or repair equipment.
Because stationary engineers work around boilers as well as
electrical and mechanical equipment, they must be alert to avoid
burns, electric shock, and injury from moving parts.
Employment
Stationary engineers held about 35,000 jobs in 1990. They worked in
a wide variety of places, including office and apartment buildings,
hospitals, schools, factories, shopping malls, and hotels.
Although stationary engineers work throughout the country, most
work in the more heavily populated areas, where large industrial and
commercial establishments are usually located.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Most stationary engineers acquire their skills through a formal
apprenticeship program or through informal on-the-job training which
usually is supplemented by courses at trade or technical schools. In
addition, a good background can be obtained in the Navy or the
Merchant Marine because of the similarity of marine engineering plants
to many stationary power and heating plants.
The increasing complexity of the equipment with which these
operators work has made a high school diploma or its equivalent
necessary; many stationary engineers have some college education.
Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by the International Union of
Operating Engineers, the principal union to which stationary engineers
belong. In selecting apprentices, most local labor-management
apprenticeship committees prefer applicants who have received
instruction in mathematics, computers, mechanical drawing, machine-
shop practice, physics, and chemistry. Mechanical aptitude, manual
dexterity, and good physical condition also are important
qualifications.
The apprenticeship usually lasts 4 years. In addition to on-the-job
training, apprentices receive classroom instruction in practical
chemistry, elementary physics, blueprint reading, applied electricity,
instrumentation, electronics, and other technical subjects.
Those who acquire their skills on the job usually start as helpers
to experienced stationary engineers or as boiler tenders. This
practical experience may be supplemented by post secondary vocational
training in computerized controls and instrumentation. However,
becoming a stationary engineer without going through a formal
apprenticeship program usually requires many years of work experience.
Skill-improvement training varies by the size and type of
establishment. Most large and some small employers encourage and pay
for additional training for their employees. Additional training is
almost always provided when new equipment is introduced, usually by a
representative of the machinery manufacturer.
Most States and cities have licensing requirements for stationary
engineers. Although requirements differ from place to place,
applicants usually must be at least 18 years of age, reside for a
specified period in the State or locality, meet the experience
requirements for the class of license requested, and pass a written
examination. Because of regional differences in licensing
requirements, a stationary engineer who moves from one State or city
to another may have to pass an examination for a new license.
Generally, there are several classes of stationary engineer
licenses. Each class specifies the type of equipment or the steam
pressure or horsepower of the equipment the engineer can operate
without supervision. A first-class license permits the stationary
engineer to operate equipment of all types and capacities. A licensed
first-class stationary engineer is qualified to run a large complex
and to supervise others. An applicant for this license may be required
to have a high school education, apprenticeship or on-the-job
training, and several years of experience. Lower class licenses limit
the types or capacities of equipment the engineer may operate without
the supervision of a higher rated engineer.
Stationary engineers advance to more responsible jobs by being
placed in charge of larger, more powerful, or more varied equipment.
Generally, engineers advance to these jobs as they obtain higher class
licenses. Advancement, however, is not automatic. For example, an
engineer who has a first-class license may work for some time as a
boiler tender or an assistant to another first-class engineer before a
vacancy occurs. Some stationary engineers eventually advance to jobs
as boiler inspectors, chief plant engineers, building and plant
superintendents, or building managers. A few obtain jobs as examining
engineers or technical instructors.
Job Outlook
Little change in employment of stationary engineers is expected
through the year 2005. Although increased commercial and industrial
development will increase the amount of equipment to be operated and
maintained, automated and computerized controls will make newly
installed equipment more efficient and reduce the number of stationary
engineers needed. Nevertheless, the need to replace experienced
workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force
will result in a significant number of job openings.
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.
Earnings
In 1990, the median weekly earnings for stationary engineers who
worked full time were about $562. The middle 50 percent earned between
$399 and $710 a week; 10 percent earned less than $315 a week; and 10
percent earned more than $937.
According to a survey of metropolitan areas, stationary engineers
had average hourly earnings of $15.98 in 1990. This was about 50
percent higher than the average for all nonsupervisory workers in
private industry, except farming.
Average hourly rates in 4 regions, selected to show how rates
differ in various parts of the country, appear in the accompanying
table. In addition to wages, stationary engineers usually receive a
variety of benefits, such as health and life insurance, reimbursement
for work-related courses, and vacation and sick leave.
Table 1. Average hourly earnings of stationary engineers in selected areas, 1990
Area Earnings
All metropolitan areas................................... $15.98
West..................................................... 18.49
Midwest.................................................. 16.35
Northeast................................................ 15.80
South.................................................... 13.88
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Related Occupations
Other workers who monitor and operate stationary machinery include
nuclear reactor operators, power station operators, water and
wastewater treatment plant operators, waterworks pump-station
operators, chemical operators, and refinery operators.
Sources of Additional Information
Information about training or work opportunities is available from
local offices of State employment services, locals of the
International Union of Operating Engineers, and from State and local
licensing agencies.
Specific questions about the occupation should be addressed to:
* International Union of Operating Engineers, 1125 17th St. NW.,
Washington, DC 20036.
* National Association of Power Engineers, Inc., 5-7 Springfield
Street Chicopee, MA 01013