CHIEF OPERATING ENGINEER 1

Code: 40442 State Competitive Range: R19 (FY 2027) Work week 40: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $60,876.32 - $88,742.92/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of an Engineer-in-Charge of Maintenance, a Business Manager, or other supervisory official in a State department, institution, or agency, has charge of the power and heating plant where capacity of equipment involved does not exceed 1000 boiler horsepower, and/or which may include major air conditioning units; supervises staff and work activities; prepares and signs official performance evaluations for subordinate staff; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Plans work program and work procedures, and analyzes power air conditioning and heating plant problems.
• Assigns and instructs unit employees of varied classifications engaged in work relating to the operation and maintenance of boilers, engines, motors, steam absorption chillers, or centrifical chill pumps and auxiliary equipment, and supervises the performance of their work.
• Plans the effective utilization of assigned personnel and available equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Supervises the operation, adjustment, maintenance, and repair of varied types of generators, motors, compressors, feed and vacuum pumps, fuel oil pump and heater sets, feed conveyors, blowers, water softeners, combustion controls, automatic stokers, and other equipment.
• Conducts periodic comprehensive tests and readings of boiler water treatment control, fuel consumption, pressure, draft conditions, temperature, and steam flow, using recording apparatus.
• Inspects and checks safety units and devices.
• Supervises the work involved in the operation, maintenance, and repair of refrigerating, ventilating, pumping, sewage, water, plumbing, and other auxiliary equipment.
• Obtains, safeguards, stores, distributes, and supervises the proper use of needed equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Prepares reports.
• May be required to undergo fire-training classes.
• Maintain records and files of the unit.
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees.
• Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in work involving the operation, maintenance, and emergency repair of power and heating plants and auxiliary equipment.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a minimum of a Stationary Engineer Third Class, Grade 1C (Blue) License issued by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the procedures and methods involved in the operation, maintenance, adjustment, and minor repair of varied types of feed and vacuum pumps, generators, and motors, feed conveyors, blowers, and automatic stokers.
• Knowledge of the techniques used to conduct tests and readings of fuel consumption, pressures, draft conditions, temperature, and steam flow.
• Knowledge of the procedures and methods used to inspect heating and power plants and auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of the hazards and other significant conditions to be encountered in the operation and maintenance of a power and heating plant and equipment.
• Knowledge of the methods used to lubricate and clean machinery and equipment.
• Ability to supervise assigned staff and plan, organize, and implement projects within the unit.
• Ability to plan and supervise work involved in the operation, maintenance, and minor repair of varied types of pumps, generators, motors, feed conveyors, blowers, and automatic stokers.
• Ability to conduct readings and comprehensive tests of fuel consumption, pressure, draft conditions, temperature, and steam flow.
• Ability to inspect machinery and equipment, identify hazardous or significant conditions, and determine the nature and extent of repairs.
• Ability to obtain, store, safeguard, distribute, and supervise use of needed equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Ability to prepare factual reports.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.