PRINCIPAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER 1040

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs professional mechanical engineering work in administering a major operating division of a public works department. The incumbent directs and coordinates the activities of professional and technical assistants. Assignments are usually broad in scope, requiring independent professional judgment in making difficult technical decisions. The incumbent is responsible for supervising the location, diagnosis and elimination of problems in the design of the mechanical systems within County facilities. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Plans and directs the activities involving the mechanical systems within the County;

Furnishes design, plans and specifications for County mechanical systems;

Inspects County facilities to determine the efficiency of the mechanical systems; recommends alterations and repairs;

Supervises the operation of plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems;

Schedules repair and maintenance of mechanical systems; reviews work for accuracy and completion;

Assigns and reviews work of outside consultants hired by the County to provide mechanical engineering services; analyzes plans and decides which codes are to be followed; evaluates price estimates;

Provides expert engineering witness before courts, commissions and boards of arbitration.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of mechanical, architectural and electrical engineering; comprehensive knowledge of complex plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems; comprehensive knowledge of the applicable laws and regulatory codes relevant to design, construction and operation of mechanical and electrical systems; thorough knowledge of modern engineering methods and materials pertaining to maintenance and repairs of mechanical systems; good knowledge of modern developments, current literature and sources of information regarding building design and construction; ability to plan, schedule, coordinate and review the work of other engineers and technical assistants in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to plan, design and prepare complete engineering plans and specifications for mechanical and electrical systems; ability to prepare comprehensive design programs and technical reports; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

a) Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, and ten (10) years of experience in the design and/or installation of mechanical systems and equipment, including six (6) years as a Licensed Professional Engineer and two (2) years exercising supervisory responsibility over an engineering staff; or

b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and fourteen (14) years of experience in the design and/or installation of mechanical systems and equipment, including six (6) years as a Licensed Professional Engineer and two (2) years exercising supervisory responsibility over an engineering staff; or

c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of a) and b).

PROMOTIONAL

Either:

a) Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as an Associate Mechanical Engineer; or

b) Four (4) years of permanent competitive status as a Senior Mechanical Engineer.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Candidates must maintain a Professional Engineer’s License issued by the State of New York while employed in this title.

R05/26/04

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review7/22/08