This is semi-skilled work in the operation of boilers, chillers, and related plant equipment.

An employee in this job operates boilers, chillers, and related plant equipment that generate or receive steam, hot water, chilled water, or electricity. Work involves monitoring plant operations and adjusting systems to ensure proper functioning, keeping safe water levels, and maintaining prescribed steam pressure or water temperature. Work includes making adjustments and repairs to boilers, chillers, and related equipment; maintaining system pipelines; operating engines or motors used to drive fans and related equipment; and documenting and maintaining data regarding plant operations. Work may also include assisting in the operation of electric generation equipment. Employees may function as lead workers by assigning and demonstrating operational and maintenance tasks to lower-level staff assigned to the utility plant. Supervision is received from a Utility Plant Supervisor or other technical supervisor who reviews work performance for compliance with instructions, procedures, and safe operations.  

Description of Duties

• Lubricates pumps, checks water levels and checks steam pressure to ensure a safe and constant supply of steam. (20%)
• Regenerates water softener and adds chemicals to water as directed. (5%)
• Performs air and hydronic balancing to ensure correct system distribution of water.
• Collects samples and adds chemicals to the system as directed.
• Fires boilers, blows down boilers, cleans flues, and lubricates equipment according to a prescribed schedule. (15%)
• Records data on plant operations, equipment maintenance, and meter and gauge readings, and reports required information to supervisor.
• Assists a skilled worker in the maintenance and repair of plant equipment. (5%)
• Reads meters, cleans equipment, and performs preventive maintenance according to prescribed procedures. (15%)
• Cleans utility plant rooms. (15%)
• Operates steam or electric motor driven fans, pumps, and other related equipment. (Daily as needed)
• Distributes and interprets work assignments, provides assistance, conducts on-the-job training, and reviews work for adherence to standards for Utility Plant Helpers and Labors. (5%)

• Performs related work as required. (10%)

   

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the operation of utility plant systems and related equipment.
• Knowledge of utility plant hazards and safety procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Essential Functions

1. Sitting- 60%; walking- 20%; standing- 20%
2. Working indoors- 95% and Outdoors (for errands) -5%
3. Frequent lifting of objects weighing less than 5 pounds
4. Occasional lifting of objects weighing 75 pounds or more
5. Reaching for objects at, above and below shoulders
6. Occasional twisting at waist, and stretching to reach objects
7. Basic math skills and reading skills including understanding written documents
8. Writing skills in preparing and organizing documents
9. Sensory skills, i.e. visual, hearing and speaking

10. Keyboard skills

     

Benefits

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education provides a comprehensive package of employer benefits to eligible employees and their enrolled dependent(s), which include*:  

• Medical and prescription drug benefits.

• Generous retirement plans, two options:

   

  • Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP)
  • State Employees' Retirement System (SERS)

• Tuition benefits for employees and dependents.

• Paid time off.

• Employer-paid dental and vision benefits.

• Employer-paid life insurance.

• Voluntary insurances and additional retirement programs.

Specific benefits may vary based upon university, employee group and/ r collective bargaining unit.* Visit: **http://www.passhe.edu/inside/HR/syshr/healthcare/Pages/Summary-of-Benefits.aspx for additional information regarding benefits.

To be eligible for most benefits, you must be a permanent, full-time employee (including temporary, full-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) or a permanent, part-time employee (including temporary, part-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) who is scheduled to work every pay period for at least 50% of full-time hours.