Utility Plant Operator

Apply now Job no:497407
Position type:full-time
Location:Lewisburg, PA
Categories:Facilities, Other

The Utility Plant Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the campus central utility plant. The plant provides electric power, steam and chilled water to campus buildings. This position reports to the Utility Plant Supervisor in the Energy and Utilities area of Facilities. Most plant operations are performed through a computer-based control system

Job Duties:
● Operate, maintain and monitor central plant including start up, shutdown and staging of turbines, boilers and chillers as part of normal operation and emergency situations. The operator is also responsible for control and maintenance of equipment such as: water softeners, pumps, air compressors, chemical feed systems, fuel supply systems, steam distribution systems, condensate systems, cooling towers and other auxiliary equipment. .
● Monitor and record plant operating data in the plant log and electronic records. Respond to plant control system and campus building management system alarms. Report directly to the plant supervisor all discrepancies and corrective action taken including immediate notification of appropriate personnel for serious and emergent situations.
● Maintain compliance with plant operating procedures, including daily water chemistry tests and adjusting levels as required, assigned training, overall cleanliness and appearance of the plant, including equipment, building and surrounding grounds.
● Oversee proper handling and unloading of fuel oil deliveries.
● Support other utilities teams to perform routine maintenance, such as, filter and belt replacement, greasing of bearings and linkages, and other assigned repairs as needed.
● Adhere to OSHA standards, employ safe practices, and follow safety policies/procedures. Use PPE in safe manner, set example for others, notifies supervisor of potential hazards, and demonstrate good housekeeping habits.
● Actively contribute to Bucknell’s efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive campus community.
● Support and promote the University’s sustainability efforts to protect, maintain and increase the long-term viability and resilience of the University’s environmental, social and economic support systems.
● Performs other duties as assigned.

Utility Operators have the opportunity to move to level II

Additional duties of Level II
1. Serve as a mentor for new staff by providing on the job training related to plant operation and preventive maintenance.
2. Assist with analyzing and troubleshooting plant operations using historical and live operational trend data.
3. Take a lead role in executing maintenance and small upgrade projects.
4. Recommend enhancements to preventative maintenance or operating procedures to improve plant efficiency and reliability.

Minimum Qualifications:
● High school diploma or equivalent.
● Basic knowledge of personal computers and ability to use them, including familiarity with Microsoft Excel, is required.
● Familiarity with industrial standard safety procedures related to the operation of mechanical and electrical equipment, use of tools, and personal protective equipment.
● Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral form with fellow operators, supervisors and others.
● Experience working in a team-oriented environment.
● Displays initiative and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
● Valid driver’s license.
● Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusiveness.

Criteria to move from Level I to Level II
1. Minimum of three years of experience in operations and/or maintenance in the BU power plant.
2. Achieve a performance rating of “Meets Expectations” or higher for 3 consecutive years.
3. Demonstrate strong leadership skills, extensive knowledge of plant equipment and operations, sound judgment, and strong communications skills.
4. Demonstrate the ability to mentor new employees
5. Demonstrate the ability to analyze and interpret operational trend data to troubleshoot issues and optimize operations.
6. Demonstrate the ability to work independently with little direction from supervision.
7. Complete additional training as outlined in the Utility Plant Operator training plan for Operator II or relevant training approved by supervision.

Preferred Qualifications:
● A minimum two (2) years’ experience in operation of a power plant, boiler room or other industrial process involving equipment such as, boilers, turbines, generators, chillers, and related auxiliary equipment OR two-year technical degree or certification in a related field of study.
● Experience maintaining and repairing industrial equipment such as boilers, pumps, compressors, chillers, etc.
● Working knowledge of industrial digital control systems (PLCs) preferred.
● 2-year or 4-year college degree or additional certification in a relevant technical field is a plus

Physical Demands:
● Must be capable of moving throughout the entire plant, including climbing stairs and ladders, and entering confined spaces.
● Lift and carry 75 pounds unassisted.
● Ability to work on ladders, scaffolds, elevated walkways, roofs and other elevated areas.
● Ability to work in confined spaces.
● Must use personal protective equipment appropriate to the task performed.
● The position requires use of chemicals, solvents, cleaners, and lubricants that may be hazardous and/or cause injury if specific instructions regarding their use are not properly followed.
● The person in this position works indoors and outdoors. There is regular exposure to dust, dirt, weather, and temperature changes.
● Must be able to reach campus within 1 hour of driving time in the event of an emergency.
● This position requires rotating shift work as part of a two-person operating team scheduled through seven days per week including holidays. Eight (8) of Eleven (11) weeks in each shift cycle is spent as plant operator. Three (3) weeks are assigned working at the central plant or on campus performing maintenance duties. This position requires occasional overtime to deal with peak workloads, critical situations or fill in for employee absences.

Work Type:
This is a full-time, year round, benefits eligible position.

This role is not budgeted for visa sponsorship at this time, all candidates must be authorized to work in the US at the time of submission of the application.

Salary Range:
This is a Staff Non-exempt position with a hiring range of $20.77 - 25.96 (NE11). The offer rate will be based on a review of the candidate's credentials compared to the qualifications of the position, internal equity, and our overall compensation philosophy.

Benefits: 

Eligible full- and part-time employees are compensated beyond base salary through our total rewards package that includes (but is not limited to):
- flexible scheduling options determined by role;
- medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance options
- an outstanding 10% employer contribution to your retirement plan (no contribution requirement for non-exempt positions)
- generous paid time off, including vacation and sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks off for Winter Break!)
- full-time and part-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for themselves. Additionally, full-time members of the faculty and staff are eligible for tuition remission for their spouse/spousal equivalent and are eligible for various tuition programs for their children. Credit for full-time benefits eligible employment at other institutions of higher education will be applied to waiting periods.
- a comprehensive employee wellness program including program incentives
- a myriad of other benefits, including parental leave, an employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and the power of your Bucknell ID card 

To learn more about Bucknell's benefits, click here ! (*Eligibility criteria and waiting periods may apply.)

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:
Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community.  We endeavor to enhance our capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings.  We encourage all individuals to apply and do not discriminate in admissions, employment, educational programs and/or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

Founded in 1846 and located along the banks of the Susquehanna River in historic Lewisburg, Pa., Bucknell University is an undergraduate-focused institution that stands uniquely at the intersection of top-ranked liberal arts, engineering and management programs. Our students choose from more than 60 majors and 70 minors in the arts, engineering, humanities, management, and natural and social sciences, as well as extensive global study, service-learning and research opportunities. Bucknell’s 3,700 undergraduate and 30 graduate students enjoy a low 9:1 student-faculty ratio and exceptional opportunities to collaborate with faculty mentors on scholarly and artistic projects.

Bucknell’s beautiful 450-acre campus includes first-rate facilities and is home to more than 90 percent of its undergraduate students. Student life is vibrant with about 200 student-run organizations, 27 NCAA Division I athletics teams, a robust arts culture, and a commitment among many of the students to community and global service work.

Bucknell is committed to fostering an environment that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion, and we seek candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports the growth and development of a diverse campus community. The University provides equal opportunity without regard to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran status or disability in admissions, employment and in all of its educational programs and activities. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

Lewisburg (pop. 5,700) is located in central Pennsylvania and features beautiful Victorian homes, the restored art deco Campus Theatre (owned by the University), a variety of restaurants, shops and boutiques, and the Barnes & Noble at Bucknell University Bookstore. It is the seat of Union County, which has about 44,000 residents.

The city of Williamsport is about a 30-minute drive from campus, and Penn State University’s main campus is about an hour away, as is Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s state capital. Bucknell is within a three-hour drive of New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

The cost of living is low compared to that of major U.S. cities and suburbs. Bucknell’s surroundings yield fresh produce, cultural activities and events, and outstanding opportunities for outdoor activity on the Susquehanna River and in the nearby state parks and forests. The Lewisburg Area School District receives excellent reviews for its schools at all grade levels. Lewisburg Area High School consistently ranks among the top 50 high schools in Pennsylvania for SAT scores and statewide exams.