Utility Plant Operator

General Summary: 

The Utility Plant Operator, within the Facilities Department, is responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing heating and air conditioning chiller systems, boilers and auxiliary machinery and equipment; operating electronic controls for heating and air conditioning systems; and for monitoring general, mechanical and/or electrical repairs on power distribution, chilled water, hot water, gas, domestic and de-ionized water, environmental rooms, freezers, fire alarm, remote building equipment monitoring, sanitary, acid waste and storm drain systems; respond to emergencies or equipment breakdowns; maintain adequate supply of fuel; and perform related work as required. The basic purpose of this work is to operate, monitor, maintain and repair utility systems and equipment and that the power plant facility is operated and maintained safely and efficiently.

The Utility Plant Operator position is considered to be an Essential Personnel as defined by and detailed in the contract between the University and the Classified Staff Union (CSU). 

Examples of Duties: 

• Operate boilers and related auxiliary equipment by regulating controls, opening and closing valves, etc. in accordance with standard operating instruction and procedures and safety regulations.
• Operate, maintain and repair heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, including chilled water re-circulating pumps, chilled water condenser pumps, fire pumps, air compressors, air-supply and re-circulating fans, electric heating coils, electric cabinet unit heaters, electric baseboard radiation units, cooling coils and chilled water BTU meters, motors and refrigeration compressors.
• Operate, maintain and repair diesel generators and related equipment.
• Operate and maintain a sewerage and drainage system and neutralized acid waste system, including pressurized main drain system and associated equipment.
• Inspect machinery; read meters and gauges; perform tests on chilled water, heating water and sea water to control pollution and quality of water; start and stop equipment and machinery according to schedules.
• Operate, maintain and repair piping systems such as those for methane and carbon monoxide gas monitoring and evaluation.
• Maintain operating logs, records and reports on all equipment; draw stock and materials for maintenance and repairs; measure and report fuel levels to appropriate personnel.
• Implement the lubrication schedule for heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment and auxiliary equipment.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks on all equipment under the responsibility of the Utility Plant.
• Perform rounds to ensure mechanical systems are operating properly.
• Perform or assist in making any necessary repairs to any campus equipment (including but not limited to plumbing fixtures, lighting, circuit breakers, building facades) or to make safe during hours outside normal working times.
• Checks, inspects and monitors various types of machinery, equipment.
• Responds to emergencies and breakdowns by evaluating equipment or system problems.
• Read meters and gauges at specified intervals to ensure proper temperature, pressure, fuel levels, water levels, etc..
• Open and close valves and adjust controls to regulate fuel flow, airflow and water level to ensure safe and efficient operation of boilers.
• Check and/or monitor operating systems to detect faulty operating equipment, to determine necessary repairs, to notify appropriate personnel and/or to determine when to shut system down.
• Clean, maintain and /or lubricate power plant and related auxiliary equipment such as burners, pumps, filters, etc. to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Escalate critical or emergency situations appropriately.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

A minimum of five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the operation and/or maintenance of a boiler plant or chiller plant is required.  A current and valid Massachusetts’ Fireman License (1st  Class or 2nd  Class) or Engineer License (1st  Class, 2nd  Class or 3rd  Class) license issued by Massachusetts Department of Public Safety is required. 

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and computer skills.
• Knowledge of the principles, safety practices, and techniques used in the operation of a power plant.
• Knowledge of Fire suppression and Fire Alarm systems.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of outside electrical systems such as underground cables, transformer subsystems and vaults and sub-transmission lines.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques used in firing and operating low-pressure boilers and their auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of the operating characteristics of electrical generating systems.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of industrial type heating systems.
• Knowledge of the principles of pneumatics as applied to heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of pneumatic controls used in power plant operations.
• Knowledge of calibration and/or adjustment techniques as applied to control systems.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of electrical practice.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of precision measuring equipment used in a power plant such as manometers, voltmeters, anemometers, tachometers, etc.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of pumps used in water and fuel systems.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of pipefitting.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of chemicals used in water treatment.
• Knowledge of the principles of operation of internal combustion engines.
• Knowledge of the proper methods for storing and handling fuels.
• Knowledge of the methods of general report writing.
• Skill in using hand power tools such as drills, electric saws, etc..
• Skill in using small hand tools such as wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, hacksaws and pipe threaders.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to adjust to changing situations to meet emergency or changing program or production requirements.Ability to understand and apply the laws, rules and regulations governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to explain the procedures, guidelines, policies, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to do routine electrical and mechanical repair work.
• Ability to read gauges, adjust equipment and observe the operation of machinery.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as building plans, specifications, control and wiring schematics, blueprints, drawings, technical manuals, etc.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to walk between campus locations.
• Ability to work in cramped or confined spaces.
• Ability to access spaces via ladders, stairways, scaffolding, aerial or scissor lift, catwalks, etc. without restriction.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Ability to make decisions and react quickly in emergency situations.
• Sufficient near-visual acuity, depth perception, field of vision and color vision necessary for reading gauges, making connections, soldering and splicing wires.
• Ability to perform arithmetical calculations with speed and accuracy (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
• Ability to give oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
• Strong commitment to customer service. 

Application Instructions: 

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional work references.

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.

Grade: 18

This is a non-exempt union position. 

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston requires all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and to confirm proof of their vaccination status. Exemptions from the vaccine requirement will be permitted only for qualifying religious or medical reasons.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the ADA/504 Coordinator Andrea Haas   or 617-287-5148.