Job Information
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania Utility Plant Operator 1 in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
Position Purpose
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%)
Minimum Requirements:
Six months of experience as a Utility Plant Helper; OR Six months of unskilled work experience assisting in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment, electronic equipment, electrical systems, heavy machinery, motors, engines, drives or hydraulic systems; OR An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Preferred Qualifications:
One year as Utility Plant Helper; OR One year of experience in cleaning and assisting in the operation, maintenance and repair of industrial, commercial or institutional boiler plant systems and related equipment, or and equivalent combination of experience and training.
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.
Diversity Statement:
At Commonwealth University we recognize our responsibility to continuously support a living, learning, and working environment that values the diverse contributions from all members of our campus community. Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion enriches our campus community and is instrumental to our institutional success. Commonwealth University strives to cultivate a campus climate that allows all members to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion as we achieve success both in and out of the classroom, in our work responsibilities, and in our professional lives beyond Commonwealth University. We uphold our commitment to DEI by: • Actively supporting and promoting the intellectual and personal growth of our students, inside and outside of the classroom. • Providing workshops, trainings, programs designed to broaden the knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion within our campus community. • Ensuring that all learning and living environments throughout our campus are welcoming and capable of serving all individuals.