Central Utility Plant Operator

Clark University; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Clark University in Worcester, MA seeks a Plant Operator to monitor and maintain the Central Utility Plant, including steam, hot water, cooling and cogeneration systems. You will record readings, adjust boilers, and support preventive maintenance during shifts.

The role requires five years of cogeneration and high-pressure boiler experience, and specific Massachusetts licenses; this essential position may require emergency coverage, weekends, or evenings.

Qualifications

• High school or vocational diploma with at least five years of cogeneration plant experience.
• Massachusetts 2A/1C Hoisting License or obtain within one year.
• Massachusetts Second Class Fireman's License or higher.
• Knowledge of troubleshooting high-pressure boilers and cogeneration equipment.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform physical tasks.
• Essential personnel; available for 24-hour emergencies; may work evenings/weekends/holidays.
• Positive relationships with Clark community.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the CUP during assigned shift.
• Start and stop boilers per demand.
• Perform routine boiler room maintenance.
• Test boiler water chemistry and add chemicals.
• Maintain fuel levels and log readings.
• Follow preventive maintenance schedules.
• Clean and lubricate CUP equipment.
• Report to Chief Engineer and assist as needed.

Skills

Cogeneration ops

Boiler operation

Troubleshooting boilers

Safety practices

Recordkeeping

Equipment monitoring

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Massachusetts 2A/1C Hoisting License

Massachusetts Second Class Fireman's License or higher

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

Clark University

Location: Worcester, MA Category: Staff and Administrators Job Type: Full-time - Non Exempt

Basic Function

Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the Plant Operator operates and maintains the Central Utility Plant in accordance with Massachusetts General Law Chapter 146, Section 49. The Operator monitors and maintains steam, hot water, cooling, and cogeneration systems in the Central Utility Plant (CUP), including all other auxiliary components, on a day-to-day basis.

Major Responsibilities

Equipment Monitoring

• Operate and maintain the CUP during an assigned shift. This includes monitoring water levels and steam or water pressure, and maintaining records, logs, charts, and reports related to plant operations.
• Place boilers online or offline according to demand.
• Perform routine maintenance in the boiler room and cogeneration plant areas.
• Perform boiler water treatment tests during the shift. Manually add chemicals and water to chemical tanks.
• Maintain adequate fuel levels and add fuel when needed.
• Record hourly readings for boilers, the natural gas reciprocating engine, and generator equipment.

Equipment Preventive Maintenance

• Follow all maintenance schedules for CUP equipment.
• Clean, paint, and lubricate CUP auxiliary equipment as needed.
• Sweep, mop, and paint floors within the CUP as directed by the Chief Engineer.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• High school or vocational school diploma and at least five years of experience operating and maintaining cogeneration plant systems, high-pressure boilers, and related Central Utility Plant equipment, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Must possess a Massachusetts 2A/1C Hoisting License or obtain one within one year.
• Must possess a Massachusetts Second Class Fireman's License or higher.
• Must have in-depth knowledge of troubleshooting high-pressure boilers and cogeneration equipment, and the ability to apply safe work practices around high-pressure boilers and high-speed rotating equipment.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds; bend, stoop, and twist daily; stand, walk, or sit for extended periods; climb stairs and ladders; and open and close valves atop boilers.
• Preferred qualifications include basic pipefitting and welding skills and proficiency with Word, Excel, a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), Outlook email, and common web-based applications.
• This position is considered essential personnel. The employee must be available for 24-hour emergency call and periodic emergency shift coverage due to other operators' absences. The employee is expected to report to work during emergency closings and may occasionally work evenings, weekends, or holidays to respond to University events, facility incidents, or urgent needs.
• Must maintain positive, professional relationships with members of the Clark community.

This job description does not contain a comprehensive list of the activities, duties, or responsibilities required for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Additional Information

Expected Hiring Range: $27.65 to $36.35 pre hour

Pay Transparency Disclosure:
The compensation for this position will be determined based on factors that include available budget, internal equity, and the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, education, and other job-related credentials. This range represents Clark University's good-faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting consistent with Clark's compensation philosophy and internal alignment.

At Clark University we believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

To review the Clark University Police Department Annual Security and Fire Safety Report visit here.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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