Chiller Operator

Harvard University; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Tuition assistance

Retirement plans

Commuter benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Harvard University Central Administration is seeking a qualified mechanic to operate and maintain chilled water generation and distribution systems. The role encompasses independent work and collaboration with other trades under supervision of management.

Responsibilities include monitoring plant readings, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety standards. A valid MA refrigeration or fireman license and EPA CFC certification are required, with a DOT physical as needed, and a Massachusetts

Qualifications

• Five years of journeyman or operator experience in the trade.
• Current Refrigeration Technician license or MA First-Class Fireman’s License or higher; EPA CFC certification (universal) within 6 months of hire.
• Massachusetts driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Operate central chilled water plant under varying load conditions.
• Operate water treatment and compressed air systems.
• Maintain continuous plant operations with other trades and management.
• Record plant readings (pressures, temperatures, flows, etc.) and log daily data.
• Complete logs, prepare reports, and input data into computer systems.
• Maintain chemical treatment programs and document entries.
• Clean and maintain plant facilities and boiler rooms.
• Inspect and perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Operate plant systems (HVAC) to meet equipment and occupant needs.

Skills

Chiller troubleshooting

HVAC operations

Reading blueprints

English communication

Team collaboration

Education

Trade or vocational school

Refrigeration Technician license

EPA CFC certification

Job description

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

A specifically trained mechanic, skilled in the trade of operating and servicing chilled water generation/distribution systems and related equipment/components. Responsible for maintaining an intimate knowledge of such systems and identifying and resolving problems associated with each system consistent with recognized trade practices, industry standards, codes/jurisdictional authorities, and University guidelines/practices. Also required to perform, as directed, other skills of the trade and related duties associated with the operation and maintenance of steam equipment and distribution systems, water/drainage distribution systems, and other related systems. Must maintain work area, tools and equipment in accordance with University standards/practices. Required to work independently and/or with others under the guidance of the Associate Manager and/or Working Foreman.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities

• Operates central chilled water plant under varying load conditions.
• Operates other miscellaneous plant equipment including water treatment systems and compressed air systems.
• Works with other trades personnel and management personnel to maintain continuous plant operations/performance.
• Takes all related plant readings critical for operations, efficient performance, and billing (e.g., pressures, temperatures, flows, oil levels, meter readings, etc.)
• Completes daily logs and prepares reports as necessary, enters daily information on the computer.
• Maintains chemical treatment program and enters information into computer.
• Cleans and maintains plant and assigned boiler facilities.
• Perform inspections, preventive maintenance on various equipment as directed.
• Operates and maintains various plant systems (including HVAC) as required to meet equipment and occupant requirements.
• Maintains work area, tools and equipment.
• Must have a complete set of hand tools.
• Required to wear a clean neat uniform and maintain a professional image at all times.
• Also required to wear safety equipment and clothing when appropriate and/or required.
• Works with utility mechanics and performs other duties as directed.

Physical Requirements

• Required to bend, reach, and hold awkward positions for prolonged periods.
• Required to lift up to 75 pounds and to lift and transport various types of equipment and tools, with others, in excess of 300 pounds.
• Must be able to push and pull heavy loads as listed above.
• Must be able to work for extended periods of time from/in ladders, high places, cramped spaces, confined spaces, and scaffolding.
• Requires considerable walking, climbing, bending, and stooping.

Basic Qualifications

• Five (5) years experience in the trade as a journeyman or operator, current Refrigeration Technician license or current Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s First-Class Fireman’s License or higher. Must have, or successfully obtain within 6 months of hiring, EPA CFC certification (universal).
• Trade or vocational school mandatory.
• Must have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Must be thoroughly knowledgeable of and experienced in the installation, operation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of all components and/or systems (chillers, cooling towers, pumps, water treatment systems, controls, etc.) pertaining to chilled water generation and distribution.
• Must be capable of reading and interpreting plans, specifications, and operating/technical manuals associated with systems/equipment within his/her work scope.
• Must observe and comply with all standard safety codes and/or practices and perform work in accordance with recognized trade practices, industry standards, codes and/or requirements of jurisdictional authorities, and University guidelines and/or practices.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative when necessary, as well as be capable of working as a member of a team and in conjunction with other trades.
• Operation of state-of-the-art, computer-based plant control systems required.
• Must be quality focused, service oriented, and be able to clearly and professionally communicate in English with peers, managers, and customers.
• Required to take and pass annual DOT physical.

Certificates and Licenses

• Current Refrigeration Technician license or current Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s First-Class Fireman’s License or higher.
• Must have, or successfully obtain within 6 months of hiring, EPA CFC certification (universal).

Location

• Blackstone Street, Cambridge, MA

Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable)

• $52.34/hour plus a $2.35/hour shift differential

Visa Sponsorship Information

• Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Standard Hours/Schedule

• 40 hours per week
• Sunday: 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Monday: 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• Tuesday: Off
• Wednesday: Off
• Thursday: 10:00 pm (Wed) – 6:00 am (Thurs)
• Friday: 10:00 pm (Thurs) – 6:00 am (Fri)
• Saturday: 6:00 am – 2:00 pm

Pre‑Employment Screening

• Identity
• Education
• Professional Licenses
• Criminal
• Motor Vehicle Record
• Drug Test
• References

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard‑designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 000. Corresponding salary information can be found in the job description above.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non‑discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non‑discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non‑discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.