Corrections Utility Plant Operator

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 44,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania operates a Corrections Utility Plant Operator role at the State Correctional Institution Fayette. The position focuses on boiler plant systems, equipment maintenance, and water testing, with oversight of inmate workers and strict tool control.

You will ensure safe, compliant operations and thorough documentation. The role offers a 40-hour week, a 2:00 PM–10:00 PM shift, and a $1.25 shift differential.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience operating, maintaining, and repairing steam or hot water generating plants.
• Ability to supervise inmate workers and maintain tool control and safety practices.
• Clear understanding of CJIS background requirements and basic training completion.

Responsibilities

• Operate boiler plant systems and monitor for safe, steady performance.
• Maintain and repair pumps, fans, control units, and related equipment.
• Test boiler water chemistry and keep accurate treatment logs.
• Perform daily plant housekeeping and inventory control.
• Direct inmate crews, monitor movement, and address operational issues.
• Communicate with supervisors and complete required paperwork daily.

Skills

Boiler operation

Crew supervision

Water testing

Record keeping

Safety compliance

Job description

Are you ready to apply your technical skills in a meaningful way as a Corrections Utility Plant Operator with the Department of Corrections? This job allows you to manage essential eq uipment and guide inmate workers in hands‑on maintenance tasks at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) at Fayette. You will help ensure that boilers, pumps, and controls operate safely and efficiently. Your work supports the stability and safety of the entire facility.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role focuses on operating and maintaining boiler plant systems while overseeing inmate work crews. You will ensure safe plant functions, complete inspections, and keep accurate records of daily operations. As a Corrections Utility Plant Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Boiler Operation: Monitor boilers under normal and emergency conditions, use control systems, and perform maintenance checks
• Equipment Maintenance: Operate and maintain pumps, fans, control units, and other auxiliary systems
• Water Testing: Test boiler water chemistry, track supplies, and maintain treatment logs
• Plant Housekeeping: Perform daily inventories and keep assigned areas clean and orderly
• Crew Oversight: Direct inmate workers, monitor movement, conduct searches, and ensure tool control
• Daily Communication: Update supervisors, complete paperwork, and address operational issues

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description .

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full‑time employment, 40‑hour work week
• Work hours are 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with either Friday and Saturday or Sunday and Monday as off days.
• You will receive a shift differential of $1.25 per hour.
• This position is eligible for full retirement benefits at age 50 or 55.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $49,010.00 (before taxes). However, a higher salary may be established in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Three years of experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of a steam or hot water generating plant, or a steam and electric generating plant; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of basic training in Elizabethtown, PA is required.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.