Departmental Assistant - Utility Operations Intern

UMass Amherst; Amherst (MA); On-site; USD 22,730 - 32,373; Full time

Job summary

UMass Amherst is seeking a Departmental Assistant - Utility Operations Intern to support the integration of the North Energy Exchange Center into the UMass Amherst Energy Command Center. This position offers hands-on experience with advanced energy systems and involves developing tools and dashboards for system optimization.

The ideal candidate should have a strong analytical background, proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and be pursuing a degree in Facilities Management or a related engineering field. This role operates onsite with a Monday to Friday schedule.

Qualifications

• Minimum junior year standing in Facilities Management or Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering (or related field).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word; database or programming experience preferred.
• Coursework or experience in thermodynamics, energy systems, or controls desirable.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools a plus.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setting up and maintaining dig safe logs and documentation.
• Correct and update AutoCAD utility mapping with guidance.
• Support integration into the UMass Amherst Energy Command Center.
• Help with the installation and maintenance of steam distribution systems.
• Participate in potable water distribution flushing.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Data visualization

Education

Minimum junior year standing in Facilities Management or related engineering field

Tools

AutoCAD

OSIsoft PI

Metasys building management

Job description

Title: Departmental Assistant - Utility Operations Intern

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities & Campus Services

Department: Facilities & Campus Services

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

The Energy Systems Integration Intern will support the integration of the North Energy Exchange Center (NEEC) into the UMass Amherst Energy Command Center. This role provides hands‑on experience with advanced building energy systems, including OSIsoft PI data historian and Johnson Controls Metasys building management systems. The intern will assist in developing tools, dashboards, and analytics that improve system performance, reliability, and visualization.

Essential Functions

• Assist in setting up and maintaining dig safe logs and documentation of findings.
• Correct and update AutoCAD utility mapping with guidance.
• Support the integration of the North Energy Exchange Center (NEEC) into the UMass Amherst Energy Command Center. Investigate the OSI Pi Vision software.
• Support crew members during steam distribution system startups and shutdowns.
• Help with the installation and maintenance of steam distribution systems.
• Participate in potable water distribution flushing.
• Work alongside the backflow technician during testing and inspections.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum junior year standing in Facilities Management or Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering (or related field).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word; database or programming experience preferred.
• Coursework or experience in thermodynamics, energy systems, or controls desirable.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools a plus.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Additional Details

You may also be asked to support crew members during steam distribution system startups and shutdowns, help with the installation and maintenance of steam distribution systems, and participate in potable water distribution flushing.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments, and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Salary Information

Hourly Rate: 20

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.