Operating Engineer Apprentice

Rutgers University; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 92,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Rutgers University in Newark is hiring an Operating Engineer Apprentice to operate, maintain and repair the power plant and related equipment, under supervision. You will monitor readings, adjust controls, and ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

Qualifications include completion of 10th grade or equivalent and advancement toward a Black Seal High Pressure license, with structured progress timelines. This 12-month staff role offers full-time hours and union affiliation IUOE 68.

Qualifications

• Must have satisfactorily completed at least 10th grade or possess certificate of equivalency.
• Advancement: Blue Seal timeline after start.

Responsibilities

• Operates, maintains, and repairs boilers, chillers, turbines, motors, pumps, generators, compressors, blowers, valves, and other auxiliary equipment.
• Operates the Power Plant at maximum efficiency at all times.
• Keeps logs of fuel consumption, water conditions, pressures, temperatures, steam flow, and other readings.
• Adds chemicals to treat steam, water, and fuel as prescribed.
• Complies with all regulations and keeps area clean and neat.
• Reports conditions to the Manager of Engineering and participates in continuous operation.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Black Seal High Pressure in-charge License

Blue Seal advancement schedule

Job description

Position Details

Recruitment/Posting Title: Operating Engineer Apprentice

Job Category: Staff & Executive - Facilities/Environmental/Maintenance

Department: Facilities Utilities UW

Overview: The Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O) employs a workforce of approximately 2,700 staff, represented by 15 collective negotiations agreements, and is responsible for institutional strategic initiatives and operations, which encompasses an expansive range of comprehensive service and business operations across the State of New Jersey. These include planning and construction, facilities, public safety and emergency operations, environmental health and safety, transportation, housing, and auxiliary/retail operations.

Posting Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking an Operating Engineer Apprentice for the Division of Institutional Planning & Operations (IP&O). Under the direction of the Manager of Engineering and the instruction of an Operating Engineer, the Operating Engineer Apprentice operates, maintains, and repairs the stationary steam boilers and auxiliary equipment in the Newark Power Plants including the Cogeneration Plant, Stanley Bergen building, New Ambulatory Care Center, and the International Center for Public Health.

• Operates, maintains, and repairs boilers, chillers, turbines, motors, pumps, generators, compressors, blowers, valves, and other auxiliary equipment.


• Operates the Power Plant at maximum efficiency at all times, resulting in a minimum of energy consumption.


• Periodically makes comprehensive tests, takes readings, and maintains logs of fuel consumption, water conditions, pressures, temperatures, steam flow, and other readings.


• Adds chemicals to treat steam, water, and fuel in accordance with requirements as prescribed.


• Responsible for compliance with all regulations.


• Keeps work area clean and neat.


• Makes continual inspections of equipment and systems in the area of responsibility and reports conditions to the Manager of Engineering.


• Remains available for all Power Plant emergencies.


• Completes all paperwork in a timely manner. Maintains the logs, records, and files of the Power Plants. Gives a detailed exchange of information to the relieving operator. Continually inspects equipment, uses knowledge of Plant layout, and learns alternate ways of maintaining continuous operation. Analyzes problems, both causes and effects, and takes corrective action as needed.


• Understands and adheres to RBHS's compliance standards as they appear in RBHS's Corporate Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy.


• Performs other related duties as required

Salary Details

Minimum Salary: 22.900

Mid Range Salary: 23.400

Maximum Salary: 24.100

The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage


• Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs


• Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options


• Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)


• Life insurance coverage


• Employee discount programs

Position Status

Full Time

Working Hours

Standard Hours: 40.00

Daily Work Shift: Rotating

Work Arrangement

Not specified

Union Description

IUOE 68

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Seniority Unit

Not specified

Terms of Appointment

Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

PERS

Qualifications

• Must have satisfactorily completed at least 10th grade or possess certificate of equivalency.

Certifications / Licenses

• Must possess a Black Seal High Pressure in-charge License.


• Advancement: Must achieve license in accordance with the following schedule: Blue Seal - not more than 12 months after start of the program. After receipt of the Blue Seal, employee may choose employment as regular Operator (Operating Engineer III), if and when such a position is open. Failure to achieve a license within the set time as described above will result in dismissal.

Physical Demands

This position requires the individual to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, to reach with hands and arms, to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, to talk or hear and taste or smell over 2/3 of the time; to climb or balance up to 2/3 of the time and less than 1/3 of the time to sit. The position requires lifting more than 100 pounds under 1/3 of the time, but up to 25 pounds 2/3 of the time and up to 100 pounds 1/3 of the time.

There are no special vision requirements because all apply. Specific duties that require these physical demands: Standing, walking, reaching with hands and arms, using hands to handle, feel and finger in order to isolate, open and close valves; to lift ladders, climb and balance on stationary and mobile ladders; to hear audible alarms and communicate via various media (telephone, walkie-talkie, radio, annunciator panels). The job requires moving a 55-gallon drum or picking up a ladder.

Work Environment

The position requires that the individual work in wet or humid conditions (non- weather), in high precarious places, and under extreme heat (non-weather) up to 2/3 of the time. The individual will work near moving mechanical parts, be subjected to fumes or airborne particles, deal with toxic or caustic chemicals, risk electrical shock, or vibrations over 2/3 of the time. Work is done under outdoor weather conditions or extreme cold (non-weather), less than 2/3 of the time. There is little or no risk of radiation. Exposure to bloodborne pathogens that requires the use of Personal Protective Equipment, which is provided, is under 1/3 of the time. Loud noise to very loud noise is typical of this environment over 2/3 of the time. An annual physical exam and hearing test are provided for this position.

Specific duties that occur under these environmental conditions: This position requires the individual to perform tasks under wet or humid conditions and in extreme heat when working on boilers or pumps in all areas where there may also be fumes or smoke. The worker encounters caustic or toxic chemicals when working on chemical treating equipment (water chemistry). Stack climbing requires balance and work in high, precarious places. Work on high or low voltage electrical systems presents electrical risks. Exposure to vibrations may occur when working on or around moving mechanical equipment. The worker is trained in the use of Personal Protective Equipment that is made available as needed; neoprene, insulated, waterproof, electrical and other types of gloves, neoprene aprons, full face masks and goggles for eye protection, hearing protection, hard hats, coveralls, etc.

Special Conditions

• Safe Driving Record

Posting Details

Posting Number: 26ST1664

Posting Open Date: 08/26/2026

Regional Campus: Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)

Home Location Campus: Newark (RBHS)

City: Newark

State: NJ

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement