Operating Engineer Apprentice

Rutgers University; The Ironbound (NJ); On-site; USD 23,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vacation/leave

Retirement benefits

Educational benefits

Life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rutgers University is seeking an Operating Engineer Apprentice to operate, maintain, and repair power plant equipment across facilities in Newark. The role emphasizes environmental/operational safety, log-keeping, and continuous operation while adhering to compliance policies.

Candidate must have at least 10th grade or equivalent, pursue Black Seal High Pressure in-charge licensure with advancement to Blue Seal/regular Operator paths, and support daily operations in a 40-hour rotating shift,

Qualifications

• Must have satisfactorily completed at least 10th grade or possess certificate of equivalency.
• No explicit software or specialized tools required beyond licensure expectations.

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 to minimize energy consumption.
• Maintains logs of fuel consumption, water conditions, pressures, temperatures, and steam flow.
• Adds chemicals to treat steam, water, and fuel according to requirements.
• Complies with all regulations and safety standards.
• Inspects equipment and reports conditions to supervisor; responds to emergencies as needed.

Education

10th grade or GED

Job description

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

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. Among the key duties of this position are the following:

• 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

FLSA

FLSA Nonexempt

Grade

Grade 150

Salary Details

Minimum Salary

22.900

Mid Range Salary

23.400

Maximum Salary

24.100

Offer Information

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

Standard Hours

40.00

Daily Work Shift

Rotating

Payroll Designation

PeopleSoft

Terms of Appointment

Staff - 12 month

Position Pension Eligibility

PERS

Minimum Education and Experience

• 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.

Special Conditions

• Safe Driving Record

Posting Number

26ST1664

Posting Open Date

08/26/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicant Documents: With the submission of your application, please ensure that an updated resume is uploaded. Your resume must include the month and year for each position in your employment history, as also indicate whether each role was full-time, part-time, or per-diem.

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.

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

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Have you satisfactorily completed at least 10th grade or possess a certificate of equivalency?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Do you possess a Black Seal High Pressure in-charge License?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Certifications/Licenses

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

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