Plant Utilities Engineer 1

Upstate; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Upstate in Syracuse is seeking a Plant Utilities Engineer 1 to operate, maintain and repair complex heating, steam and HVAC systems, plus associated equipment. The role requires journey-level duties, strong problem-solving and the ability to interpret gauges, read manuals and use trade tools.

Candidates should hold a relevant license or degree as listed, with years of hands-on HVAC/boiler experience, and a valid NYS driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Possession of required professional licenses or a degree as listed above.
• Four years of hands-on experience in HVAC, boilers or related systems (qualifying scenarios).
• Associates degree with HVAC focus plus two years of qualifying experience.
• Completion of HVAC-related training or apprenticeship with two years of qualifying experience.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain and repair high pressure/temperature hot water and steam systems.
• Maintain mechanical equipment rooms, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
• Troubleshoot equipment, read gauges/meters and interpret manuals.

Skills

Journeyman skills

Gauge reading

Troubleshooting

Education

High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer License

Stationary Engineer License

Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering

Associate’s degree in HVAC

BOCES HVAC certificate (900 hours)

New York State Department of Labor registered apprenticeship (stationary engineers)

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Plant Utilities Engineer 1

• Syracuse

• Trades, Warehouse, General Labor and Cleaning

• Full-time

• Opening on: Feb 12 2026

• Various Departments
• State of New York
• Plant Utilities Engineer 1, SG014
• PUE2026
• CSEA - OSU (Operational Services Unit)

Job Summary:

Responsible for the operation, maintenance and repairs of high pressure or high temperature hot water, steam systems and auxiliary heating system equipment, mechanical equipment rooms, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, pumps, air compressors, temperature and humidity control systems, and emergency generators. Will perform Journey level duties; troubleshoot and inspect equipment to ensure safe & efficient operations; observe, read & interpret gauges & meters; utilize hand & power tools of trade; read & interpret technical manuals & specifications; lift, climb, stoop, bend, stand, & stretch for long periods of time, as well as perform moderate to heavy lifting. Must be free of facial hair or beard that may interfere with the fit or seal of a mask respirator at point of fit test. A mask must be worn in order to comply with State & Federal Safety health Codes. Reassignment offers are contingent upon satisfactory evaluation from Environmental Health and Safety. Must possess and maintain a valid NYS Driver's License.

Minimum Qualifications:

For consideration for this title, you must meet one of the following minimum qualifications:

NYS Department of Civil Service Eligible List or eligible for transfer

Or

Open competitive (Non-competitive, NY HELPS) Qualifications:

Either 1. Possession of a High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer License or Stationary Engineer License;

Or, 2. A bachelor’s degree in Facilities Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Marine Engineering;

Or, 3. Four years of full-time hands on experience in the maintenance and operation of commercial, industrial, institutional facility, computer applications of digital energy platforms and building analytics and/or performing diagnosis, repair of HVAC systems or boilers or auxiliary equipment;

Or, 4. Four years of full-time hands on experience in a residential setting performing diagnosis, operation, maintenance repair of HVAC systems or boilers or auxiliary equipment;

Or, 5. An associate’s degree in HVAC AND two years of qualifying experience as described in EITHER qualification #3 or #4 above;

Or, 6. Completion of an HVAC certificate or diploma from a BOCES program (900 hours) OR completion of an approved certificate in HVAC, electrical, refrigeration, boiler operations and maintenance, or plumbing from an accredited technical school or technology college AND two years of qualifying experience as described in EITHER qualification #3 or #4 above.

Or, 7. Graduate of heating, HVAC, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration apprenticeship program from the U.S. Air Force;

Or, 8. Must have been an enlisted machinery technician (MK) with the U.S. Coast Guard OR possession of a certificate as a Marine Engineer issued by the U.S. Coast Guard;

Or, 9. Must have been an enlisted power generation equipment repairer with the U.S. Army;

Or, 10. Must have been an enlisted gas turbine systems technician, submarine nuclear propulsion plant operator reactor control, utilities man, machinist mate, or engineman with the U.S. Navy;

Or, 11. Must have a Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) and have been a qualified member of the engine department (QMED) as an oiler, fireman/water tender, refrigerating engineer or engineman with the U.S. Merchant Marine;

Or, 12. Completion of a New York State Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program for stationary engineers, plant maintenance (plumber/steamfitter), HVAC Mechanic or plant maintenance (refrigeration/AC).

Work Days:

Evening/Weekend and Night/Weekend shifts available.

This title is eligible for Overtime Pay.

Message to Applicants:

Applications for this title are accepted on a continuous basis.

Salary: $65,506

Shift Differential: 7% on Evening/Weekend and 10% on Night/Weekend

Recruitment Office: Human Resources