Plant Utilities Engineer 1, Chilled Water Plant

State University of New York at Buffalo; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,855 - 62,156; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity for career advancement

Supportive work environment

Job summary

A notable university in New York is seeking a Plant Utilities Engineer 1 to operate and maintain HVAC systems, steam boilers, and chillers. The ideal candidate will perform troubleshooting, monitor system performance, and ensure proper chemical treatment of water systems. Candidates must meet specific qualifications such as degrees in engineering or relevant certifications. This position offers a salary starting at $56,506 and eligibility for various employee benefits.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a heating or HVAC apprenticeship program.
• One year of hands-on experience in HVAC systems maintenance.
• EPA Universal Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain steam and hot water boilers.
• Monitor and control HVAC systems for optimal performance.
• Conduct water quality testing and chemical treatment.

Skills

Operating steam and hot water boilers

Troubleshooting HVAC control systems

Operating HVAC systems

Chemical analysis for water systems

Valid NYS driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Facilities Engineering

High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer License

Completion of HVAC certificate or diploma

Job description

Plant Utilities Engineer 1, Chilled Water Plant

Position Title: Plant Utilities Engineer 1, Chilled Water Plant

As a Plant Utilities Engineer 1 at the University at Buffalo you will be responsible for:

• Operating steam and hot water boilers, including lighting off, firing, cleaning, and shutting down the system; operating central and auxiliary computers that monitor, test, control, and operate boilers, auxiliary equipment, and HVAC systems; operating boiler feed water, aerator, electric or steam‑driven feed water and condensate pumps, atmospheric drain tanks, cascade feeders, nitrogen and steam pressurization systems; troubleshooting, repairing, and calibrating electronic and pneumatic combustion and HVAC control systems; conducting boiler, HVAC, and water systems testing, analyzing results, and adding chemicals to maintain proper residuals; performing all system maintenance.
• Operating large central absorption, centrifugal, screw‑driven, and hermetic chiller systems and other refrigeration equipment; starting, regulating, and troubleshooting to maintain proper temperature; operating related auxiliary air‑conditioning equipment such as cooling towers, evaporative coolers, fan coils, vacuum pumps, purge chillers, and water‑cooled condensers; conducting chilled water and condenser water chemical analysis to maintain proper residuals; performing all system maintenance.
• Operating HVAC systems to maintain proper environmental conditions, including hydronic, steam, and air‑handling distribution systems; calibrating controls, balancing air distribution systems, and maintaining proper air temperature, humidity, fresh air, and airflow quality; ensuring proper operation and airflow through various exhaust systems, including laboratory fume hoods, medical facility exhausts, and general exhaust systems; operating high and/or low voltage electrical distribution systems, steam, diesel and gas turbine generators, transformers and switch gears, load centers, motor control centers, panel boards, emergency power and lighting distribution systems, motor‑generator sets, and UPS systems.
• Operating motor vehicles in NYS and meeting transportation requirements of the job.

Minimum Qualifications

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). Eligible candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Either 1. Graduate of a heating, HVAC, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration apprenticeship program from the U.S. Air Force.
• Or 2. 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 3. Enlisted power generation equipment repairer with the U.S. Army.
• Or 4. Enlisted gas turbine systems technician, submarine nuclear propulsion plant operator reactor control, utilities man, machinist mate, or engineman with the U.S. Navy.
• Or 5. Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) holder and qualified member of the engine department (QMED) as an oiler, fireman/water tender, refrigerating engineer, or engineman with the U.S. Merchant Marine.
• Or 6. 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).
• Or 7. Possession of a High‑Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer License or Stationary Engineer License.
• Or 8. A bachelor’s degree in Facilities Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Marine Engineering.
• Or 9. An associate’s degree in HVAC.
• Or 10. One year of full‑time hands‑on experience in the maintenance and operation of commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities, computer applications of digital energy platforms, building analytics, or diagnosing, repairing HVAC systems or boilers.
• Or 11. One year of full‑time hands‑on experience in a residential setting performing diagnosis, operation, maintenance, or repair of HVAC systems or boilers.
• Or 12. Completion of an HVAC certificate or diploma from a BOCES program (440 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.

Competitive (NON‑NY HELPS)

• Transfer Eligibility Requirement: Current permanent appointment with at least 1 year of service in a position of the same title or a transferable title.
• Reassignment Requirement: Holding the same title at the University at Buffalo.
• Reinstatement Requirement: Former state employee requesting reinstatement to the title held (or transferable title).

Preferred Qualifications

• A valid NYS driver’s license or ability to meet transportation requirements.
• EPA Universal Certification
• NYSDOH Backflow Testing Certification
• NYSDEC Pesticide Certification
• Fall Arrest training
• Confined Space Training
• OEM Boiler Certification
• Lock‑out/Tag‑out training
• OEM Chiller Certification
• Cooling tower training

Physical Demands

Bending, twisting, lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing ladders, accessing equipment on mezzanines, catwalks, basements, and crawlspaces; working off ladders, scaffolding, in confined spaces, and areas requiring air monitoring; working in loud, dusty, or dirty environments; working with or around high‑pressure steam, high‑voltage electrical systems, and rotating equipment.

Salary Range

$56,506

Benefits

Our benefits prioritize your well‑being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.

University at Buffalo is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.