Plant Utilities Engineer 1 - Multiple Positions

SUNY Downstate; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is seeking a full-time Plant Utilities Engineer 1 to manage and operate campus plant systems in New York. The role covers boilers, HVAC, electrical distribution, and energy management, with duties spanning maintenance, testing, and safety compliance.

The engineer will troubleshoot equipment, maintain energy performance, and may supervise a team of assistants and contractors as required to sustain reliable facility operations.

Responsibilities

• Operates, maintains, and repairs boilers, hot water systems, HVAC controls, and electrical distribution.
• Tests, analyzes results, and adds chemicals to maintain system operation and safety.
• Responds to mechanical, electrical, or plumbing calls; coordinates repairs.
• Maintains energy management systems; identifies and implements energy conservation projects.
• Supervises subordinate staff, contractors, and other trades staff when needed.

Job description

The Department of Facilities Management and Development at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is seeking a full-time Plant Utilities Engineer 1.

Plant Utilities Engineers are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of physical plants in State facilities at various State agencies. Positions operate, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, test, and calibrate mechanical and electrical equipment providing heat, hot water, ventilation, air-conditioning and electrical distribution; advise on renovations and replacement of equipment; and initiate energy conservation activities.

Illustrative Tasks

• Operates, maintains, and repairs steam and hot water boilers, water supply and return systems, electronic and pneumatic combustion and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control systems, forced or induced draft fan systems, chiller-systems, and other refrigeration equipment.
• Operates computers which control boiler operations, auxiliary equipment, and HVAC systems.
• Conducts boiler, HVAC, and water systems testing, analyzes results, and adds chemicals to maintain proper system functions.
• Balances air distribution systems, and maintains proper air temperature, humidity, freshness, and flow quality.
• Cleans, inspects, and maintains boilers, by performing chemical cleaning of equipment, repairing brickwork, replacing tubes, and maintaining boiler combustion and emissions.
• Performs chiller maintenance such as the cleaning of condenser tubes and evaporators, and the maintenance and repair of pumps, air compressors, steam systems, cooling towers, motors, and variable frequency drives.
• Performs maintenance and repair on various water and sewage pumping, filtration, and treatment equipment.
• Cleans, maintains, and repairs HVAC systems and equipment, calibrates controls, performs air testing and chemical treatment, and replaces air filters.
• Responds to mechanical, electrical, or plumbing calls; troubleshoots and coordinate necessary repairs.
• Maintains computerized energy management systems; troubleshoots problems; and identifies and replaces faulty equipment and devices.
• Identifies, recommends, and develops energy conservation projects and initiatives.
• May handle various types of hazardous materials; and respond to incidents having potential environmental impact and/or safety concerns, such as chemical spills, oil spills and blowouts; implements evacuation plans in emergency situations.
• May maintain right-to-know libraries, respond to inquiries, assess problems, and provide advice regarding incidents.
• May operate high 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 uninterrupted power supply systems.
• May supervise subordinate staff, including Plant Utilities Assistants, Facility Operations Assistants, contractors, and other trades staff.