Utility Plant Operator

Westfield State University; Westfield (MA); On-site; USD 2,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Westfield State University is seeking a Utility Plant Operator to oversee electrical maintenance and repairs on campus facilities. This role includes supervising staff, coordinating maintenance activities, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. A successful candidate will possess a valid electrician’s license and have experience in building maintenance.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Pension

Tuition Waivers & Discounts

Generous Paid Time Off

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in building maintenance.
• At least one year in a supervisory capacity.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.

Responsibilities

• Supervises maintenance and repair work.
• Performs inspections of building systems.
• Maintains operating logs and inventory.

Skills

Knowledge of power plant operations

Knowledge of large electrical systems

Knowledge of control systems

Knowledge of fire alarm systems

Ability to lift heavy objects

Education

Valid MA Journeyman's or Master's Electrician's license

OSHA 30 certification

Job description

Westfield State UniversityJob Posting: Utility Plant Operator

In 1839, Westfield State University was founded on the ideals of Horace Mann who sought to improve society through education. We were the first public education institution without barrier to race, gender or economic class. The spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies contributing to the development of knowledge, skills, and character essential for students to become responsible leaders and engaged citizens.

Westfield State is a highly residential campus with approximately 55% of our 3,100 full-time undergraduate students living on campus. The campus is ideally situated on the edge of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts just 30 minutes from the thriving cultural centers of Springfield, Northampton, and Amherst with a selection of museums, theater, collegiate and minor league sports, hiking trails, and restaurants. The University is within 1.5 hours of Boston and Albany and within 3 hours of New York City and the Green Mountain range of Vermont.

Thank You for Your Interest in Becoming a Westfield State Community Member

You are welcome here. You can advance your career and make a difference here. We invite you to bring your whole self and talents to Westfield State University. The University seeks applicants whose record of teaching, student advising, research, and administration positions them to contribute to the everyday practice of our institutional values.

Our Values

Westfield State commits to values that strengthen a common bond among all members of our community and promotes a rich campus environment.

• Embrace Diversity-We treat all members of our community with dignity and respect.
• Maintain Excellence and Integrity -We maintain excellence and integrity in all that we do.
• Collaborate with Each Other -We make decisions in a transparent and collaborative manner.
• Provide Accessible Education-We commit to providing an accessible, affordable public higher education for all.
• Build a Strong Community-We are inclusive and ensure equity, supporting the personal development of all community members, and embracing multiple perspectives.
• Engage the Outside Community-We support civic engagement in local, regional, and global initiatives.

Job Description:

Campus Title: Utility Plant Operator
State Job Title: Utility Plant Operator
Department: Facilities and Operations (Trades)
Job Code: H18X16
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Funding: 7115-0100
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME
Job Type: Full-Time
Timeframe: 52 Weeks
Shift: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30 pm
Regular Days Off: Saturday and Sunday
Supervision Received: Building Maintenance Supervisor II and at times Executive Director and Interim Associate Vice President
Supervision Exercised:Electrical Dept. and all campus Electricians
Salary: 2,375.38 Bi-Weekly

General Statement of Duties:
The Utility Plant Operator is a working supervisory position for the Electrical Department and assists in the oversight of the general care, maintenance, repair, alteration and security of state buildings and appurtenances; assist with schedules work; performs inspections; makes recommendations of supplies and equipment needed; assist with specifications for electrical and Fire alarm repairs, remodeling or alterations to be completed by outside vendors.

Working Conditions

Incumbents of positions in this series may be exposed to the hazards of gases or noxious fumes, high pressure boilers, steamlines, caustic or inflammatory chemicals and high voltage; are exposed to intense heat and excessive noise; lift heavy objects; work varied shifts and/or weekends, holidays, nights; are subject to standby (rotating on call work status); may be exposed to the harmful effects of coal dust, asbestos or inadequate ventilation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties include but not limited to:
Essential:

1. Schedules, assigns and supervises maintenance and repair work to be completed by full time/part time maintenance employees in the Electrical Department and outside contractors. Coordinate work with other trade or university departments to complete required repairs.

2. Assist Building Maintenance Supervisor II with inspections and repairs to building systems including, but not limited to Fire alarm, Fire sprinkler, Electrical, life safety equipment such as Generators, and all other systems pertaining to the maintenance, repair, and upgrade of university buildings.

3. Assist with quality control inspection tours to ensure that buildings and appurtenances are properly secured, and properly maintained. Identify and assign required repair work as necessary.

4. Monitor the School Dude work order system. Complete assigned preventative and maintenance work orders

5. Ensure electrical staff complete work in compliance with University and OSHA regulations.

6. Perform work within licensed trade and may assist with snow and ice removal operations as required including the maintenance of parking lots, sidewalks, roadways.

7. Requests quotes, prepares purchase requisitions for supplies and equipment for the electrical Department.

8. Assist Building Maintenance Supervisor II with external personnel such as auditors, engineering staff, city and state inspectors engaged in activities related to buildings.

9. Assist with inventory of supplies, equipment and other property required for the operation of the Electrical departments

10. Assist with contractors performing scheduled and periodic maintenance for regulatory testing such as Fire Alarm testing, Fire Sprinkler Testing, Fire Pump Testing, Generator, and load Bank testing.

11. Assist with Weekly test of Fire pumps in Courtney and Ely campus center.

12. Operates a high voltage power distribution system including switches on generating equipment; operates, maintains and repairs generators and related equipment.

13. Assist with Operation and maintenance of a sewerage and drainage system and an neutralized acid waste system, including pressurized main drain system and associated equipment.

14. Inspects switchgear and panelboards; reads meters and gauges; performs tests on electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and other electrical systems according to schedules.

15. Operates, maintains and repairs systems such as those for methane and carbon monoxide gas monitoring and detection.

16. Maintains operating logs, records and reports on all equipment; draws stock and materials for maintenance and repairs; measures and reports fuel levels to appropriate personnel.

17. Implements the preventative maintenance schedule for electrical components and auxiliary equipment.

Requirements:

Qualifications Required at Hire

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques used in the operation of a power plant.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of large electrical systems.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of electronic control systems.
• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance and repair of fire alarm systems, signal systems and control systems for mechanical and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of outside electrical systems such as underground cables, transformer subsystems and vaults and sub transmission lines.
• Knowledge of the operating characteristics of electrical generating systems.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of industrial type heating systems.
• Knowledge of the principles of electrical controls as applied to heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of electrical controls used in power plant operations.
• Knowledge of the fundamentals of electrical practice.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of pumps used in water and fuel systems.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of electrical pipefitting.
• Knowledge of the safety practices and procedures followed in power plants.
• Knowledge of the methods of general report writing.
• Knowledge of the proper methods for storing and handling fuels.
• Skill in using hand power tools such as drills, electric saws, etc.
• Skill in using small hand tools such as wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, hacksaws and pipethreaders.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to lift heavy objects up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to deal tactfully with others.
• Ability to adjust to changing situations to meet emergency or changing program or production requirements.
• Ability to understand and apply the laws, rules and regulations governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to explain the procedures, guidelines, policies, etc. governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to use tools and equipment required for maintaining and repairing power plant and utility distribution systems.
• Ability to do routine electrical and mechanical repair work.
• Ability to read gauges, adjust equipment and observe the operation of machinery.
• Ability to read and interpret building plans and control and wiring schematics.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as plans, specifications, blueprints, drawings, technical manuals, etc.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
• Ability to perform arithmetical calculations with speed and accuracy (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division).
• Ability to distinguish colors.
• Ability to give oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.

Minimum Entrance Requirements:

Applicants must have at least (A) 3-5 years experience in building maintenance, the major duties of which included maintaining and/or repairing electrical infrastructure, Switchgear, generators, Fire alarm systems and other life safety equipment in a higher education environment and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity.

License and/or Certification Requirements:

Necessary Licenses: Applicant must possess a valid MA Journeyman's or Master's Electrician's license and OSHA 30.

Additional Information:

Salaries for current Westfield State University employees and individuals currently working for the state of Massachusetts must be calculated individually in accordance with collective bargaining agreements as well as state policies. State job specifications may be found on theDepartment of Higher Education's webpage .

Employee Benefits:

Benefits are an important component of an employee's total compensation package.

• Health Insurance: Westfield State offers a variety of HMO, POS, and PPO-type health insurance plans for eligible employees. Coverage is effective on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. Exceptions t o employees hired on the 1st of the month, coverage is effective immediately.
• Retirement: the MA State Employee Retirement System provides eligible employees with a retirement pension following a 10-year vesting period. In lieu of the retirement pension, eligible employees may select the Optional Retirement Plan with a maximum 5% employer matching contribution.
• Tuition Waivers & Discounts: eligible employees, including spouses and dependent children, receive reduced tuition at MA state colleges, community colleges, and universities.
• Paid Time Off: employees receive 12 paid holidays and generous vacation, personal, and sick leave benefits.

Westfield State University is committed to the full inclusion of individuals with disabilities and will ensure the availability of reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at(413) 572-8809or visit us in the Horace Mann Building, 1st floor.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion and review of a background check. A criminal recordwill not automatically disqualify an applicant from consideration.

Application Instructions:

An online application is required. A resume and cover letter may be attached but this is not required.

Deadline: Review of applications will begin June 27, 2025.The job posting will be open a minimum of ten days and, if needed, will remain open until finalist have been selected.

NOTE: If you need assistance completing your application please contact our online Help Desk . The link to the help desk can be found at the top of the page via Contact Us.