Utility Plant Operator 1/2

Kutztown University; Kutztown (Berks County); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Kutztown University’s Facilities team seeks Utility Plant Operators to operate, monitor, maintain, and repair boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, and related equipment across campus to support essential services.

The position can be Utility Plant Operator 1 or 2 based on education, training, and experience; starting salaries are $39,287 for Operator 1 and $44,273 for Operator 2. This role is essential personnel with potential shift requirements.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED required or preferred.
• Terminal degree/certificate in mechanical technology with boiler/engine operation.
• 1+ years experience with steam and water distribution systems.
• 1+ years experience operating, maintaining, and repairing boiler/plant systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, maintain, and repair boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, and related equipment.
• Support campus utility services and ensure reliability of critical systems.
• Provide lead work direction to utility plant personnel as assigned.

Skills

Safety awareness

Communication

Problem solving

Leadership

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Mechanical technology degree/certificate

Job description

Job Summary

Join Kutztown University's Facilities team and play a critical role in supporting campus operations through the safe and efficient operation of the University's utility plant systems. Utility Plant Operators are responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and repairing boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, and related equipment used to generate and distribute steam, hot water, chilled water, and emergency power services across campus. Depending on classification level, employees may perform semi-skilled or skilled maintenance and repair work, assume responsibility for plant operations during assigned shifts, and provide lead work direction to utility plant personnel. Successful candidates will be committed to safety, reliability, customer service, and maintaining essential campus utility services in support of the University's educational mission.

Candidates may be considered for either Utility Plant Operator 1 or Utility Plant Operator 2 based on their education, training, certifications, and directly related experience. Placement will be made at the classification level for which the successful candidate qualifies.

As a member of the Facilities team, this position is designated as essential personnel. Essential employees may be required to remain at or report to work during partial or full-day University closings, including closings due to hazardous road conditions, emergency circumstances, or other operational needs.

Minimum Qualifications

Utility Plant Operator 1

• Six (6) months of experience as a Utility Plant Helper; or
• Six (6) months of experience assisting in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Utility Plant Operator 2

• One (1) year of experience as a Utility Plant Operator 1; or
• One (1) year of semi-skilled experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes six (6) months of semi-skilled utility plant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED
• Completion of a terminal degree/certificate program from a recognized educational institution in mechanical technology which included the actual operation of boiler, gas or reciprocating engines.
• 1+ years of experience working with steam distribution systems.
• 1+ years of experience working with water distribution systems, including water testing and treatment.
• 1+ years of experience with identifying, troubleshooting/diagnosing, and repairing boilers and plant systems
• Welding certification
• Effective oral & written communication skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of the operation of boiler plant systems & related equipment.
• Working knowledge of utility plant hazards & safety procedures

Supplemental Information

Applications & resumes will be accepted until the positions are filled.

The starting salary for this position based on the AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement:

Utility Plant Operator 1: $39,287.00
Utility Plant Operator 2: $44,273.00

A successful interview, reference checks, background clearances (PA State Criminal, PA Child Abuse Clearance & FBI Fingerprinting Clearance), and demonstration of ability are requisite qualifications for all positions.

The University is very interested in hiring employees who have had extensive experience with diverse populations.

Non-Discrimination Statement

Kutztown University does not discriminate in employment or educational opportunities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. To discuss a complaint of discrimination, please contact the Office of Social Equity, Old Main A-Wing, Room 02, by phone at 610-683-4700 or by e-mail at [e-mail]. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Kutztown University does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, including admissions and employment. Any inquiries regarding the application of Title IX at Kutztown University may be made to Bradley Davis, the University’s Title IX Coordinator, located in Old Main A-Wing, Room 01, by phone at 610-683-4782 or by email at [e-mail], or the Office for Civil Rights located in the Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Bldg., 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-1100, by phone at 800-421-3481 (TDD: 800-877-8339), by fax at 202-453-6012, or by e-mail at [e-mail]. Kutztown University’s Sexual Misconduct, Anti-Discrimination, and Anti-Harassment policies can be found in The Key student handbook or online at https://www.kutztown.edu/about-ku/administrative-offices/social-equity.html.

Notice of availability of the Annual Security Report and AnnualFire Safety Report

The Annual Security Report and the Annual Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for Kutztown University, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing the KU Clery Compliance Coordinator at [e-mail].