Utility Plant Operator 1 - Polk Center

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential pay

Free parking

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks a Utility Plant Operator 1 to maintain the Polk Center central steam plant and related systems, ensuring reliable heat, hot water, and equipment performance across the facility.

The role focuses on firing coal and natural gas boilers, monitoring pressures and temperatures, water treatment, and coordinating with trades staff during emergencies. This is a stay‑behind maintenance position with 40-hour weeks and rotating shifts.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience as a Utility Plant Helper or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration.

Responsibilities

• Firing procedures: adjust firing processes for coal and natural gas boilers to maintain steam production.
• System monitoring: observe gauges, meters, and firebeds to keep steam pressure, temperatures, and water levels within limits.
• Water testing: test boiler water and add chemicals to maintain proper control ranges.
• Equipment adjustment: correct pumps, boilers, valves, conveyors, and related systems for plant effectiveness.
• Emergency response: address equipment and facility emergencies during assigned shifts and coordinate with trades staff.
• Ash handling: operate ash removal systems and assist in ash cleanup; maintain safe areas.

Skills

Utility plant experience

Industrial equipment operation

Maintenance and repair basics

Job description

Join the Polk Center as a Utility Plant Operator 1 and take pride in keeping the facility warm, secure, and comfortable. This position is part of the Polk Center stay‑behind maintenance team and remains operational since the facility closure. You will work with large‑scale systems that support essential needs across the campus. Your careful attention to detail and dependability will help maintain reliable operations every day. Step into a role where you can grow your abilities and make a meaningful difference!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on operating the central steam generating plant and keeping essential systems functioning throughout the facility. The work ensures uninterrupted heat, hot water, and reliable equipment performance across all buildings. As a Utility Plant Operator 1, you will perform the following duties:

• Firing Procedures: Adjust firing processes for coal and natural gas boilers to maintain efficient steam production
• System Monitoring: Observe gauges, meters, and firebeds to keep steam pressure, temperatures, and water levels within required limits
• Water Testing: Test boiler water and add chemicals according to established guidelines to maintain proper control ranges
• Equipment Adjustment: Make necessary corrections to pumps, boilers, valves, compressors, and related systems to maintain plant effectiveness
• Emergency Response: Address equipment and facility emergencies during assigned shifts and coordinate with appropriate trades staff as needed
• Ash Handling: Operate ash removal systems, assist in ash cleanup procedures, and maintain safe and clean work areas

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description .

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work Hours: You will be required to work one of the following shifts: 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM; 2:30 PM to 10:30 PM; 10:30 PM to 6:30 AM. The work schedule includes weekends, holidays, rotating days off, and variable shifts. This may change based on operational needs.
• Shift differential pay is available.
• Overtime and travel as operationally necessary
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• FREE parking!
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• Six months of experience as a Utility Plant Helper (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration) ; or
• Six months of unskilled work experience assisting in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment, electronic equipment, electrical systems, heavy machinery, motors, engines, drives or hydraulic systems; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements

• You must meet the PA residency requirement . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements

• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination .
• This position falls under the provisions of the Older Adult Protective Services Act.
• Under the Act, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police and FBI clearance.

Veterans

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.