Utility Plant Operator 1 Polk Center

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Polk (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential pay

Free parking!

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Polk Center seeks a Utility Plant Operator 1 to operate the central steam plant and sustain heat, hot water, and reliable equipment across the campus.

You will oversee firing procedures, monitor systems, test water chemistry, and respond to emergencies, with opportunities to grow technical skills on site. The role requires flexibility for rotating shifts and may include overtime.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience as a Utility Plant Helper or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration.
• Six months of unskilled work experience assisting in operation/maintenance/repair of utility plant systems and related equipment.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Firing procedures: adjust firing for coal and natural gas boilers to maintain steam production.
• System monitoring: observe gauges/meters to keep steam pressure, temperatures and water levels within limits.
• Water testing: test boiler water and add chemicals per guidelines.
• Equipment adjustment: correct pumps, boilers, valves, compressors and related systems.
• Emergency response: address emergencies and coordinate with trades staff.
• Ash handling: operate ash removal systems and maintain clean work areas.

Skills

Utility plant experience

Attention to detail

Dependability

Tools

Boilers and associated equipment

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!

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

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.

• 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.