Utility Plant Operator 2

PennWest

California

On-site

USD 40,000 - 49,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

PennWest is seeking a Utility Plant Operator 2 in California, PA. The role focuses on safe operation and preventative maintenance of a steam generation plant as an essential personnel position with rotating shifts. The start date is on or after August 15, 2026 and the posting closes June 20, 2026.

The candidate will test boiler water, adjust chemicals, inspect equipment, supervise shift operations, and support plant systems during shutdowns. Relevant experience in utility plants is required.

Qualifications

  • Knowledge of operation and maintenance of utility plant systems.
  • Knowledge of utility plant hazards and safety procedures.
  • Ability to read chart recorders and interpret data.
  • Ability to operate data loggers and analyze data.
  • Effective oral communication.
  • Effective written communication.
  • Ability to establish and maintain working relationships.

Responsibilities

  • Operate a steam generating plant safely and efficiently; perform preventive maintenance.
  • Test boiler water, adjust chemicals, manage blowdown, and check system leaks.
  • Inspect boiler drums/fireboxes and prepare equipment for operation; make improvements.
  • Oversee plant operation on assigned shift and supervise personnel.
  • Operate pipe-threading and gasket tools as needed for fittings.
  • Maintain outside steam system during long shutdowns and monitor cooling towers.
  • Make adjustments to Niagara Energy Management System as required.

Skills

Plant system operation
Safety procedures
Chart recorders
Data loggers
Oral communication
Written communication
Team relationships

Education

One year as Utility Plant Operator 1
One year semi-skilled utility plant experience
Equivalent mix including six months semi-skilled experience

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

The start date of this position is on or after August 15, 2026.

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number S379P

Posting Summary

Job Title Utility Plant Operator 2

Type of Employment Full Time

Bargaining Unit AFSCME

FLSA Non-Exempt

Salary Range $44,273

Position Classification Utility Plant Operator 2 Group 4, level 1

Operates a steam generating plant as safely and efficiently as possible, main objective being preventative maintenance. This position is considered an essential personnel position.

  • Testing boiler water and controlling it with proper amounts of chemicals, adjusting continuous blowdown and manual blowdowns, test condensate return water, check water softeners and regenerate if needed, check entire plant for proper operation, make adjustments as needed, repair all steam, water, oil, and air leaks, lubricate pumps, fans, and all auxiliary equipment. Change oil in the air compressor and emergency generator as needed.
  • Open and clean, and inspect boiler drums, and fireboxes, close and ready them for operation. Make improvements such as extending water and airlines to convenient locations.
  • During yearly shutdown, pack all pumps and valves. Open, clean, and inspect condensate tank, deaerator, blow-off tank and unit steam heater. Make any repair and adjustments that cannot be made during operations.
  • Supervise plant operation on assigned shift.
  • Operate pipe-threading machine when necessary to do pipe fitting. Make various gaskets when required with gasket tool.
  • Perform maintenance and preventive maintenance on the outside steam system during long-term shutdowns of the Heating Plant. Test and maintain proper chemical levels in the campus cooling towers. Make the necessary adjustments to the Niagara Energy Management System.

The start date of this position is on or after August 15, 2026.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
  • Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of utility plant systems and related equipment.
  • Knowledge of utility plant hazards and safety procedures.
  • Ability to read and interpret chart recorders.
  • Ability to operate and configure data loggers and collect, store, and analyze the data.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Minimum of Education / Training Required Education Summary
  • One year of experience as a Utility Plant Operator 1 (commonwealth title); or
  • One year of semi-skilled work 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 months of semi-skilled work experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment.
Work Location

Is travel to other PennWest campuses required for this position? If so, how often?

N/A

Work Hours

Work Hours Rotating Shifts

Posting Date

Posting Date 06/05/2026

Closing Date

Closing Date 06/20/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Diversity Statement

PennWest University’s Office of Community, Opportunity, Responsibility, and Engagement ( CORE ) provides strategic leadership in fostering a campus environment grounded in dignity, belonging, and opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff. Through comprehensive programs and collaborative partnerships, CORE advances student success, cultivates academic and leadership development, and strengthens community engagement in alignment with the university’s mission.

ADA Statement

To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Amy Salsgiver, ADA Coordinator, asalsgiver@pennwest.edu ; 814-393-2109. Pennsylvania Western University complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and candidates with disabilities.

EEO Statement

Pennsylvania Western University of Pennsylvania is committed to providing equal access to all individuals and prohibiting any form of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a veteran, or any other characteristic prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other pertinent state and federal laws and regulations. Direct inquiries to the Title IX Coordinator, 423 Becht Hall Clarion Campus 16214-1232; email asalsgiver@pennwest.edu or phone 814-393-2109. Inquiries may also be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, 330 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20201.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Optional Documents

PennWest California, 250 University Avenue, California, PA 15419

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