Plant Utilities Assistant; NY HELPS

Duties Description Plant Utilities Assistants perform semiskilled tasks in a safe and efficient manner by operating and maintaining steam or high temperature hot water boilers rated at 15 pounds per square inch or more; maintain and repair boilers for heating systems, air conditioning, chillers, pumps, domestic hot water, ventilation, other power plant auxiliary equipment, and electrical distribution and mechanical stationary equipment.

May supervise Plant Utilities Helpers in performing routine manual labor. Experienced incumbents may be assigned a limited number of activities requiring the full performance level skills of a Plant Utilities Engineer
1. Positions involve shift work within a 24-hour work schedule which includes night and holiday shifts. Plant Utilities Assistants are typically supervised by a Plant Utilities Engineer 1 who makes assignments and provides assistance and instruction. Plant Utilities Assistants perform many of the tasks with considerable independence although the supervisor may be called when a problem arises. Plant Utilities Assistants perform some of the same tasks as a Plant Utilities Engineer 1, under direction and specific instruction.

As assigned, Plant Utilities Assistants supervise Plant Utilities Helpers by making assignments, giving instructions and providing assistance in performing the work. Plant Utilities Assistants must possess a variety of skill sets to meet the daily maintenance needs of this facility. Under the Plant Utility Engineer, this Title performs a variety of semiskilled maintenance, repair, and related activities within Facilities Management.

The position performs routine replacement and repair of plumbing and steam fitting equipment and installation of new equipment, according to layouts provided by the supervisor, by cutting, fitting, and threading pipe; removing existing pipes and fixtures; repairing and adjusting thermostats, locating and unplugging stoppages; and insulating steam lines. Operates and maintains heating and hot water equipment under supervision by replacing parts, such as filters and pumps;

cleaning equipment and fireboxes; replacing and adjusting components. Performs the routine tasks of the electrical trade, including repairing electrical equipment suchas motors, and other appliances; replacing brushes on large electric motors; laying and repairing electrical cables and wires; installing and maintaining lighting fixtures, outlets, and switches.

Additional tasks:

• Monitors equipment consoles.
• Reads, analyzes and follows up on all console readings, charts, and trouble calls.
• Adjusts equipment controls to correct malfunction when indicated by observation or in response to a signal.
• Reads and records gas, steam, and water meter readings.
• Fills out incident and Quality Assurance Reports.
• Advises supervisor when repairs are required.
• Receives and distributes fuel supplies required for all program locations.
• Performs preventive maintenance on heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems.
• As instructed, and under the guidance and supervision of qualified personnel, uses specific chemicals to treat water used in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
• Cleans strainers and condenser coils.
• Maintains steam traps.
• Changes filters.
• Determines if refrigeration system is low on refrigerant; if so, identifies type and amount of refrigerant needed, and prepares system for charge.
• Regenerates water softeners.
• Installs, removes, washes and stores window air conditioners.
• Performs minor repairs such as replacing worn gaskets, changing belts and tightening joints, and assisting the Plant Utilities Engineers 1 in the maintenance and overhaul of boilers and in the repair of stationary equipment.
• Performs supervised plumbing, electrical and refrigeration work.
• Determines if water regulator valves need rebuilding or repair.
• Threads, solders or glues and installs pipe, using proper types of pipe and fittings.
• Re-packs pumps and valves.
• Assists in the repair, maintenance and operation of alarm and signal systems
• Assists in the operation of energy management systems related to the control of clocks, lighting, filtering systems, HVAC and boiler…