Utility Plant Operator; Power Plant

Title: Utility Plant Operator (Power Plant)

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities Management

Department: Utility Power Plant

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full Time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

The Utility Plant Operator is responsible for performing work with various tools and equipment to repair, install, and maintain mechanical components and systems at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Power Plant.

• Performs repair and maintenance work, following vendor manuals and procedures involving drilling, tapping, metal heating/cutting, welding, riggings, and machinery alignment.
• Maintains and repairs mechanical equipment such as turbines, boilers, pumps, valves, and their auxiliary equipment.
• Maintains Power Plant equipment lubrication, steam trap monitoring, and vibration analysis programs.
• Installs and repairs power piping systems in the Power Plant, including insulation of power piping systems.
• Identifies mechanical design or machinery problems and recommends improvements or modifications necessary for resolution.
• Performs rigging and scaffolding associated with the removal and installation of pumps, fans, motors, turbines, air compressors, and major valves.
• Follows safety/environmental procedures, rules and regulations and implements safe work practices. Identifies hazards and recommends and/or implements appropriate safeguards.
• Works directly with Power Plant personnel in a team effort to support safe, efficient, and reliable operations of the Power Plant.
• Trains others to gain knowledge in mechanical system maintenance.
• Schedules, coordinates, and monitors contractors on specific tasks as required. Attends to housekeeping at the end of each job/task.
• Make recommendations to the Assistant Plant Manager concerning the acquisition and installation of Power Plant maintenance, repair, and testing equipment.
• Understand and utilize the Power Plant computerized maintenance management system.
• Executes work orders.
• Maintain and update shop records including prints, drawings, and original equipment manufacturers manuals.
• Assist in the storage and management of equipment and materials in the Power Plant’s warehouse.
• Collects, stores, and ships hazardous waste in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Understands, is committed to, and supports affirmative action and non-discrimination goals.

• Performs receiving and shipping duties, if required.
• Performs other duties assigned by the Assistant Plant Manager.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Four (4) years of experience as a mechanic preferably in an industrial plant environment.
• Possess and maintain ASME Power Piping Welding Certification, Society for Maintenance and Reliability (SMRP) Certification or equivalent, and Hoisting License – 3A.
• Knowledge of and experience in pipe fitting, plumbing, welding, machining, riggings, rotating machine repair, fabrication, machine alignment, piping schematics, mechanical drawings, vibration analysis, electrical test equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to locate, troubleshoot, adjust, and correct defects in mechanical equipment.
• Ability to comprehend and apply technical information, including mechanical and electrical drawings (such as blueprints, P&IDs, single-line diagrams, and schematics).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and coordinate work with others on technical subjects.
• Has the ability and knowledge to utilize various measuring tools, dial indicators, tapes, gauges, and various electrical and instrument related test equipment.
• Capable of utilizing hand and power tools needed to complete assignments.
• Has the ability and knowledge to align mechanical equipment using precision instrumentation.
• Can troubleshoot and repair pumping systems and solve most problems involving packing and gaskets.
• Basic working knowledge of Windows based software programs.
• General knowledge with computerized maintenance management systems.
• Able and willing to work overtime which can either be scheduled or call-in during off-shift hours including holidays and weekends.
• Will be exposed to inherent power plant conditions and must be able to use ladders, hoist,…