Utility Plant Operator; Mechanical Pipefitter

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Utility Plant Operator - Mechanical operates, maintains, and repairs the campus steam, condensate, water and sewer distribution systems and related equipment.

Essential Functions

• Tests, repairs, or replaces valves, fittings and pipe insulation associated with the steam distribution system.
• Makes standard types of water and sewer connections within manholes, vaults, and trenches.
• Installs and repairs underground steam, water storm drains and sewer lines using plans and drawings as required by normal assignment.
• Applies a thorough knowledge of standard practices involved with underground distribution systems their insulation systems and performs all work accordingly.
• Applies a complete knowledge of the layout and characteristics of the campus steam, water, reclaimed water, storm water, and steam distribution systems.
• Applies a thorough knowledge of the UMA lock out/tag out, confined space, trenching and shoring procedures, as well as the procedures and dangers involved with starting and isolating steam systems.
• Diagnoses and repairs trouble relating to normal assignment and performs unusual work where no standard methods or specific directions are available.
• Performs all type of valving and pressure boosting work.
• Arranges and lays out steam, water, and sewer installations in manholes and vaults.
• Makes standard types of pipe and insulation repairs in manholes, mechanical rooms, and vaults.
• Instructs and functionally supervises line personnel in lower classifications.
• Performs construction work in accordance with safe procedures and working from work orders and drawings.
• Locates, diagnoses, and repairs failures in steam, water, reclaimed water, storm water and sewer distribution systems.
• Performs necessary work required for service restoration under storm, cold and emergency conditions.
• Performs repairs and installation of steel pipe, fittings, and support systems using arc welding and gas welding techniques. Must be capable of welding with sufficient quality to obtain certification to UMA standards as established and tested via an impartial third party.
• Interprets maps, work orders, written directions, and utility diagrams.
• Applies a thorough knowledge and understanding of how to apply Steam, Water, reclaimed water and Storm water Construction Standards.
• Performs all types of rigging associated with the removal and installation of valves, fittings, piping, and related appurtenances.
• Utilizes various technologies to verify “Dig Safe” requests for planned excavations.
• Wears personal protective equipment as required, including respiratory protection, and work under potentially hazardous conditions
• Operates various departmental vehicles.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Massachusetts Journeyman or Master Pipefitter License.
• Valid Massachusetts D Driver’s License.
• Minimum 3 years of experience working on construction or maintenance of steam distribution utility systems.
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of underground steam, water, reclaimed water, storm water and sewer distribution systems such as steam piping and the related expansion properties of steam pipes, insulation systems and valving.
• Considerable knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions peculiar to working in underground vaults containing live steam lines or sewer piping.
• Experience installing, repairing and troubleshooting valves, steam traps, pressure regulators, condensate receivers, and other devices typically installed in steam systems.
• Ability…