Power Plant Operator
Listed on 2026-02-08
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Maintenance/Cleaning
Maintenance Technician / Mechanic
Overview
Department: Facilities & Campus Operations
Classification: Utility Plant Specialist 2
Job Category: Classified Staff
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)
Location: Fairfax, VA
Workplace Type: On-Site Required
Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship
Pay Band: 03
Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience ($57000)
Criminal Background Check: Yes
Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes
About the Department:
George Mason University Facilities ensures a quality physical environment supporting the mission of the university. We will be the technical and business experts of choice with the total trust and confidence of our students, faculty, and staff.
About the Position:
Ready to start the New Year with a new position as a State employee of Virginia?
We have a wonderful opportunity for you. You ll be a State employee of Virginia, work at our beautiful Fairfax campus with 677 acres of wooded land, and become part of the George Mason University patriot team.
We ve got the work. Now, we need an additional team member to contribute to our busy environment. We want someone reliable, takes pride in their work, and will make a noticeable contribution to the educational facilities at George Mason. Your manager can trust that you will get the job done.
George Mason s Facilities & Campus Operations department is committed to providing a safe, functional, and clean community experience at the university. So, what s in it for you?
Great benefits for you...
- Lots of leave, including paid annual leave, paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid two-week winter break (please note - the break employees often receive during the holiday season is not regularly guaranteed and is subject to annual approval);
- Free tuition, up to 12 credit hours during the academic year, and professional development. Yes, you can earn a college education while earning a salary.
- Commuter Choice Transit Benefit
- Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Plan; and
- Patriot Perks discounts to restaurants, events, and more!
For you and your family...
- Health/dental/vision benefits; and
- Tuition-dependent benefit (restrictions apply).
Under the supervision of the Power Plant Shift Supervisor, oversees the operation of the Central Heating & Cooling Plant (CHCP) and all satellite plants during the designated shift to ensure smooth operation and provide a service to the George Mason University Community, where there is some feeling of security in the event of a malfunction.
We think it s a great opportunity and can t wait to speak with you. Here s a partial list of the duties.
Responsibilities:
Day-to-Day Plant Operations
- Assists Plant Operators II & III and the Shift Supervisor on duty with the operation of boilers and/or high temperature hot water generators using natural gas or #2 diesel as a fuel;
- Assists Plant Operators II & III and the Shift Supervisor in the operation of the central refrigeration system, including condenser and chilled water system, cooling tower operation, and various pumping systems; and
- Assists Plant Operators II & III and the Shift Supervisor in the operation of various systems such as fuel systems, feedwater, control systems, pumping and expansion tank systems, troubleshooting and correcting problems with boilers, chillers, and other heat/cool related equipment.
Daily Plant Monitoring and Preventive Maintenance
- Monitors gauges and meters in boilers and other related equipment during assigned shifts and initiate immediate action in case of malfunctions or breakdowns;
- Adheres to departmental procedures regarding safety standards;
- Checks and records various temperatures, pressures, water levels, and air flows;
- Performs preventive maintenance and fulfill all the needs of the equipment to ensure peak performance;
- Reads and records various in-plant meters and make calculations necessary for plant efficiency reports;
- Assists in the collection of various operating and maintenance records;
- Assists in the operation of various chemical feed systems, including various chemical tests; and
- Cleans all CHCP boilers, chiller tubes, and cooling tower once yearly to ensure peak performance.
Chemical Treatment
- Assists Plant Operators II & III in the operation of various chemical feed systems, including making various chemical tests in different locations;
- Performs miscellaneous duties such as cleaning and painting the equipment and mechanical essential areas;
- Picks up materials from suppliers when requested. Inspects areas and report to the supervisor;
- Maintains paperwork and electronic communications, including work orders and recording time;
- Orders and includes materials on work orders in an expedient manner;
- Follows established university and departmental policies and procedures;
- Follows established safety procedures and report accidents and problems to the supervisor promptly; and
- Performs assigned progressive on-the-job training tasks to develop skills in the Power Plant Trade.
Other Related Duties as Assigned
- Related tasks assigned by the supervisor and…
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