Plant Utilities Assistant, NY HELPS

Facilities Campus Operations at The University at Buffalo is seeking a candidate to fill the role of Plant Utilities Assistant
. Plant Utilities Assistants perform various tasks in a safe and efficient manner in operating stationary steam or high temperature hot water boilers rated at 15 pounds per square inch or more.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintain and repair chiller, boilers, pumps, other power plant auxiliary equipment, and electrical and mechanical stationary equipment
• Respond to calls concerning mechanical, electrical or plumbing breakdowns to troubleshoot the problem, make necessary repairs or advise the appropriate authority regarding the problem.
• Check mechanical rooms for correct operation of mechanical equipment.
• Operate and test water softeners and boiler water for correct limits.
• Take readings on meters and gauges to ensure proper operation.
• Check air compressors, blow down and add oil as needed.
• May supervise Plant Utilities Helpers as required.
• Experienced incumbents may be assigned a limited number of activities requiring the full performance level skills of a Plant Utilities Engineer 1.

Learn more:

• Our benefits, where we prioritize your well-being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.

University at Buffalo is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The incumbent must have a basic understanding of the concepts of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technologies.

The successful candidate must:

• Detail their qualifications and submit appropriate documentation with their application
• Explain and demonstrate their skills and competency for this position
• Communicate well with other employees and customers
• Possess and have demonstrated positive customer service skills
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions
• Be willing and able to respond to after hour calls resulting from equipment and system failures that may arise at any time of day or any day of the week

The incumbent may be required to work during adverse weather conditions to ensure continuous operation of all BMS and HVAC systems.

Since the activities of other employees depend upon the availability of the employee in this position, reliable attendance is a factor that will be considered when filling this vacancy.

Non‑competitive (NY HELPS):

• Graduate of heating, HVAC , ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration apprenticeship program from the U.S. Air Force;
• Must have been an enlisted machinery technician (MK) with the U.S. Coast Guard OR possession of a certificate as a Marine Engineer issued by the U.S. Coast Guard;
• Must have been an enlisted power generation equipment repairer with the U.S. Army;
• Must have been an enlisted gas turbine systems technician, submarine nuclear propulsion plant operator reactor control, utilities man, machinist mate, or engineman with the U.S. Navy;
• Must have a Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) and have been a qualified member of the engine department (QMED) as an oiler, fireman/water tender, refrigerating engineer or engineman with the U.S. Merchant Marine;
• Completion of a New York State Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program for stationary engineers, plant maintenance (plumber/steamfitter), HVAC Mechanic or plant maintenance (refrigeration/AC) (See Note #1);
• Possession of a High‑Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer License or Stationary Engineer License;
• A bachelor’s degree in Facilities Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Marine Engineering;
• An associate’s degree in HVAC;
• One year of full‑time hands‑on experience in the maintenance and operation of commercial, industrial, institutional facility, computer applications of digital energy platforms and building analytics and/or performing diagnosis, repair of HVAC systems or boilers or auxiliary equipment;
• One year of full‑time hands‑on experience in a residential setting performing diagnosis, operation, maintenance repair of HVAC systems or boilers or auxiliary equipment;
• Completion of an HVAC certificate or…