Mechanic | Power House

Organization Overview

Plant Operations offers comprehensive services at The Rockefeller University, including a full range of building trades services responsible for routine maintenance and minor/major space alterations, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC, grounds maintenance, locksmith, custodial, moving, and setup services.

Under the direction of Engineering Management and Lead Mechanic, the Mechanic is responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair, and installation of boiler room, central plant, and building mechanical systems to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the University's physical plant. Supervision of off‑shifts will be under the direction of the Watch Engineer. This position requires a high level of mechanical aptitude with particular emphasis on plumbing and piping systems critical to boiler room and central plant operations, including soldering, brazing, and mechanical piping practices in accordance with the industry standards.

• Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair boilers and associated auxiliaries, including feedwater systems, condensate return, deaerators, pumps, valves, and controls
• Perform preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems throughout the physical plant and University buildings
• Demonstrate strong proficiency in plumbing systems, including installation, maintenance, and repair of domestic water, hot water, chilled water, steam, condensate, and hydronic piping systems
• Perform mechanical piping work, including layout, fabrication, cutting, threading, grooving, assembling, brazing, soldering, and supporting of piping systems using industry‑accepted practices
• Skillfully perform soldering and brazing operations, including soft soldering and silver brazing of copper piping and fittings, ensuring leak‑free, pressure‑rated, and code‑compliant joints
• Read and interpret mechanical, plumbing, and boiler room drawings, piping schematics, isometrics, flow diagrams, and control diagrams
• Install, maintain, and repair valves, traps, strainers, regulators, expansion tanks, backflow prevention devices, pumps, and related piping accessories
• Diagnose and correct system issues such as leaks, pressure loss, flow restrictions, air binding, thermal expansion issues, and corrosion‑related failures
• Maintain proper pipe pitch, support, anchoring, insulation, and expansion accommodation for all mechanical piping systems
• Maintain accurate records of temperatures, pressures, flows, and loads
• Read, interpret, and respond to information from meters, gauges, control panels, and BAS interfaces

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Extensive hands‑on plumbing experience required, with a strong emphasis on piping systems, soldering, brazing, and mechanical piping practices.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in boiler room, central plant, or institutional facilities maintenance, including boilers, plumbing, mechanical piping, HVAC, and electrical systems
• Ability to safely operate and maintain trade tools and equipment, including torches, pipe threaders, groovers, cutters, pumps, and testing instruments
• Ability to speak, read, write, and communicate effectively with individuals at all levels, both inside and outside the department
• Ability to follow written, oral instructions and to prioritize, organize work assignments
• Working knowledge of boiler room safety practices

• Trade School graduate
• NYC Refrigeration Operating Engineer License strongly preferred; three (3) years of qualifying experience may be credited toward license requirements.
• Experience with high‑pressure steam, hot water, chilled water, and hydronic systems preferred

The ideal candidate must be able to work in confined spaces with elevated temperatures within mechanical rooms. Be able to lift, push, and/or pull a minimum of 50 pounds regularly; reasonable assistance provided for heavier loads. Have the ability to work on ladders, scaffolds, and remain standing or walking for extended periods of time. Must be able to safely work with hazardous materials, chemicals, and high‑temperature systems.

May…