Utility Plant Operator

Job no : 528093

Position Type : Staff Full Time

Campus : UMass Boston

Department : Facilities Admin

Pay Grade : 18

Date opened : 15 Oct 2025 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close : 14 Nov 2025 Eastern Standard Time

General Summary : The Utility Plant Operator, within the Facilities Department, is responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing heating and air conditioning chiller systems, boilers and auxiliary machinery and equipment; operating electronic controls for heating and air conditioning systems; and for monitoring general, mechanical and / or electrical repairs on power distribution, chilled water, hot water, gas, domestic and de-ionized water, environmental rooms, freezers, fire alarm, remote building equipment monitoring, sanitary, acid waste and storm drain systems; respond to emergencies or equipment breakdowns; maintain adequate supply of fuel; and perform related work as required. The basic purpose of this work is to operate, monitor, maintain and repair utility systems and equipment and that the power plant facility is operated and maintained safely and efficiently. The Utility Plant Operator position is considered to be an Essential Personnel as defined by and detailed in the contract between the University and the Classified Staff Union (CSU). Examples of Duties :

• Operate boilers and related auxiliary equipment by regulating controls, opening and closing valves, etc. in accordance with standard operating instruction and procedures and safety regulations;
• Operate, maintain and repair heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, including chilled water re-circulating pumps, chilled water condenser pumps, fire pumps, air compressors, air-supply and re-circulating fans, electric heating coils, electric cabinet unit heaters, electric baseboard radiation units, cooling coils and chilled water BTU meters, motors and refrigeration compressors;
• Operate, maintain and repair diesel generators and related equipment;
• Operate and maintain a sewerage and drainage system and neutralized acid waste system, including pressurized main drain system and associated equipment;
• Inspect machinery; read meters and gauges; perform tests on chilled water, heating water and sea water to control pollution and quality of water; start and stop equipment and machinery according to schedules;
• Operate, maintain and repair piping systems such as those for methane and carbon monoxide gas monitoring and evaluation;
• Maintain operating logs, records and reports on all equipment; draw stock and materials for maintenance and repairs; measure and report fuel levels to appropriate personnel;
• Implement the lubrication schedule for heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment and auxiliary equipment;
• Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks on all equipment under the responsibility of the Utility Plant;
• Perform rounds to ensure mechanical systems are operating properly;
• Perform or assist in making any necessary repairs to any campus equipment (including but not limited to plumbing fixtures, lighting, circuit breakers, building facades) or to make safe during hours outside normal working times;
• Checks, inspects and monitors various types of machinery, equipment;
• Responds to emergencies and breakdowns by evaluating equipment or system problems;
• Read meters and gauges at specified intervals to ensure proper temperature, pressure, fuel levels, water levels, etc.;
• Open and close valves and adjust controls to regulate fuel flow, airflow and water level to ensure safe and efficient operation of boilers;
• Check and / or monitor operating systems to detect faulty operating equipment, to determine necessary repairs, to notify appropriate personnel and / or to determine when to shut system down;
• Clean, maintain and / or lubricate power plant and related auxiliary equipment such as burners, pumps, filters, etc. to ensure safe and efficient operations;
• Escalate critical or emergency situations appropriately;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications : A minimum of five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the operation and / or maintenance of a boiler plant or chiller plant is required. A current and valid Massachusetts' Fireman License (1st Class or 2nd Class) or Engineer License (Pt Class, 2nd Class or 3rd Class) license issued by Massachusetts Department of Public Safety is required.

Application Instructions : Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional work references. Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date. Grade : 18 Hourly Rate : $31.34 This is a non-exempt union position. All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources. UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the ADA / 504 Coordinator Andrea Haas or 617-287-5148.

Applications close : 14 Nov 2025 Eastern Standard Time

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