Central Heating Plant Operator

Job Description Summary

Haverford College invites applications for our full-time (40 hours per week), non-exempt, benefits-eligible Central Heating Plant (CHP) Operator opportunity.

Job Description

Work Location : On-Site

About the Maintenance Division

The Maintenance Division provides comprehensive maintenance services to academic, administrative, athletic, and residential buildings as well as to faculty housing.

These services are provided by a staff of carpenters, painters, locksmiths, electricians, plumbers, maintenance mechanics, and HVAC technicians to ensure a safe and pleasant educational environment.

The maintenance staff also conducts routine preventive maintenance checks on various electrical, mechanical, and architectural systems in all campus buildings.

The purpose of preventive maintenance inspections is to detect and correct facility deficiencies or defects before the system as a whole break down.

About the Position

Under the direction of the Manager of Central Plant / HVAC Services, the Central Heating Plant (CHP) Operator performs the work of a stationary engineer including maintaining and repairing medium pressure steam generated vessels, pumps, and associated mechanical equipment and ensuring proper water treatment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate, fire, and maintain boilers to meet the need for adequate steam with the view toward energy-efficient operations
• Maintain and adjust, as required, automatic pressure and temperature controls
• Read gauges and meters and maintain accurate records of utility and fuel usage logs
• Perform preventive maintenance on all power house equipment and clean all boilers once per year
• Test water for various properties and add and adjusts water treatment chemicals as needed
• Monitor gas meters, including the Metrotec monitor for service interruptions, and switch to alternate fuel when necessary
• Maintain and monitor, in conjunction with the Equipment Mechanic, the emergency generators in order to ensure timely and proper operation of the emergency power system
• Communicate to the Utilities Supervisor any malfunctions that would lead to failure of utility services and respond to emergency calls at all hours to correct problems in the Central Heating Plant
• Promote a safe working environment by following Haverford College safety policies and procedures; recognized industry standards, practices, and operational guidelines;

OSHA regulations; and relevant building codes and regulations

• Maintain written records including, but not limited to, time sheets, work orders, and inventory control documentation
• Plan work to ensure cost effective use of labor and materials. Prepare and submit lists of materials required to complete assigned tasks
• Team with other trades in replacement and renovation work as required
• Perform duties and responsibilities with view toward Division, Department, and College goals and in support of faculty, staff, and institutional missions
• Ensure operation of and maintain all steam related equipment campus wide including but not limited to heat exchangers and condensate pump systems
• Research and order parts and equipment to support efficient operation of Central Heating Plant and heating system equipment campus wide
• Obtain job quotes, request purchase orders (Pos), and schedule jobs for steam-related equipment repairs
• Submit a replacement and renovation (R and R) list for approval for next budget year for jobs over $20,000
• Monitor all water softener systems, adding salt to brine tanks as necessary and reporting any problems to management so that repairs can be done in a timely manner
• Monitor all chemical and fuel oil tanks and orders chemicals and fuel
• Maintains proficiency at current level and updates knowledge by participating in appropriate courses, seminars, publications, and contact with others in the trade
• Perform other duties as assigned

Line of Report : The CHP Operator position reports to the Manager of Central Plant / HVAC Services. This position has no direct reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Stationary Engineer Certification

Professional Competencies

• Ability to maintain an acceptable attendance record, be punctual, and meet deadlines
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive and cooperative working relationship with members of the Department and the College community
• Knowledge of Lockout Tagout procedures
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Demonstrated organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited College or University
• 10 year of boiler operation experience
• Knowledge of OHSA requirements, and state and local regulations

We are aware that some people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification in the job description including the preferred qualifications.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career trajectory, such as having skills and abilities gained outside a classroom context, or an equivalent skill set.

We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.

Special Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain PA Act 12 background checks
• Possession of a valid U.S. Drivers’ License and ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Record check

Haverford College is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, and providing equal opportunities and access to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

Women, non-binary and transgender individuals, people of color, Indigenous people, and those with other or multiple historically marginalized and / or underrepresented identities are especially encouraged to apply.

Haverford College and our consortial partners are located on Lenape lands.