Utility Plant Operator (Building Maintenance)

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued-and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Utility Plant Operator (Building Maintenance) is tasked with executing various duties using a range of tools and equipment to repair, install, and maintain mechanical components and systems within the University of Massachusetts Amherst Building Maintenance Department.

Essential Functions

• Conducts repair and maintenance work by adhering to vendor manuals and procedures, encompassing tasks such as drilling, tapping, metal heating/cutting, welding, rigging, and machinery alignment.
• Maintains and repairs mechanical equipment, including condensate tanks, pumps, valves, and associated auxiliary equipment.
• Manages campus building equipment lubrication, steam trap monitoring, and vibration analysis programs.
• Installs and repairs power piping systems within campus buildings, demonstrating proficiency in insulating such systems.
• Identifies mechanical design or machinery issues and recommends necessary improvements or modifications.
• Performs various rigging and scaffolding tasks related to the removal and installation of pumps, fans, motors, air compressors, and major valves.
• Adheres to safety and environmental procedures, rules, and regulations, implementing safe work practices. Identifies hazards and suggests and/or implements appropriate safeguards.
• Collaborates directly with Facilities Management personnel to ensure a team effort in supporting safe, efficient, and reliable operations of campus buildings.
• Provides training to others to enhance knowledge in mechanical system maintenance.
• Schedules, coordinates, and monitors contractors for specific tasks as required, ensuring proper cleanup at the end of each job/task.
• Offers recommendations to the research Zone IMF's and/or Manager regarding the acquisition and installation of campus building maintenance, repair, and testing equipment.
• Proficiently utilizes the campus building computerized maintenance management systems.
• Executes service requests, work tasks, and preventive maintenance service tasks.
• Maintains and updates shop records, including prints, drawings, and original equipment manufacturer manuals.
• Assists in the storage and management of equipment and materials in the campus building warehouse.
• Performs receiving and shipping duties if required.
• Collects, stores, and ships hazardous waste in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Undertakes additional duties necessary to fulfill plant requirements as assigned by the zone IMF's and/or Manager.
• Upholds and advocates for customer service principles daily.
• Operates motor vehicles to work sites.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Four (4) years of experience as a mechanic or pump technician.
• Welding Certification.
• Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP) Certification or Equivalent.
• Current Class D Driver's License.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in various skill areas, including pumps, condensate systems, pipefitting, plumbing, welding, machining, rigging, rotating machine repair, fabrication, machine alignment, piping schematics, mechanical drawings, vibration analysis, and proficiency in the use of test equipment.
• Ability to obtain Massachusetts Hoisting License - 1C & 3A within the initial six (6) months of employment.
• Proficient ability to locate, troubleshoot, adjust, and correct defects in mechanical equipment.
• Strong aptitude for comprehending and applying technical information, including the interpretation of mechanical and electrical drawings (such as blueprints, P&ID cover pages, single-line diagrams, and schematics).
• Effective communication skills and the ability to coordinate work with others on technical subjects.
• Competence and knowledge in utilizing various measuring tools, dial indicators, tapes, gauges, and various electrical and instrument-related test equipment.
• Capability to use hand and power tools necessary for completing assignments.
• Proficient ability and knowledge to align mechanical equipment using precision instrumentation.
• Expertise in troubleshooting and repairing pumping systems, air system and piping systems with the ability to resolve most problems involving packing gaskets.
• Basic working knowledge of Windows-based software programs.
• General understanding of computerized maintenance management systems.
• Willingness and ability to work overtime, whether scheduled or on-call, during off-shift hours, including holidays and weekends.
• Competency in using ladders, hoists, cranes, and industrial trucks.
• Willingness and ability to travel for training or other job-related duties.
• Proficient in operating various equipment, such as forklifts, lulls, lifts, and other plant machinery.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience in a research / laboratory environment.
• Experience in industrial plant environment.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Requires the ability to balance, carry, pull, push, stand, bend, lift, climb, drive, and perform repetitive movements.
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods.
• Capability to wear a respirator and pass a respirator fit test.
• Capability of unassisted handling of materials weighing up to 50lbs.

Additional Details

• This position is designated as essential and on call and requires the ability to respond to emergency call-ins and work irregular hours.
• Will be exposed to inherent conditions within campus buildings.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday; 7am-3pm.

Salary Information

• AFSCME Grade 18, special recruitment rate: step 6.
• Non-Exempt Salary Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.