Assistant plant

Job Description

Fredonia invites applications for a Plant Utilities Assistant position in the Facilities Services - HVAC unit, for the following shift :

First shift - 7 : 00 am-3 : 30 pm, Tuesday to Saturday

This position is full time, probationary / permanent, CSEA represented, SG9 position with an entry level salary of $41,.00.

The Plant Utilities Assistant will work under the supervision of the Plant Utilities Engineer Supervisor in the Facilities Services-HVAC / R unit.

Plant Utilities Assistants assist in the operation, maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment providing heat, hot water, ventilation, air-conditioning and electrical distribution.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

• Plant Utilities Assistants perform semiskilled 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;
• maintain and repair boilers, pumps, other power plant auxiliary equipment, and electrical and mechanical stationary equipment;

and may supervise Plant Utilities Helpers in performing routine manual labor. Experienced incumbents may be assigned a limited number of activities requiring the full performance level skills of a Plant Utilities Engineer 1.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

• Monitors equipment consoles.
• Reads, analyzes and follows up on all console readings, charts, and trouble calls.
• Adjusts equipment controls to correct malfunction when indicated by observation or in response to a signal.
• Reads and records gas, steam, and water meter readings.
• Fills out incident and Quality Assurance Reports.
• Advises supervisor when repairs are required.
• Receives and distributes fuel supplies required for all program locations.
• Performs preventive maintenance on heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems.
• As instructed, and under the guidance and supervision of qualified personnel, uses specific chemicals to treat water used in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems.
• Cleans strainers and condenser coils.
• Maintains steam traps.
• Changes filters.
• Determines if refrigeration system is low on refrigerant; if so, identifies type and amount of refrigerant needed, and prepares system for charge.
• Regenerates water softeners.
• Installs, removes, washes and stores window air conditioners.

Performs minor repairs such as replacing worn gaskets, changing belts and tightening joints, and assisting the Plant Utilities Engineers 1 in the maintenance and overhaul of boilers and in the repair of stationary equipment.

Performs supervised plumbing, electrical and refrigeration work.

• Determines if water regulator valves need rebuilding or repair.
• Threads, solders or glues and installs pipe, using proper types of pipe and fittings.
• Re-packs pumps and valves.
• Assists in the repair, maintenance and operation of alarm and signal systems.
• Assists in the operation of energy management systems related to the control of clocks, lighting, filtering systems, HVAC and boiler energy management systems, etc.
• Cleans mechanical rooms.
• As assigned, during night shifts, weekends or on holidays, Plant Utilities Assistants respond to calls concerning mechanical, electrical or plumbing breakdowns outside of the plant, troubleshoot the problem, and if possible make necessary repairs, or advise the appropriate authority regarding the problem.

Provides instructions to Plant Utilities Helpers and Maintenance Helpers on routine jobs and equipment inspections.

INDEPENDENCE OF OPERATION

Plant Utilities Assistants are typically supervised by a Plant Utilities Engineer 1 who makes assignments and provides assistance and instruction.

Plant Utilities Assistants perform many of the tasks with considerable independence although the supervisor may be called when a problem arises.

Plant Utilities Assistants perform some of the same tasks as a Plant Utilities Engineer 1, under direction and specific instruction.

As assigned, Plant Utilities Assistants supervise Plant Utilities Helpers by making assignments, giving instructions and providing assistance in performing the work.

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive compensation plus comprehensive benefits plan including health, dental, and vision insurance and retirement plan options including a fixed pension plan or a (A) with generous employer contributions;
• Paid leave provisions including sick and holiday leave; impressive educational benefits including tuition-free study plus supplemental tuition aid;

Requirements :

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Competitive : One year of satisfactory hands-on experience in the operation and maintenance of boilers and / or auxiliary equipment or heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment in commercial, industrial or institutional facilities.

Substitutions :

A High School Diploma or GED and successful completion of four trades courses in any combination of the following trades may be substituted for the one year of satisfactory hands-on experience.

Each trades course must include a minimum of 30 to 45 classroom / lab hours in order to be considered qualifying :

• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning Equipment
• Refrigeration
• Boiler Operation and Maintenance

2. Successful completion of 12 college semester credit hours in any combination of the following course areas may be substituted for the one year of

satisfactory hands-on experience :

• Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning
• Blueprint Reading & Sketching
• Electrical Circuits
• Boiler & Steam Systems
• Fluid Mechanics
• Industrial Electricity
• Technical Communications
• Electric Utility Systems
• Thermal Dynamics
• Plant Operation & Maintenance
• Industrial Instrumentation & Control Environmental Air Quality
• Physics
• Industrial Safety
• Utility Refrigeration Mechanics

Promotion : Nine months of permanent competitive, non-competitive or labor service AND one year of satisfactory hands-on experience in the operation and maintenance of boilers and / or auxiliary equipment or heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning equipment in commercial, industrial or institutional facilities.

Substitutions : Same substitutions as defined in 1 and 2 above.

Last updated : 2024-05-23