Utility Plant Auxiliary Operator

Assists the Utility Plant Operating Engineer in operating plant, performs routine operating and maintenance tasks associated with plant operations and the production of utilities (e.g. steam, chilled water and electrical generating equipment), and performs regular inspection tours of utility plant and related facilities. Under the direction of the Utility Plant Operating Engineer, operates boilers, steam turbine generators, diesel/natural gas generators, chillers, electrical switchgear and substations as well as associated auxiliary equipment. Maintains logs, prepares equipment for operations or shutdown condition, monitors instrument readings and performs related duties as assigned.

• Under the supervision of the Utility Plant Operations Supervisor and under the general direction of the Utility Plant Operating Engineer, performs operating and maintenance tasks to ensure safe and proper operation, monitoring and control of all equipment associated with plant operations and the production of utilities.

• Participates in the starting, control, operation, shutdown and inspection of boilers, steam turbine generators, diesel/natural gas generators, chillers, electrical switchgear, substations and all other equipment associated with plant operations and the production of utilities. Communicates regularly with the Utility Plant Operating Engineer and Utility Plant Operations Supervisor and takes action in order to safely maintain or restore utility production.

• Prepares/maintains logs, charts, and other operating records. Monitors instrumentation for proper operating conditions and determines nature and cause of trouble. With advice and direction from Utility Plant Operating Engineer and/or Utility Plant Operations Supervisor, performs necessary corrective action to protect personnel, equipment, system integrity, and to maintain optimum efficiency and safety.

• Reviews plant and equipment status with personnel on shift and via control/computerized systems to monitor load conditions, status, etc. Observes various instruments, records readings, and evaluates readings. Obtains advice and direction from Utility Plant Operating Engineer and/or Utility Plant Operations Supervisor, and takes appropriate action as necessary to protect personnel, equipment, system integrity, and to maintain optimum efficiency and safety. Participates in emergency response training and drills.

• Performs inspection tours of utility plant and related facilities as needed. May be required to perform duties of Utility Plant Operating Engineer on an as needed basis (if qualified and when directed).

• Performs routine operating maintenance, including cleaning of equipment and plant work areas. Participates in emergency response activities; may be assigned work of equal or lower skill level, including maintenance work; and must participate in mandatory training and other programs as required.

• Must observe and comply with all codes and perform work in accordance with recognized industry standards; University policies, procedures, and standards; and local, state, and federal laws/requirements.

• Performs other related duties as required.

• High School diploma or equivalent, with a minimum of three years’ prior work experience in the operation of modern high-pressure boilers and applicable auxiliary equipment required.
• Requires valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s First Class Fireman’s License.
• Must have, or successfully obtain within 6 months of hiring, EPA CFC certification (universal).

Additional Qualifications:

• Must be safety conscious, have a fair degree of mechanical ability, and have in-depth working knowledge of the power plant cycle.
• Must possess a high degree of professionalism and the ability to work well independently and effectively with others.
• Must be detail oriented and have a good safety record, and the ability to take and follow directions intelligently.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks and prioritize work effectively.
• An ongoing willingness to acquire new skills and utilize technology to streamline processes and problem solve is essential.

Technology Skills Required:

• Familiarity with database, spreadsheet, email, and word processing software is helpful.
• Required to interface with/utilize control systems and computerized asset/maintenance management systems.

Driver Designation:

• Valid State driver’s license required.
• Driving history must meet University Operations Services standards.

Special Requirements:

• May be required to work overtime relief, off-shift, emergency coverage (nights, weekend, etc.) and /or other schedules, as needed.
• Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s Grade I or higher Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator’s license desirable.
• May be required to operate cranes, forklifts (and/or similar machinery), or lifting devices.

• Requires valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s First Class Fireman’s License.
• Must have, or successfully obtain within 6 months of hiring, EPA CFC certification (universal).
• Valid State driver’s license required.

• Must be physically fit and mentally alert at all times.
• Must be able to perform all duties in a utility/industrial plant environment that includes exposure to loud noises, chemicals, temperature extremes, inclement weather conditions, airborne particles, vibration, hazardous materials, stairs, ladders, confined spaces, etc.; requires stooping, bending, climbing, reaching, lifting, and carrying; working from ladders, scaffolds, high-lifts, and in confined spaces; and lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 65 pounds.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment and clothing where appropriate; may be required to wear a respirator (negative pressure or equivalent) and other respiratory protection equipment up to the level of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
• At no time is facial hair permitted.
• Required to participate in Hearing Conservation and medical surveillance programs.

Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

• Paid Time Off
• Health and Welfare
• Work/Life and Wellness
• Retirement
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Professional Development
• Commuting and Transportation
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks