Review Vacancy
TitleC260030 - Plant Utilities Assistant, Chilled Water Plant - (NY HELPS)
Occupational CategorySkilled Craft, Apprenticeship, Maintenance
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $42641 to $42641 Annually
Appointment Type Contingent Permanent
Duties Description Facilities Campus Operations at The University at Buffalo is seeking a candidate to fill the role of Plant Utilities Assistant.
Key responsibilities include:
Routine Maintenance and Inspections
Conduct daily or scheduled checks on equipment like boilers, chillers, pumps, and air handlers.
Perform basic cleaning, lubrication, and filter replacement on utility equipment.
Identify minor leaks, worn parts, or abnormal readings and report issues to senior staff.
System Monitoring
Monitor gauges, meters, and digital control systems to track equipment performance.
Record pressure, temperature, and flow rates for HVAC, steam, water, and energy systems.
Log equipment operation data and assist in analyzing trends to identify inefficiencies.
Operational Assistance
Support technicians in operating steam boilers, chillers, cooling towers, or water treatment systems.
Assist with startup, shutdown, and system changeovers under supervision.
Monitor fuel levels, water supply, and other consumables critical to plant operation.
Preventive and Corrective Support
Replace or clean components such as belts, motors, gaskets, and valves.
Assist with minor repairs of utility equipment, including tightening fittings, replacing small piping, or correcting blockages.
Maintain equipment cleanliness to reduce dust buildup or obstructions.
Safety and Compliance Support
Check and maintain safety equipment like valves, alarms, and sensors.
Perform basic water treatment monitoring (e.g., pH, conductivity) to ensure safe water systems.
Documentation and Reporting
Record operational data for reports (pressure, temperature, energy usage).
Report findings, issues, and maintenance needs to supervisors.
Assist with inventory management of spare parts and tools.
The Plant Utility Assistant will work with a variety of utility systems and equipment commonly found in large-scale universities:
Heating Systems
Boilers (steam and hot water): Monitoring pressure, temperature, fuel supply, and basic cleaning.
Heat exchangers: Assisting with inspection and minor maintenance.
Piping and valves: Checking for leaks, corrosion, and blockages.
Cooling Systems
Chillers (water-cooled and air-cooled): Supporting basic operation, cleaning condensers, and monitoring refrigerant systems.
Cooling towers: Cleaning debris, inspecting water quality, and monitoring pumps.
Water Systems
Pumps and motors: Inspecting for leaks, vibrations, and efficiency issues.
Water treatment systems: Monitoring pH, chemical feeds, and water softeners.
Piping networks: Assisting in minor repairs of water distribution systems.
General Tools and Equipment
Hand tools: Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and other basic tools for minor maintenance.
Power tools: Drills, grinders, and saws for light repair work.
Meters and testing tools: Pressure gauges, multimeters, thermometers, and flow meters.
Ladders and lifts: For accessing higher equipment, ducts, or HVAC units.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, and respirators.
Learn more:
Our benefits, where we prioritize your well-being and success to enhance every aspect of your life.
Being a part of the University at Buffalo community.
University at Buffalo is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:
Non-competitive (NY HELPS):
Learn about the many ways your experience and or education can qualify you for this title. If you meet any one of the qualifications to follow, you’re eligible to apply for this exciting position.
1. Graduate of heating, HVAC, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration apprenticeship program from the U.S. Air Force;
2. Must have been an enlisted machinery technician (MK) with the U.S. Coast Guard OR possession of a certificate as a Marine Engineer issued by the U.S. Coast Guard;
3. Must have been an enlisted power generation equipment repairer with the U.S. Army;
4. Must have been an enlisted gas turbine systems technician, submarine nuclear propulsion plant operator reactor control, utilities man, machinist mate, or engineman with the U.S. Navy;
5. Must have a Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) and have been a qualified member of the engine department (QMED) as an oiler, fireman/water tender, refrigerating engineer or engineman with the U.S. Merchant Marine;
6. Completion of a New York State Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program for stationary engineers, plant maintenance (plumber/steamfitter), HVAC Mechanic or plant maintenance (refrigeration/AC) (See Note #1);
7. Possession of a High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer License or Stationary Engineer License;
8. A bachelor’s degree in Facilities Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Marine Engineering;
9. An associate’s degree in HVAC;
10. One year of full-time hands on experience in the maintenance and operation of commercial, industrial, institutional facility, computer applications of digital energy platforms and building analytics and/or performing diagnosis, repair of HVAC systems or boilers or auxiliary equipment;
11. One year of full-time hands on experience in a residential setting performing diagnosis, operation, maintenance repair of HVAC systems or boilers or auxiliary equipment;
12. Completion of an HVAC certificate or diploma from a BOCES program (440 hours) OR completion of an approved certificate in HVAC, electrical, refrigeration, boiler operations and maintenance, or plumbing from an accredited technical school or technology college
OR
Competitive (NON-NY HELPS):
• Transfer Eligibility Requirement: You must have a current permanent appointment with a minimum of 1 year of service in a position of the same title or transferable title.
• Reassignment Requirement: You must hold the same title at the University at Buffalo.
• Reinstatement Requirement: You must be a former state employee to request reinstatement to the title that was held (or transferable title).
Departmental Operation Needs:
The incumbent must have a basic understanding of the concepts of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technologies.
The successful candidate must:
• Detail their qualifications and submit appropriate documentation with their application
• Explain and demonstrate their skills and competency for this position
• Communicate well with other employees and customers
• Possess and have demonstrated positive customer service skills
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions
• Be willing and able to respond to after hour calls resulting from equipment and system failures that may arise at any time of day or any day of the week
The incumbent may be required to work during adverse weather conditions to ensure continuous operation of all BMS and HVAC systems.
Since the activities of other employees depend upon the availability of the employee in this position, reliable attendance is a factor that will be considered when filling this vacancy.
Physical Demands:
You will be working near and on electrical equipment, gas-fired equipment, pressure vessels, and other equipment and in conditions that could potentially be hazardous if industry best-practices and safety procedures are not followed. The successful candidate is required to have confidence in their own abilities, and be able to work safely and proficiently on this equipment and in this environment, at any time of day or day or week.
Bending, twisting, ability to transport 50 pounds, ascend ladders, access equipment located on mezzanines, catwalks, basements and crawlspaces. Ability to work off ladders, scaffolding, in confined spaces and/or where air monitoring may be required. Work in loud/noisy dusty/dirty environments. Candidate must be able to stand, walk, lift, carry, reach, push and pulling of material and equipment and must be able to perform the physical demands of the position as outlined in the Position Summary.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.