Utility Plant Operator Join Kutztown University's Facilities team and play a critical role in supporting campus operations through the safe and efficient operation of the University's utility plant systems. Utility Plant Operators are responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and repairing boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, and related equipment used to generate and distribute steam, hot water, chilled water, and emergency power services across campus. Depending on classification level, employees may perform semi-skilled or skilled maintenance and repair work, assume responsibility for plant operations during assigned shifts, and provide lead work direction to utility plant personnel. Successful candidates will be committed to safety, reliability, customer service, and maintaining essential campus utility services in support of the University's educational mission.
Candidates may be considered for either Utility Plant Operator 1 or Utility Plant Operator 2 based on their education, training, certifications, and directly related experience. Placement will be made at the classification level for which the successful candidate qualifies.
As a member of the Facilities team, this position is designated as essential personnel. Essential employees may be required to remain at or report to work during partial or full-day University closings, including closings due to hazardous road conditions, emergency circumstances, or other operational needs.
Minimum Qualifications Utility Plant Operator 1
Six (6) months of experience as a Utility Plant Helper; or
Six (6) months of experience assisting in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment; or
An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Utility Plant Operator 2
One (1) year of experience as a Utility Plant Operator 1; or
One (1) year of semi-skilled experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment; or
An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes six (6) months of semi-skilled utility plant experience.
Preferred Qualifications High School Diploma/GED
Completion of a terminal degree/certificate program from a recognized educational institution in mechanical technology which included the actual operation of boiler, gas or reciprocating engines.
1+ years of experience working with steam distribution systems.
1+ years of experience working with water distribution systems including water testing and treatment.
1+ years of experience with identifying, troubleshooting/diagnosing, and repairing boilers and plant systems
Welding certification
Effective oral & written communication skills
Demonstrated knowledge of the operation of boiler plant systems & related equipment.
Working knowledge of utility plant hazards & safety procedures
Supplemental Information Applications & resumes will be accepted until the positions are filled.
The starting salary for this position based on the AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement:
Utility Plant Operator 1: $39,287.00 Utility Plant Operator 2: $44,273.00 All applications for this position must be submitted via our online application/resume system ONLY. Please do not fax, mail, or e-mail any documentation.
A successful interview, reference checks, background clearances (PA State Criminal, PA Child Abuse Clearance & FBI Fingerprinting Clearance), and demonstration of ability are requisite qualifications for all positions.
The University is very interested in hiring employees who have had extensive experience with diverse populations.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Kutztown University does not discriminate in employment or educational opportunities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.
Notice of availability of the Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report
The Annual Security Report and the Annual Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for Kutztown University, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing the KU Clery Compliance Coordinator at clery@kutztown.edu.
Benefits:
To be eligible for medical and supplemental coverage under this plan, you must be a permanent full-time employee or a permanent part-time employee who works at least 50% of full-time hours.
PEBTF Medical/Prescription Drug PPO health plan offered to employees, which includes prescription drug and hearing coverage.
Get Healthy Wellness Program Voluntary program designed to provide employees with tools and resources to assist in improving and maintaining good health. Participants are rewarded with reduced health care premiums.
Dental and Vision Coverage Offered at no additional cost to employees.
State Employee Assistance Program (SEAP) A confidential program which provides a wide range of no-cost services to address a broad range of problems, including counseling, legal, and financial services.
Group Life Insurance Employer paid term life provided for permanent employees based on onetime salary up to a maximum of $50,000.
Voluntary Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD) Income protection equal to 60% of gross annual base salary to a maximum of $5,000 monthly benefit with an option for a 90-day or 180-day benefit elimination period.
Voluntary Group Life and Personal Accident Insurance (VGLIP/AD&D) Additional life insurance coverage and personal accident insurance to help protect against losses due to accidents or death. Maximum employee coverage is five times the annual salary up to $500,000.
Group Retirement Plans Employees can choose one of the mandatory retirement plan options - a 401(a), with a 5% employee contribution and a 9.29% employer contribution or the State Employees' Retirement Plan (SERS) pension/investment plan with various enrollment options.
Voluntary Retirement Plans All employees are eligible to participate in our 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity and/ or 457 Deferred Compensation Plan.
Flexible Spending Accounts Income withheld before taxes for eventual reimbursement of certain medical and dependent care expenses.
Tuition Waiver benefits vary by employee group.
