Review Vacancy
TitlePlant Utilities Assistant (NY HELPS)
Occupational CategorySkilled Craft, Apprenticeship, Maintenance
Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)
Salary RangeFrom $41399 to $41399 Annually
Minimum Qualifications Either 1. Graduate of heating, HVAC, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration apprenticeship program from the U.S. Air Force;
Or 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;
Or 3. Must have been an enlisted power generation equipment repairer with the U.S. Army;
Or 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;
Or 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;
Or 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);
Or 7. Possession of a High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer License or Stationary Engineer License;
Or 8. A bachelor's degree in Facilities Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Marine Engineering;
Or 9. An associate's degree in HVAC;
Or 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;
Or 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;
Or 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 (See **Note #2);
*Note #1. Information regarding qualifying New York State Department of Labor recognized apprenticeship programs can be found here: https://labor.ny.gov/apprenticeship/appindex.shtm
**Note #2. Certification programs must be accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or recognized by the New York State Education Department Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS). Information on ACCSC accredited programs can be found here: http://www.accsc.org/. Information on BPSS recognized proprietary schools can be found here: http://www.acces.nysed.gov/bpss/welcome-career-training-proprietary-schools
Duties Description Plant Utilities Assistant is a semiskilled employee, performs the more routine, repetitive tasks in the operation, maintenance, and repair of a variety of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and mechanical equipment inside and outside of a physical plant such as stationary steam or high temperature hot water boilers. Incumbents may also perform journey-level activities, under supervision, or after receiving detailed instructions, to learn and perfect their skills.
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, water, and electrical meter readings.
Fills out plant logs, 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 coils.
Maintains steam traps.
Changes filters.
Regenerates water softeners.
Installs, removes, washes, and stores window air conditioners.
May determine if refrigeration system is low on refrigerant; if so, identifies type and amount of refrigerant needed, and prepares system for charge.
Performs minor repairs such as replacing worn gaskets, changing belts and tightening joints, and assisting Plant Utilities Engineers 1 in the maintenance and overhaul of boilers and in the repair of stationary equipment.
Performs semiskilled plumbing, electrical, and refrigeration work, and skilled work in these areas under supervision, or after receiving detailed instructions.
Determines if water regulator valves need rebuilding or repair.
Threads, solders or glues and installs pipe.
Re-packs pumps and valves.
Assists in the repair, maintenance, and operation of plant alarm and signal systems.
Assists in the monitoring and operation of building management or automation systems, and energy management systems related to the control of clocks, lighting, filtering systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and boiler energy management systems.
Cleans mechanical rooms.
As assigned, during night shifts, weekends or on holidays, responds to calls concerning mechanical, electrical, or plumbing breakdowns outside of the plant, troubleshoots the problem, and makes necessary repairs or advises the appropriate authority regarding the problem.
Provides instruction to Facility Operations Assistants 1 (Utilities) and other labor class positions on routine jobs and equipment inspections.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.