Apprentice Operating Engineer

Requisition #
2026-21766

Date Posted
6 days ago(4/23/2026 3:41 PM)

Department:
Utility Plant

Category:
Facilities Management and Physical Plant

Job Type:
Full-Time

Overview

A Utility Plant Engineer Apprentice participates in an apprenticeship program for four years including on-the-job training in all the University’s energy plants and, at the same time, complete four years of classroom instruction at an approved vocational-technical school (1-2 evenings/week, during the academic year). The Apprentice is expected to attend all classes and pass the courses and the licensing requirements; and will be qualified to operate all energy plants after receiving the proper licenses.

While in training, the Apprentice will learn to operate and understand each individual piece of equipment and system in all the University’s energy plants in a safe, reliable, and economical manner. The Apprentice is responsible for maintaining the equipment and the plant.

CANDIDATES APPLYING FOR THE POSITION MUST PASS A MECHANICAL APTITUDE TEST IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED AND INTERVIEWED FOR THE POSITION.

This position must embody the core values essential to the Facilities Organization: teamwork, innovation, integrity, inclusiveness, respect, and sustainability. The Apprentice collaborates with administrative leadership within Facilities to support the Campus.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the apprenticeship program consisting of four years on the job training combined with four years classroom instruction at an approved vocational-technical school and pass courses and licensing requirements.
• Obtain state licenses listed under qualifications in the time specified.
• Work in all the University’s energy plants doing maintenance such as painting and cleaning of boilers, turbines, compressors, pumps, and cooling towers, and packing valves and pipe fitting.
• Complete safety training provided by the department, covering hazardous chemicals, basic safety and first aid.
• Work rotating shifts and overtime.
• Wear safety equipment and adhere to all safety policies and regulations of the plants.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Able to read and write English.
• Required to have basic mechanical, language and mathematical skills.
• Work performance in prior positions.
• Required to pass Mechanical Aptitude Test prior to employment.
• Required to receive Blue Seal Steam license within 24 months.
• Required to receive Blue Seal Refrigeration license within 36 months.
• Required to pass CFC Universal Technician Certification for refrigerants within 36 months.
• Upon completion of the Apprentice program, the employee will be required to join the OEIU union.

Working Conditions:

Plant environment is noisy and hot. There are some outdoor related tasks. Apprentice must be willing to work rotating shifts and some overtime may be required. Must wear, and know when to wear, all required safety equipment. Plant provides heating, cooling, and electricity to the University. Apprentices are deemed critical employees and must report to work in weather emergencies.

Physical Demands - The following tasks and skills are necessary for any person to fulfill while working within in all the University’s energy plants:

• Stand or walk for two hours at one time for up to eight-hours per day
• Sit for less than two hours during an eight-hour day, except that SSO’s and UPE’s may sit up to four hours per day
• Operate heavy equipment (e.g., forklift, high reach, cherry picker) occasionally (less than 33% of the workday)
• Lift or carry up to 50 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead occasionally (less than 33% of the workday)
• Frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling (34 – 66% of the workday)
• Occasionally squat, kneel, bend, lie down, crawl, reach overhead, lift overhead, knee stand, push or pull with forces up to 50 pounds (less than 33% of the workday)
• Frequently climb stairs or ladders up to 40 feet in height (34 – 66% of the workday)
• Work outdoors in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions (hot and cold)
• Able to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance
• Work in confined spaces with proper safety equipment and procedure in place
• Handle chemicals and lubricants with safety precautions
• Work in extreme temperature conditions typical of a boiler room
• Work with hazardous materials including asbestos (according to regulations)
• Able to see and hear plant emergencies

NOTE: The final candidate will be required to successfully pass a background check and a pre-employment physical.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours
40.00

Eligible for Overtime
Yes

Benefits Eligible
Yes

Probationary Period
Per union contract

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)
Yes

Physical Capacity Exam Required
Yes

Valid Driver's License Required
Yes

Union Code
OPE-Inter Union of Oper Engineers

Salary Range
$31.32 Minimum Hourly Rate