Maintenance Operator

Posting date: February 27, 2026

Job Reference: 002179SR

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Cambridge
• School/Unit: Harvard University Central Administration
• Salary Grade: 000
• Job Function: Facilities
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Term Appointment: No
• Union: 42 - Int Un Oper Engineers Loc 877

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) provides a broad portfolio of labor-based services, including building maintenance, landscaping, and custodial services to a large portion of the University. (FMO). Campus Services offers primary building maintenance, landscape, fire safety, custodial, and event support services to Harvard schools and departments on a fee-for-service basis. All services are provided in strict accordance with regulatory requirements and customer-determined standards.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Provides initial response, triage, stabilization and/or repair for all types of building infrastructure maintenance requests, with emphasis on HVAC systems.
• Inspects, adjusts, modifies, and repairs all types of boilers, heating systems, cooling systems and auxiliary equipment.
• Interprets mechanical plans and prints and updates as necessary.
• Monitors, queries and reports on the status of building systems managed by DDC technology.
• Initiates follow-up actions as required.
• Provides responsive customer support in all phases of building maintenance and operations.
• Assists and advises customers on maintenance solutions and provides follow-up on progress and status of work.
• Performs other core skills of the trades and related duties as required.
• May be assigned to work independently or as part of a multi-trade team under the guidance and direction of the Area Supervisor and/or Working Foreperson.
• Required to wear/use appropriate safety clothing/equipment at all times.
• Required to wear to properly wear a uniform and maintain a professional image at all times.

Working Conditions:

• Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel (required to provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management).

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up a minimum of 50 lbs. and transport piping and equipment in excess of 200 lbs. with others.
• May use chain falls and come along for heavier lifting.
• Must be able to push and pull heavy loads as listed.
• Must be able to stoop and bend for long periods of time and work on hands and knees and other awkward positions for extended periods, routinely walk to and from various buildings carrying tools, equipment and other essentials to the job site.
• Must be able to work alone and climb multiple sets of stairs, work of ladders, staging, lifts, etc.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Five (5) years of related experience in the maintenance and operation of complex building system infrastructure.
• Must have experience in the installation, operation, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of all types of commercial building heating and cooling systems.
• Must possess a current State HVAC license (or equivalent).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• The Customer has requested the Maintenance Operator must have Siemen’s experience and knowledge on making scheduling and setpoint adjustment in the Siemen’s System.
• Basic proficiency and understanding of Windows® based software applications.
• Demonstrated proficiency with electronic mail, MS® Office, and related desktop and handheld devices and applications required.
• Must observe and comply with all standard safety codes and practices, perform work in accordance with recognized trade and University standards.
• Must be able to read and interpret detailed plans, specifications, operating manuals and other written materials associated with this trade.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with peers and customers.
• Familiarity with smartphone technology and willingness to expand skills with handheld device use as required.
• Must supply a complete set of hand tools.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Must possess a current State HVAC license (or equivalent).
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Additional Information

Location: Harvard Lab Buildings; Cambridge, MA (USA)

Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week

• Sunday: Off
• Monday: Off
• Tuesday: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm
• Wednesday: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm
• Thursday: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm
• Friday: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm
• Saturday: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):

• $50.82/hour
• Plus $1.65/hour shift differential

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Criminal, Certification/License, Motor Vehicle Record, Drug Test, CORI, Employment

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.