Plant Utilities Engineer 1 (NY HELPS) (Two vacancies)

Job Description

TITLE: Plant Utilities Engineer 1 (NY HELPS) (Two vacancies)

LOCATION: MOC Heating Plant

UNIT: CSEA, OSU

CLASS: Competitive

SALARY: $56,506. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

DATE VACATED: 4/24/2025 and 11/5/2025

DATE POSTED: 06/11/2026

A Plant Utilities Engineer 1 is responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of the University's Central Heating Plant, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In this role, the incumbent ensures the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of plant systems and equipment supporting campus facilities. Responsibilities include the operation, maintenance, monitoring, and repair of a wide range of mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Operating, maintaining, and repairing steam and hot water boilers, water supply and return systems, electronic and pneumatic combustion and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control systems.
• Operating forced or induced draft fan systems, chiller systems, and other refrigeration equipment.
• Operating computers that control boiler operations, auxiliary equipment, and HVAC systems.
• Conducting boiler, HVAC, and water systems testing, analyzing results, and adding chemicals to maintain proper system functions.
• Balancing air distribution systems and maintaining proper air temperature, humidity, freshness, and flow quality.
• Cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining boilers by performing chemical cleaning of equipment, repairing brickwork, replacing tubes, and maintaining combustion and emissions systems.
• Performing chiller maintenance, including cleaning condenser tubes and evaporators, and maintaining and repairing pumps, air compressors, steam systems, cooling towers, motors, and variable frequency drives.
• Performing maintenance and repair on various water and sewage pumping, filtration, and treatment equipment.
• Cleaning, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems and equipment; calibrating controls; performing air testing and chemical treatment; and replacing air filters.
• Responding to mechanical, electrical, or plumbing calls; troubleshooting and coordinating necessary repairs.
• Maintaining computerized energy management systems; troubleshooting problems; and identifying and replacing faulty equipment and devices.
• Identifying, recommending, and assisting in developing energy conservation projects and initiatives.
• Handling various types of hazardous materials and responding to incidents with potential environmental or safety impacts (e.g., chemical spills, oil spills, blowouts); implementing evacuation plans in emergency situations.
• Maintaining right-to-know libraries, responding to inquiries, assessing problems, and providing guidance related to incidents.
• Operating electrical distribution systems and related equipment, including generators, transformers, switchgear, and emergency power systems.
• Supervising subordinate staff, including Plant Utilities Assistants, Facility Operations Assistants, contractors, and other trades staff.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Competitive: The successful candidate must be reachable on the full-time, permanent Civil Service list for Plant Utilities Engineer 1, have held the permanent title of Plant Utilities Engineer 1 in the past or be eligible to transfer into the title.

OR

Non-Competitive NY HELPS Qualifications: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, candidates must meet the non-competitive minimum qualifications for this position (detailed list of 12 qualification paths provided in original text).

Additional Information: These are full-time positions. One position is contingent permanent, and the other is permanent. You will start out on first shift during your training (7:00 AM - 3:00 PM) and will move to second shift (3:00 PM - 11:00 PM) once training is complete. These positions involve shift work, which includes nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays (overnight shift: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM). The application deadline is June 22, 2026.