Plant Utilities Engineer , Chilled Water Plant

Plant Utilities Engineer 1, Chilled Water Plant

Buffalo, NY, United States

As a Plant Utilities Engineer 1 at the University at Buffalo you will be responsible for operating and maintaining the chilled water plant’s steam, boilers, HVAC, refrigeration, and electrical systems. Key duties include:

• Operate steam and hot water boilers, including lighting off, firing, cleaning, and shutting down the system. Manage central and auxiliary computers that monitor, test, control, and operate boilers, auxiliary equipment, and HVAC systems.
• Run large central absorption, centrifugal, screw‑driven, and hermetic chiller systems and other refrigeration equipment. Start, regulate, and troubleshoot to maintain proper temperature. Operate auxiliary air‑conditioning equipment such as cooling towers, evaporative coolers, fan coils, vacuum pumps, purge chillers, and water‑cooled condensers.
• Operate HVAC systems to maintain proper environmental conditions, including hydronic, steam, and air‑handling distribution systems. Calibrate controls, balance air distribution, and maintain air temperature, humidity, fresh air, and airflow quality. Ensure proper operation of exhaust systems such as laboratory fume hoods and medical facility exhausts.
• Operate high and/or low‑voltage electrical distribution systems, generators, transformers, motor control centers, panel boards, emergency power and lighting distribution systems, motor‑generator sets, and UPS systems.

• Comprehensive benefits program prioritizing well‑being and success.
• Opportunity to be part of the University at Buffalo community.

University at Buffalo is an affirmative action equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applicants, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

• Graduate of a heating, HVAC, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration apprenticeship program from the U.S. Air Force.
• Enlisted machinery technician (MK) with the U.S. Coast Guard or certificate as a Marine Engineer issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Enlisted power generation equipment repairer with the U.S. Army.
• Enlisted gas turbine systems technician, submarine nuclear propulsion plant operator, reactor control, utilities man, machinist mate, or engineman with the U.S. Navy.
• Merchant Mariner's Document (MMD) holder, qualified member of the engine department (QMED) as an oiler, fireman/water tender, refrigerating engineer, or engineman with the U.S. Merchant Marine.
• 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).
• Possession of a High‑Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer License or Stationary Engineer License.
• A bachelor’s degree in Facilities Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Marine Engineering.
• An associate’s degree in HVAC.
• One year of full‑time hands‑on experience in maintenance and operation of commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities, including HVAC, boilers, or auxiliary equipment.
• One year of full‑time hands‑on experience in a residential setting performing diagnosis, operation, maintenance, or repair of HVAC systems or boilers.
• Completion of an HVAC certificate or diploma from a BOCES program (440 hours) or an approved certificate in HVAC, electrical, refrigeration, boiler operations, or plumbing from an accredited technical school.

• Current permanent appointment, minimum of 1 year of service in a position of the same or transferable title.
• Hold the same title at the University at Buffalo for reassignment eligibility.
• Former state employee able to request reinstatement to this title or a transferable title.

• Valid NYS driver’s license or other acceptable transportation capability.
• EPA Universal Certification.
• NYSDOH Backflow Testing Certification.
• NYSDEC Pesticide Certification.
• Fall Arrest training.
• Confined Space Training.
• OEM Boiler Certification.
• Lock‑out/Tag‑out training.
• OEM Chiller Certification.
• Cooling tower training.

Bending, twisting, lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing ladders, and accessing equipment on mezzanines, catwalks, basements, and crawlspaces. Work in confined spaces and/or where air monitoring may be required. Operate in loud, dusty, or dirty environments. Work with high‑pressure steam, high‑voltage electrical systems, and rotating equipment.

$56,506

Rotating shifts (overtime, work on holidays, and non‑scheduled days may be required).

Varies

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Full‑Time

All Campuses

Jason Sammarco
Plant Utilities Engineer 3
Email: jmsammar
Phone: 716‑881‑7503