Plant Utilities Assistant, Chilled Water Plant NY HELPS

Plant Utilities Assistant, Chilled Water Plant - (NY HELPS)

Position Title:

Plant Utilities Assistant, Chilled Water Plant - (NY HELPS)

Facilities Campus Operations at The University at Buffalo is seeking a candidate to fill the role of Plant Utilities Assistant.

• Routine Maintenance and Inspections
  • Conduct daily or scheduled checks on equipment like boilers, chillers, pumps, and air handlers.
  • Perform basic cleaning, lubrication, and filter replacement on utility equipment.
  • Identify minor leaks, worn parts, or abnormal readings and report issues to senior staff.
• System Monitoring
  • Monitor gauges, meters, and digital control systems to track equipment performance.
  • Record pressure, temperature, and flow rates for HVAC, steam, water, and energy systems.
  • Log equipment operation data and assist in analyzing trends to identify inefficiencies.
• Operational Assistance
  • Support technicians in operating steam boilers, chillers, cooling towers, or water treatment systems.
  • Assist with startup, shutdown, and system changeovers under supervision.
  • Monitor fuel levels, water supply, and other consumables critical to plant operation.
• Preventive and Corrective Support
  • Replace or clean components such as belts, motors, gaskets, and valves.
  • Assist with minor repairs of utility equipment, including tightening fittings, replacing small piping, or correcting blockages.
  • Maintain equipment cleanliness to reduce dust buildup or obstructions.
• Safety and Compliance Support
  • Check and maintain safety equipment like valves, alarms, and sensors.
  • Perform basic water treatment monitoring (e.g., pH, conductivity) to ensure safe water systems.
• Documentation and Reporting
  • Record operational data for reports (pressure, temperature, energy usage).
  • Report findings, issues, and maintenance needs to supervisors.
  • Assist with inventory management of spare parts and tools.

• Heating Systems
  • Boilers (steam and hot water):
    Monitoring pressure, temperature, fuel supply, and basic cleaning.
  • Heat exchangers
    :
    Assisting with inspection and minor maintenance.
  • Piping and valves
    :
    Checking for leaks, corrosion, and blockages.
• Cooling Systems
  • Chillers (water‑cooled and air‑cooled):
    Supporting basic operation, cleaning condensers, and monitoring refrigerant systems.
  • Cooling towers
    :
    Cleaning debris, inspecting water quality, and monitoring pumps.
• Water Systems
  • Pumps and motors
    :
    Inspecting for leaks, vibrations, and efficiency issues.
  • Water treatment systems
    :
    Monitoring pH, chemical feeds, and water softeners.
  • Piping networks
    :
    Assisting in minor repairs of water distribution systems.
• General Tools and Equipment
  • Hand tools
    :
    Wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and other basic tools for minor maintenance.
  • Power tools
    :
    Drills, grinders, and saws for light repair work.
  • Meters and testing tools
    :
    Pressure gauges, multimeters, thermometers, and flow meters.
  • Ladders and lifts
    :
    For accessing higher equipment, ducts, or HVAC units.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
    Gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, and respirators.

• Graduate of heating, HVAC, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration apprenticeship program from the U.S. Air Force.
• Must have been an enlisted machinery technician (MK) with the U.S. Coast Guard OR possess a certificate as a Marine Engineer issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Must have been an enlisted power generation equipment repairer with the U.S. Army.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• Possession of a High‑Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer License or Stationary Engineer License.
• A bachelor’s degree in Facilities Engineering, Mechanical Engineering,…