Utility Plant Operator 1 or 2 (2 Positions Available)

Two (2) positions available. For full consideration, applications must be received by June 14, 2026. Finalists for this position must communicate well and successfully complete an interview process. Completing this search is contingent upon available funding.

Posting Number - S373

Classification Title - Utility Plant Operator 1 or 2 (2 Positions Available)

Working Title - Utility Plant Operator 1 or 2 (2 Positions Available)

Department - Tech Trades - MA

Home Campus - Mansfield

City - Mansfield

State - Pennsylvania

Zip Code - 16933

Bargaining Unit - AFSCME - Agreement

Work Location - Home Campus

Position Type - Staff

Temporary/ Permanent - Permanent

Full-time/ Part-time - Full-Time

Benefits - The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education provides a comprehensive package of employer benefits to eligible employees and their enrolled dependent(s), which include: medical and prescription drug benefits. Generous retirement plans, two options: Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP) State Employees' Retirement System (SERS) Tuition benefits for employees and dependents. Paid time off. Employer-paid dental and vision benefits. Employer-paid life insurance. Voluntary insurances and additional retirement programs.

Start Time - Varies

End Time - Varies

Hours Per Week - 40 hours per week (only for select POA, SPFPA, AFSCME and OPEIU positions)

Days Worked (Check all that apply) - Sun, Mon, Tues, Sat, Thurs

Salary - UPO1-$18.46/per hour, UPO2-$20.80/per hour, in accordance with the AFSCME CBA

Anticipated Start Date - ASAP

Anticipated End Date - N/A

Position Summary Information

Position Purpose - The home campus for these positions is Mansfield. The work schedule for this position is: Monday 16:00-24:00 Tuesday 16:00-24:00 Wednesday Off Thursday 0:00-08:00 Friday Off Saturday 08:00-16:00 Sunday 08:00-16:00

Utility Plant Operator 1: This is semi-skilled work in the operation of boilers and related equipment at a state operated facility. This position is considered an essential personnel position. An employee in this job operates boilers and maintains proper steam pressure and water levels in a generating plant, or assists in the operation of electric generation equipment. Work involves keeping records of steam production and fuel consumption; making minor adjustments and repairs to boilers and equipment; monitoring boiler plant systems and reporting potential problems; and operating small steam engines of low horsepower used to drive fans and related equipment in a boiler plant. Work may involve functioning as a lead worker for Laborers or Utility Plant Helpers in the performance of unskilled manual tasks in a boiler plant. An employee in this job may receive direction from a Utility Plant Operator 2 and is supervised by a Utility Plant Supervisor or other technical supervisor who reviews work performance for compliance with instructions, procedures, and safe operations.

Utility Plant Operator 2: Responsible for a rotating eight-hour shift during the heating season. Incumbent performs skilled mechanical and/or lead work in the operation of boilers and auxiliary equipment and maintains proper steam pressure and water levels in a generating plant. Perform related work as required. This position is considered an essential personnel position.

Description of Duties - Utility Plant Operator 1: Lubricates pumps and checks water levels and steam pressure to assure safe and constant steam. Regenerates water softener and adds chemicals to water as directed. Fires boilers, removes ashes, blows down boilers, cleans flues, and lubricates equipment according to prescribed schedule. Reads meters, cleans equipment, and performs preventive maintenance according to prescribed procedures. Assists a skilled worker in the maintenance and repair of plant equipment. Cleans boilers and generating rooms. Assist in weld shop as needed. Operates steam or electric motor driven fans, pumps, and other related equipment. Distributes and interprets work assignments, provides assistance, conducts on-the job training, and reviews work for adherence to standards for Utility Plant Helpers and Laborers. Performs related work as required.

Utility Plant Operator 2: Operates, maintains, and repairs steam or steam/electric generating boilers and auxiliary equipment in accordance with established policies and procedures. Distributes and interprets work assignments, provides assistance, demonstrates proper work methods, and reviews work of lower-level utility plant staff for adherence to standards. Reads gauges and meters and other indicators used to monitor boiler plant systems and takes needed action to prevent potential problems. Makes adjustments and repairs to boilers, pumps, and auxiliary equipment. Packs pumps, valves, and fittings. Tests water for softness and balance and adds chemicals. Keeps records of steam and electricity produced and fuel consumed on an assigned shift. Communicates critical operating information to utility plant staff on the following shift. Performs preventive maintenance and cleans the utility plant equipment and areas in accordance with procedures. Conducts safety tests and verifies operation of safety devices. Recommends changes in utility plant operating procedures to increase operating efficiency. Operates steam or electric motor driven fans, pumps, and other related equipment. Assist in the weld shop as needed. Performs related work as required.

Minimum Requirements Profile - Utility Plant Operator 1 Minimum Requirements: Six months of experience as a Utility Plant Helper; OR Six months of unskilled work experience assisting in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment, electronic equipment, electrical systems, heavy machinery, motors, engines, drives or hydraulic systems; OR An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Utility Plant Operator 2 Minimum Requirements: One year as a Utility Plant Operator 1; OR One year of semi-skilled work experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment; OR An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes six months of semi-skilled work experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment. A valid driver's license is required. Necessary Special Requirement: Must be physically able to wear a full-face respirator for certain duties. Determination of ability to meet this requirement is determined by an approved occupational physician.

Preferred Qualifications

Applicant Rating Criteria

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities - Utility Plant Operator 1 and 2: Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of boiler plant systems and related equipment. Knowledge of boiler plant occupational hazards and safety procedures. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to communicate effectively orally. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Essential Functions - 1. Sitting – 30%; walking, – 40%; standing – 30% 2. Working indoors – 95% and Outdoors (for errands) – 5% 3. Frequent lifting of objects weighing less than 5 pounds 4. Occasional lifting of objects weighing 75 pounds 5. Reaching for objects at, above and below shoulder 6. Occasionally twisting at waist, and stretching to reach objects 7. Basic math skills and reading skills including understanding written documents 8. Writing skills in preparing and organizing documents 9. Sensory skills, i.e. visual, hearing, and speaking

Posting Detail Information

Open Date mm-dd-yyyy - 05/04/2026

Close Date mm-dd-yyyy

Open Until Filled - No

Special Instructions to Applicants - For full consideration, applications must be received by June 14, 2026. Two (2) positions available. Finalists for this position must communicate well and successfully complete an interview process. Completing this search is contingent upon available funding.

Background Clearances - Offers of employment are conditional, pending successful completion of the background clearances mandated by Act 153 of 2014 and Board of Governors Policy 2014-01-A: Protection of Minors. In order to qualify for a provisional appointment, the Applicant Acknowledgement Consent Form, Provisional Hire Form, Pennsylvania State Police and Justifacts portion of the clearance process must be successfully completed prior to your start date. The remaining PA Child Abuse History Clearance and FBI Clearance must be successfully completed and returned as soon as possible within the first 90 days of employment.

Diversity Statement - At Commonwealth University we recognize our responsibility to continuously support a living, learning, and working environment that values the diverse contributions from all members of our campus community. Our commitment to diversity, equity