Steam Fireman II

Job no: 525727
Work type: Staff Full Time
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Utility Power Plant
Union: AFSCME
Categories: Facilities/Grounds, Skilled Labor

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The person holding this position will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Central Heating Plant equipment and systems and assists with maintenance tasks assigned.

Essential Functions

• Performs Central Heating Plant shift operations, under the functional supervision of the Lead Operator, including startup and shutdown of equipment assuring that electrical and steam generation is maintained in a safe and reliable manner.
• Complies with all site safety requirements and procedures.
• Maintains shift operating logs and records.
• Performs basic electrical and mechanical inspections, troubleshooting, minor repairs, and maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Performs routine chemical testing.
• Reads and records gauges and meters.
• Opens and closes valves and adjusts controls to regulate flows of operating fluids.
• Responsible for the safe receiving, handling, and storage of ammonia water treatment chemicals, fuel oil and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
• Cleans, maintains, and/or lubricates power plant and related auxiliary equipment.
• Maintains cleanliness of work areas.
• Assists in developing standard procedures for operations and maintenance.
• Understand and utilize the Central Heating Plant computerized maintenance management system.
• Utilize safe working habits, identifies hazards and takes corrective actions.
• Understands, is committed to, and supports affirmative actions and non-discrimination goals.
• Performs all duties necessary to fulfill Central Heating Plant requirements.
• Perform routine rounds of the Reverse Osmosis (RO) Trailer.
• Operates motor vehicles to travel to work sites.

Other Functions

Performs other duties and work tasks as assigned by the Lead Operator and/or Maintenance Manager.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Possession of a First-Class Stationary Fireman’s license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety pursuant to Chapter 146 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
• Possession of a valid class D driver’s license.
• Ability to read and write effectively in English and to do basic mathematics.
• Knowledge of power plant mechanical and electrical equipment, including motors, pumps, turbine generators, boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, cooling towers, pollution control equipment, AC and DC electrical distribution and control systems, etc., and associated maintenance functions.
• Knowledge of power plant safety policies and procedures, especially in the areas of high-energy systems, chemical handling, heavy equipment, rotating machinery, confined spaces, fire suppression, and first aid.
• Ability to gain thorough knowledge of chemistry and learn power plant chemical applications.
• Knowledge of and experience in at least four (4) of the following skills: pipefitting, welding, machining, rigging, rotating machine repair, fabrication, machine alignment, basic vibration, and using electrical test equipment.
• Ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with power plants.
• Ability to use basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, and basic rigging equipment such as winches, hoists, and slugs.
• Ability to locate, trouble-shoot, and adjust defects in mechanical equipment and/or maintain, install, modify, and trouble-shoot plant electrical systems and equipment (even while on-line) without “tripping” equipment with supervision, if necessary.
• Ability to operate and maintain various analytical and test equipment.
• Ability to comprehend and apply technical information, including mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• General knowledge of computerized maintenance management systems.
• Must be able to use ladders and industrial trucks, and physically fit to perform heavy work and be certified to wear a respirator.
• Possession of a Grade 2-1 full active or higher Certificate of Competency issued by the Massachusetts Board of Certifications of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities pursuant to the Code of Massachusetts Regulations 257 CMR 2.00. Individual must obtain this qualification within the first year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience with gas turbine operations.
• High School Diploma.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Must be able to use ladders and industrial trucks, and physically fit to perform heavy work and be certified to wear a respirator.
• Will be exposed to inherent power plant conditions.
• Requires the ability to balance, carry, push, pull, stand, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist, lift, and perform repetitive movements.

Work Schedule

• 40 hours per week.
• Must work rotating shifts, including weekends.
• This position is designated as essential.

Salary Information

Grade 17, special recruitment rate: step 6.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Nov 29 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Feb 28 2025 Eastern Standard Time