Plant Utilities Assistant

Job Opportunities at Buffalo State University Buffalo State is seeking qualified candidates for a Plant Utilities Assistant. This position supports operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment that provides heat, hot water, ventilation, air conditioning, and electrical distribution. The role is managed under the supervision of a Plant Utilities Engineer 1 or higher-level plant utilities position. Posting and Department Information Posting Date: 06/13/2026 Department: Facilities Office Line Number: TBD Rank/Grade: SG-9 FTE: Full-Time FLSA: Non-Exempt Negotiating Unit: CSEA Appointment Type: Not specified Jurisdictional Class: n/a Shift Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 3:00pm-11:00pm; Saturday – Wednesday 11:00pm-7:00am. Overtime, holidays, and non-scheduled days may be required. Hours and shifts vary based on operational needs. Notes: This position has the designation of Essential-Critical Service. The university also notes that there are two vacancies available. Overview As a Plant Utilities Assistant, you would assist in the operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment providing heat, hot water, ventilation, air conditioning, and electrical distribution in a safe and efficient manner. Under supervision, you will perform semiskilled tasks and may supervise Plant Utilities Helpers in routine manual labor. Experienced incumbents may perform activities at the full performance level of a Plant Utilities Engineer 1. Responsibilities Monitor equipment consoles, read and follow readings, analyze trouble signals, and adjust controls as needed. Read and record gas, steam, and water meter readings; complete incident and quality assurance reports; advise supervisor when repairs are needed. Receive and distribute fuel supplies for program locations. Perform preventive maintenance on heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems; treat water for systems as directed; clean strainers and condenser coils; maintain steam traps; change filters; check and charge refrigerant levels as required. Perform minor repairs and assist Plant Utilities Engineers with boiler and equipment maintenance. Perform supervised plumbing, electrical, and refrigeration work; install piping, re-pack pumps and valves; assist in alarm and signal system repair and energy management systems operation. Respond during assigned night shifts, weekends, or holidays to mechanical, electrical, or plumbing breakdowns; troubleshoot and perform repairs or escalate as needed. Provide instructions to Plant Utilities Helpers and Maintenance Helpers on routine jobs and inspections. Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of NY HELPS, it may be filled via a non-competitive appointment with minimum qualifications as stated below. At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), non-competitive status is expected to convert to competitive status. NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (NY HELPS): On or before the filing date, one of the following qualifications: 1. An associate’s degree in HVAC; or 2. Enlisted machinery technician (MK) with the U.S. Coast Guard or possession of a Marine Engineer certificate; or 3. Enlisted power generation equipment repairer with the U.S. Army; or 4. Enlisted gas turbine systems technician, submarine nuclear propulsion plant operator, utilities man, machinist mate, or engineman with the U.S. Navy; or 5. Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) and qualified as an engine department member (QMED) in appropriate roles with the U.S. Merchant Marine; or 6. Completion of a NYS DOL-registered apprenticeship in stationary engineering, plant maintenance, HVAC, or related fields; or 7. High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer License or Stationary Engineer License; or 8. Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Marine Engineering; or 9. Graduate of heating, HVAC, ventilation, and refrigeration programs from the U.S. Air Force; or 10. One year of full-time hands-on experience maintaining and operating HVAC systems or boilers; or 11. One year of full-time hands-on experience in a residential setting with HVAC/boiler experience; or 12. Completion of an HVAC certificate or diploma from a BOCES program or equivalent accredited technical program. Note: Certification programs must be accredited by the ACCSC or recognized by BPSS. See notes for additional information and links. COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (NON-NY HELPS): Candidates must meet one of the following: reachable score on the Plant Utilities Assistant Exam List; current NYS employee with 1 year of service as Plant Utilities Assistant or eligible transfer; or former NYS employee eligible for reinstatement. Note: Visa Sponsorship is not available. Preferred Qualifications Application Deadlines Application Deadline Date: 06/25/2026 Open Until Filled: No Special Instructions to Applicant To be appointed competitively, applicants must complete the NYS Department of Civil Service Exam Application for a Plant Utilities Assistant. Please download the Civil Service Exam Application, complete it by hand, and upload the completed application. Incomplete applications cannot be considered. EEO and Compliance Buffalo State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status. Violations should be reported to the Equity and Diversity Office. Buffalo State is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. Questions can be directed to staff listed in the posting. Applicants can access the Annual Security Report (ASR) for SUNY Buffalo State; the ASR includes campus security policies and crime statistics. Hard copies can be requested from the University Police Department. Responsible Employment Statements New York State Executive Order 161 prohibits state entities from asking for current or prior compensation until a conditional offer of employment is extended. For inquiries, contact the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations. Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). * How did you hear about this employment opportunity? Buffalo State website Buffalo News Buffalo Rocket Challenger Chronicle of Higher Education HigherEdJobs Panorama Hispano News Employee Referral Other * All applicants are subject to a pre-employment background investigation. The college's policy is available online. To proceed, applicants must consent to a background check. * Please indicate for which shift you wish to be considered? (Open Ended Question) * Please describe in detail how your training and experience meets the required qualifications and department operating needs. (Open Ended Question) Documents Needed to Apply Required Documents Resume / Curriculum Vitae Names and Contact Information for 3 Professional References Optional Documents Cover Letter Civil Service Exam Application #J-18808-Ljbffr