Utility Plant Operator 1 Pool

Utility Plant Operator 1 Pool

Currently accepting applications for a permanent, full-time, Utility Plant Operator 1 at the Bloomsburg campus. Apply by June 15, 2026. This is a pool advertisement and will be utilized for positions that arise within the department for this classification. Applicants in this pool may be considered for any permanent, temporary, full-time or part-time vacancies. Shift assignments may vary. Finalists for this position must communicate well and successfully complete an interview process. Completing this search is contingent upon available funding.

Posting Number - S377

Working Title - Utility Plant Operator 1 Pool

Department - Non-Tech Trades BL

Home Campus - Bloomsburg or Mansfield

State - Pennsylvania

Bargaining Unit - AFSCME - Agreement

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, 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. Specific benefits may vary based upon university, employee group and/or collective bargaining unit. Visit for additional information regarding benefits. To be eligible for most benefits, you must be a permanent, full-time employee (including temporary, full-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) or a permanent, part-time employee (including temporary, part-time faculty with at least an academic year contract) who is scheduled to work every pay period for at least 50% of full-time hours.

Position Purpose - Commonwealth University of PA seeks a pool of applications for Utility Plant Operator 1 positions that may arise at the Bloomsburg OR Mansfield campus. This is semi-skilled work in the operation of boilers, chillers, and related plant equipment. An employee in this job operates boilers, chillers, and related plant equipment that generate or receive steam, hot water, chilled water, or electricity. Work involves monitoring plant operations and adjusting systems to ensure proper functioning, keeping safe water levels, and maintaining prescribed steam pressure or water temperature. Work includes making adjustments and repairs to boilers, chillers, and related equipment; maintaining system pipelines; operating engines or motors used to drive fans and related equipment; and documenting and maintaining data regarding plant operations. Work may also include assisting in the operation of electric generation equipment. Employees may function as lead workers by assigning and demonstrating operational and maintenance tasks to lower-level staff assigned to the utility plant. Supervision is received from a Utility Plant Supervisor or other technical supervisor who reviews work performance for compliance with instructions, procedures, and safe operations. This position is considered an essential personnel position.

Description of Duties - 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. Collects samples and adds chemicals to the system as directed. Performs air and hydronic balancing to ensure correct system distribution of water. Fires boilers, removes ashes, blows down boilers, cleans flues, and lubricates equipment according to prescribed schedule. Records data on plant operations, equipment maintenance, and meter and gauge readings, and reports required information to supervisor. 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.

Minimum Requirements Profile - 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 Any equivalent combination of experience and training that affords the applicant with the required knowledges, skills, and abilities. A current valid Pennsylvania driver's license is required.

Preferred Qualifications - One year as Utility Plant Helper, OR One year of experience in cleaning and assisting in the operation, maintenance and repair of industrial, commercial or institutional boiler plant systems and related equipment, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

Applicant Rating Criteria - Demonstrated mechanical background/experience and experience performing mechanical repairs. Experience operating industrial boilers and high-pressure steam systems. Demonstrated ability to maintain related records in an industrial setting. Demonstrated ability to work in confined spaces and at heights with personal protective equipment in place. Demonstrated ability to perform boiler water testing and treatment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities - Knowledge of the operation of utility plant systems and related equipment. Knowledge of utility plant hazards and safety procedures. Ability to communicate effectively orally. Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Essential Functions - Sitting- 60%; walking- 20%; standing- 20% Working indoors- 95% and Outdoors (for errands) -5% Frequent lifting of objects weighing less than 5 pounds. Occasional lifting of objects weighing 75 pounds or more. Reaching for objects at, above and below shoulders. Occasional twisting at waist, and stretching to reach objects. Basic math skills and reading skills including understanding written documents. Writing skills in preparing and organizing documents. Sensory skills, i.e. visual, hearing and speaking. Keyboard skills.

Open Date mm-dd-yyyy - 05/13/2026

Close Date mm-dd-yyyy - 12/31/2026

Open Until Filled - No

Special Instructions to Applicants - Currently accepting applications for a permanent, full-time, Utility Plant Operator 1 at the Bloomsburg campus. Apply by June 15, 2026. This is a pool advertisement and will be utilized for positions that arise within the department for this classification. Applicants in this pool may be considered for any permanent, temporary, full-time or part-time vacancies. Shift assignments may vary. 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 and inclusion enriches our campus community and is instrumental to our institutional success. Commonwealth University strives to cultivate a campus climate that allows all members to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion as we achieve success both in and out of the classroom, in our work responsibilities, and in our professional lives beyond Commonwealth University. We uphold our commitment to DEI by: Actively supporting and promoting the intellectual and personal growth of our students, inside and outside of the classroom. Providing workshops, trainings, programs designed to broaden the knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion within our campus community. Ensuring that all learning and living environments throughout our campus are welcoming and capable of serving all individuals.

Title IX/Clery - The University prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital or family status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability in any decision regarding admissions, employment, or participation in a University program or activity in accordance with the letter and spirit of federal, state, and local non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, such as Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and ADA Amendments Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. The University also complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crimes Statistics Act, as amended by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Title IX prohibits retaliation for asserting or otherwise participating in claims of sex discrimination. VAWA imposes additional duties on universities and colleges to investigate and

Commonwealth University-Mansfield