Utility Plant Operator at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 524400

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Utilities Mechanical

Union: AFSCME

Categories: Facilities/Grounds, AFSCME A

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

Utility Plant Operator - Mechanical operates, maintains, and repairs the campus steam, condensate, water and sewer distribution systems and related equipment.

Essential Functions

• Tests, repairs, or replaces valves, fittings and pipe insulation associated with the steam distribution system.


• Makes standard types of water and sewer connections within manholes, vaults, and trenches.


• Installs and repairs underground steam, water storm drains and sewer lines using plans and drawings as required by normal assignment.


• Applies a thorough knowledge of standard practices involved with underground distribution systems their insulation systems and performs all work accordingly.


• Applies a complete knowledge of the layout and characteristics of the campus steam, water, reclaimed water, storm water, and steam distribution systems.


• Applies a thorough knowledge of the UMA lock out/tag out, confined space, trenching and shoring procedures, as well as the procedures and dangers involved with starting and isolating steam systems.


• Diagnoses and repairs trouble relating to normal assignment and performs unusual work where no standard methods or specific directions are available.


• Performs all type of valving and pressure boosting work.


• Arranges and lays out steam, water, and sewer installations in manholes and vaults.


• Makes standard types of pipe and insulation repairs in manholes, mechanical rooms, and vaults.


• Instructs and functionally supervises line personnel in lower classifications.


• Performs construction work in accordance with safe procedures and working from work orders and drawings.


• Locates, diagnoses, and repairs failures in steam, water, reclaimed water, storm water and sewer distribution systems.


• Performs necessary work required for service restoration under storm, cold and emergency conditions.


• Performs repairs and installation of steel pipe, fittings, and support systems using arc welding and gas welding techniques. Must be capable of welding with sufficient quality to obtain certification to UMA standards as established and tested via an impartial third party.


• Interprets maps, work orders, written directions, and utility diagrams.


• Applies a thorough knowledge and understanding of how to apply Steam, Water, reclaimed water and Storm water Construction Standards.


• Performs all types of rigging associated with the removal and installation of valves, fittings, piping, and related appurtenances.


• Utilizes various technologies to verify "Dig Safe" requests for planned excavations.


• Wears personal protective equipment as required, including respiratory protection, and work under potentially hazardous conditions


• Operates various departmental vehicles.


• Complies with all applicable University policies and guidelines.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

• Massachusetts Journeyman or Master Plumber/Pipefitter License.


• Valid Massachusetts D Driver's License.


• Minimum of three (3) years experience working on construction or maintenance of steam distribution utility systems.


• Ability to weld steel pipe and structural steel with sufficient quality to obtain a UMA PP Power welding certificate within one (1) year of entry into this position.


• The ability to:

Follow oral and written instruction, including the interpretation of plans, blueprints and drawings.

Stand for prolonged periods of time and to lift and carry heavy objects.

Work in dusty or confined spaces.

Establish and maintain harmonious working relationship with others.

Work overtime on an as needed basis.

• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of underground steam, water, reclaimed water, storm water and sewer distribution systems such as steam piping and the related expansion properties of steam pipes, insulation systems and valving.


• Considerable knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions peculiar to working in underground vaults containing live steam lines or sewer piping.


• Considerable knowledge of the Massachusetts Plumbing Code.


• Skill in working with the tools and equipment used in the underground utility trade such as confined space equipment, hoisting equipment, trenching, and shoring.


• Ability to work from drawings and diagrams and from oral and written instructions.


• Ability to detect and locate causes of failures and breakdowns of equipment and sufficient knowledge to isolate failed systems,


• Ability to install, maintain and repair steam, water, sewer, reclaimed water, storm water distribution piping systems and related equipment.


• Ability to make job/work decisions.


• Ability to climb, work in underground tunnels and vaults, work in confined spaces along with heavy lifting and other strenuous activities.


• Previous experience working with underground steam distribution systems.


• Experience installing, repairing and troubleshooting valves, steam traps, pressure regulators, condensate receivers, and other devices typically installed in steam systems.


• Must be willing to work with outside contractors under varying weather conditions.


• Must acquire a Massachusetts Water Distribution Grade 2 License within the current time limit established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.


• Must acquire a Massachusetts Combination Certified Backflow Prevention Device Tester/Certified Cross Connection Surveyor certification within one (1) year of entry into this position.

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

Construction Supervisor license.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Work is physically demanding and is done under varied weather conditions. Must be able to climb; work in underground tunnels and vaults; work in confined spaces; do heavy lifting and other strenuous activities.


• Requires the ability to balance, carry, pull, push, stand, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist, lift, and perform repetitive movements.

Additional Details

This position is designated as on call and essential personnel.

Work Schedule

• M-F; 7am-3pm.


• 40 hours per week.

Salary Information

Grade 18, 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: Aug 29 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Nov 29 2024 Eastern Standard Time

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