Boiler Room Operator – Powerhouse Technician - The Hill School
Pottstown, PA
About the Job
The Hill School Mission: The Hill School prepares young people from across the country and around the world for college, careers, and life. Within a family school environment and a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, we challenge our young people to work hard; think and reason; be fulfilled; serve the common good; and be prepared to lead as citizens of the world, uniquely guided by our motto, "Whatsoever Things Are True."
Position Summary:
Under the direct supervision of the Manager of Facilities Central Utility, operate and maintain the Hill School's automatically fired boilers to generate high pressure steam that supplies heat for both building and industrial purposes on campus. In addition, this position is responsible for operation, maintenance, and repair of the electric and natural gas-fired chiller plant. This position is 3rd shift from mid-October to mid-April and first shift the rest of the calendar year.
Responsibilities and Qualifications:
Primary focus of the Boiler Room Operator - Powerhouse Technician includes but are not limited to the following:
- Perform highly diversified duties to install, repair and maintain HVAC equipment and systems across campus.
- Provide emergency/unscheduled repairs of HVAC equipment during periods when equipment is not operating.
- Operate the campus' EMS System.
- Operate the campus electric and natural gas-fired chiller plant.
- Read and interpret equipment manuals to perform required maintenance and services.
- Diagnose problems, replace, or repair parts, test and make adjustments.
- Perform regular preventive maintenance on HVAC equipment and campus facilities related to heating and cooling.
- Maintain the campus heating and cooling operating software programs.
- Maintain the Powerhouse to ensure safety and a positive appearance, including painting of pipe works cleaning floors, etc.
- Detect faulty operations, defective material, and report those and any unusual situations to the Manager of Facilities Central Utility Services and/or Director of Facilities Services.
- Inspects and cleans Cleaver Brooks firetube boilers and replaces boiler gaskets, safety valves, regulators, automatic control mechanisms, water columns and auxiliary machines such as feedwater pumps, vacuum pump and condensate motors and burners as required to maintain boiler efficiency and safety.
- Observe pressure, temperatures, and draft meters on control panel to verify specified operation of automatic combustion control systems, feed water regulators and burners.
- Repairs and replaces steam traps as needed.
- Perform all other duties as assigned or needed.
Ideally, a candidate will possess at least 1-2 years of experience in an industrial setting with maintenance of heating and cooling systems; plumbing or mechanical repair experience required, electrical experience a plus. Candidates must also be able to use and navigate computer programs including web-based EMS systems, Google Sheets, etc., read basic wiring diagrams and instructional manuals in print or online and trouble shoot electrical issues in 24V, 120V, 208V, and 460V single and three phase services. The professional should possess knowledge of operation of de-aerating feeding water tanks, water softeners and de-alkalizes.
Lastly, this individual ought to be able to maintain organized records for usage of water, fuels, chemicals, etc. as required for record-keeping and must be highly motivated and able to work independently. Experience and demonstrated success working with diverse student communities is preferred, but not required. A high school diploma/GED and completion of craft apprenticeship, or an equivalent number of years of education and production maintenance experience is required.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands of the HVAC Technician - Powerhouse Technician include but are not limited to the following:
- Strength and dexterity are necessary to perform all essential tasks, including lifting up to 75 pounds, stooping, bending, reaching, kneeling, and working in uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time.
- Vision necessary to determine color differences.
- Wearing a respirator
- Working from ladders, scaffolds, and platforms up to 30 feet high.
- Working in extreme temperatures and under damp conditions.
- Exposure to electrical shock, hazardous, or explosive gases and toils, strong cleaning solvents, dust, poor lighting, excessive noise levels, moving machinery, using power equipment.
- Working with heavy and awkward equipment.
- Work is performed both inside and outside school buildings and may require working during unusual hours.
- Reasonable accommodation may be considered so long as the employee can perform the essential functions of the job.
Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. This position will work in both hot and cold environments. Although mainly indoors, tasks may need to be performed outdoors and even in small crawl spaces and from heights.
Attitude and Demeanor:
- Publicly support the mission and vision of The Hill School in a positive and professional manner.
- Work as a dynamic team member in a professional collaborative environment.
- Energetic and organized enough to thrive in an extremely fast-paced environment while collaborating with a growing team to produce great work.
- Ability to wear many hats, learn new things every day, and can switch from a variety of roles with ease and excitement.
- Communicate effectively with warmth, sensitivity, humor, and understanding as they deal with administrative colleagues, teachers, students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and program associates.
- Possess a "service attitude" - willingness to be flexible to meet the needs of the department and school.