Department: Facilities

Classification: Utility Plant Specialist 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax

Telework Friendly: No

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

About the Department:

George Mason University Facilities ensures a quality physical environment supporting the mission of the university. We will be the technical and business experts of choice with the total trust and confidence of our students, faculty and staff.

About the Position:

Under the supervision of the Power Plant Operator Shift Supervisor, oversees the operation of the Central Heating and Cooling Plant (CHCP) and all satellite plants during the designated shift to ensure smooth operation and provide a service to the George Mason University community to where there is some feeling of security in the event of malfunction.

Responsibilities:

Day to Day Plant Operation:

• Assist Plant Operators II and III, and the Shift Supervisor on duty with the operation of boilers and/or high temperature hot water generators using natural gas or #2 diesel as a fuel;
• Assist Plant Operators II and III, and the Shift Supervisor in the operation of central refrigeration system, including condenser and chilled water systems, cooling tower operation and various pumping systems; and
• Assist Plant Operators II and III, and the Shift Supervisor in the operation of various systems, such as fuel systems, feedwater, controls systems, pumping and expansion tank systems, troubleshooting and correcting problems with boilers, chiller and other heat/cool related equipment.

Daily Plant Monitoring and Preventive Maintenance:

• Monitor gauges and meters in boilers and other related equipment during assigned shifts and initiates immediate action on case of malfunctions or breakdowns. Adheres to department procedures regarding safety standards;
• Check and record various temperatures, pressures, water levels, water and air flows;
• Perform preventive maintenance and fulfill all the needs of equipment to ensure peak performance;
• Read and record various in-plant meters and make calculations necessary for plant efficiency reports;
• Assist in the collection of various operating and maintenance records;
• Assist in the operation of various chemical feed systems, including making various chemical tests; and
• Clean all CHCP boilers once yearly to ensure peak performance.

Chemical Treatment:

• Assist Plant Operators II and III in the operation of various chemical feed systems, including making various chemical tests in different locations; and
• Clean all CHCP boilers and chiller tubes and cooling tower once yearly to ensure peak performance.

Other Duties:

• Perform miscellaneous duties such as cleaning and painting the equipment and mechanical areas;
• Pick up materials from suppliers when requested. Inspects areas and reports problems to supervisor;
• Maintain paperwork and electronic communications, including work orders, including recording time;
• Order and include materials on work orders in an expedient manner;
• Follow established university and departmental policies and procedures; follow established safety procedures and reports accidents and problems to supervisor promptly;
• Perform assigned progressive on-the-job training tasks to develop skills in the Power Plant trade; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including snow removal during inclement weather events.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Experience in the operation of boilers, chillers and ancillary equipment;
• Working knowledge of the Principles of Combustion and Power Plant Operator I practices including operation of large industrial/commercial boilers and chillers; heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and air conditioning; manual and electrical tools and equipment;
• Some knowledge in the operation of boilers, chillers, and ancillary equipment;
• Basic skills operating mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment;
• Skill in Microsoft Office software including Excel to develop spreadsheets;
• Demonstrated ability to make repairs and maintain a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment, read and interpret gauges, record, and monitoring equipment, perform required chemical tests, perform record keeping tasks, quickly react and make plant operation decisions;
• Ability to read, write, and perform mathematical calculations; and
• Valid Driver's License; Valid driver's license: must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator's license that meets all of GMU's requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason's Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver's licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected with employment contingent upon a favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One or more years of experience in the operation of boilers, chillers and ancillary equipment;
• Low pressure and high-pressure boiler certification; and
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Plant Operation Certification.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Power Plant Operator at https://jobs.gmu.edu/; complete and submit the online application; and provide a resume and a list of three professional references with contact information.

Posting Open Date: November 13, 2023

For Full Consideration, Apply by: November 30, 2023

Open Until Filled?: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

Campus Safety Information

Mason's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at http://police.gmu.edu/annual-security-report/