Boiler Operator WTP Tech or Trainee

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Facilities and Campus Services department is committed to providing the highest quality service to faculty, students, staff, alumni and visitors. With more than 260 major buildings on the Ithaca campus, approximately 1,000 highly talented and dedicated staff serve as stewards of campus resources and operations. The Energy and Sustainability Utilities department operates the University energy infrastructure system on a continuous, 24 hour per day basis. Production facilities include a combined heat and power facility which provides steam and electricity to heat and power campus; a potable water filtration plant which provides all water for campus; a hydroelectric plant; two chilled water plants to provide campus cooling; and a university owned electric substation connected to the local utility. The Utilities department manages and maintains all distribution systems on campus, including steam, chilled water, electricity, potable water and wastewater, and administers energy management programs for campus buildings. The Operations group within Utilities Production oversees the production of steam, chilled water, and electricity by operating the Central Energy Plant, Lake Source Cooling, Chilled Water Plant 3, and the Hydroelectric Plant. Appointment into a Grade 3 Trainee or Grade 5 Technician position is dependent upon the incumbent’s skills, education, and experience. Responsibilities for each role are listed below: While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent.
Three years previous experience operating relevant equipment and systems, including but not limited to: boilers, fuel feed systems, chillers, rotating equipment, water chemistry, chilled water, steam systems, hot water systems, or trades work.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.
Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Demonstrated ability to give and receive feedback, communicate honestly, listen, respect others, learn from mistakes, set high goals and achieve them, overcome obstacles, use time effectively, set priorities, and participate effectively on teams.
Highly motivated and exhibits innovation, good judgment, and reliability in the workplace.
Valid US driver’s license.
Demonstrated proficiency and knowledge of the skills necessary to perform minor maintenance activities. This includes use of such things as hand tools, wrenches, measurement devices, etc.
Demonstrated proficiency with basic computer skills such as typing, email, and database entry.
Previous experience operating relevant equipment and systems, including but not limited to: boilers, fuel feed systems, chillers, rotating equipment, water chemistry, chilled water, steam systems, hot water systems, or trades work.
Completion of Level 1 Boiler Operator qualifications.

Nice To Haves

Additional education: e.g., associate’s degree in technical field or equivalent experience preferred.
Previous experience as an operator in an industrial setting.
Previous experience in maintenance of relevant equipment, such as boilers, pumps, air compressors, chillers, etc.
Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting and problem solving.
Previous experience performing shift work.
Additional education or certifications: e.g., associate’s degree in technical field or equivalent experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the Senior Plant Operators in the operation of all Central Energy Plant facilities and infrastructure associated with the production of steam, chilled water, and electricity for the Cornell campus.
Work closely with Boiler Operators and Senior Plant Operators to learn to operate all boilers, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG’s), and associated auxiliary equipment to continually keep the boilers/HRSG’s operating in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner.
Work with the Boiler Operator and Senior Plant Operator to start and shut down boilers/HRSG’s as needed, maintain fuel feed to boilers/HRSG’s, operate the chilled water system, test and maintain water chemistry, dose chemicals, regularly check auxiliaries, etc.
Employees hired into the trainee position are expected to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to move to the next level, Boiler Operator WTP Technician, Grade 5, through completion of the Boiler Operator Level 1 training program.
Promotion from Grade 3 to Grade 5 occurs once the Boiler Operator Trainee is fully trained and competent to stand shift on their own.
Independently operate all boilers, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG’s), turbines, emergency generators, and associated auxiliary equipment to continually keep the boilers/HRSG’s operating in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner.
Work with the Sr. Plant Operator to start and shut down the boilers/HRSG’s as needed, maintain fuel feeds to boilers/HRSG’s, operate the chilled water system, test and maintain water chemistry, dose chemicals, regularly check auxiliaries, etc.
Fill out daily log sheets, assist with locking out equipment, review standard operating procedures and drawings, help train operators at lower grades, and maintain plant cleanliness.
Grade 5 Boiler Operators are expected to work toward completion of the Central Energy Plant’s Senior Boiler Operator qualification program (level 2 qualifications) and maintain established proficiency in accordance with standards set by the Operations Manager.
Provide coverage for other shifts, as required, to always ensure proper staffing.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Health and personal leave
Three weeks of vacation
13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program