Get to Know American University
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Our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff represent every state and more than 150 countries. Our internationally recognized faculty are today’s thought leaders in the areas of public policy, law, the arts, communications, international development, and more. Our staff are innovative, service-oriented, and dedicated to moving the university towards achieving its strategic goals. We are committed to an excellent experience for all of our students, faculty and staff and share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work.
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Summary/Objective
The Operating Engineer, under the direction of the Assistant Chief and Lead Operating Engineers, works interdependently to resolve facility issues and customer concerns. Provides support in the operation, maintenance, and repair activities associated with the University’s utility systems. Supports the resolution of after-hours and weekend requests. May be required to handle the responsibilities of other Operating Engineers or Assistant Operating Engineers in their absence. Coordinates and reviews the work of others, and trains and mentors new staff members and others as appropriate.
Essential Functions
- Participates in the operation, maintenance (preventative and predictive), trouble shooting, and repair of campus thermal systems (including but not limited to steam, chilled water, and heating water), related plant equipment, water treatment systems (including but not limited to natatorium systems, boiler systems, and chiller systems) as well as maintenance and repair of domestic water & sewer campus distribution systems, and campus gas utility distribution systems to assure the fitness for use and reliability of our buildings, systems and equipment.
- Maintains records pertaining to the inspection, operation, maintenance and repair of campus utilities systems, and related plant equipment to build a database from which historical data can be used to optimize scheduling and repair of critical components of the heating and cooling systems.
- Performs inspections of campus utilities systems, and related plant equipment tests to ensure that boiler and chiller water chemistry is within acceptable limits and maintains proper chemical water treatment through the knowledge and application of approved training provided by the chemical distributor.
- Supports in the resolution of afterhours and weekend request received though the customer response center line (2Fix).
- Completes approved training and performance requirements to meet department goals as well as regulatory requirements. Maintains an IDP (Individual Development Plan). Ensures all items are documented in the LMS (Learning Management System).
Work Environment
- The position will perform job duties in confined spaces and be exposed to extreme temperatures. This is a physically demanding position which requires strenuous physical exertion such as frequent or constant lifting, pushing, and/or pulling of heavy objects to perform essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
- Full-Time.
- Non-Exempt
- Sr. Coordinator/Analyst A
- Evening and weekend work is required. This position will be required to work multiple shifts. Current shift schedules are (7AM to 3PM, 3PM to 11PM, 11PM to 7AM). This is a relief position, 24/7 coverage.
- The incumbent will be required to work a second consecutive shift should their relief fail to arrive for the next shift. The incumbent is required to work unscheduled shifts as needed.
Salary Range
- $38/hour, Commensurate with experience.
Required Education and Experience
- 1-3 years of relevant experience working in:
- A plant having high pressure steam boilers not to exceed four hundred (400) horsepower or a combination of high- pressure boilers and heating boilers or refrigeration equipment, not to exceed a total of four hundred (400) horsepower;
- A heating plant having low pressure steam boilers with a pump return and refrigeration equipment, with no limitation on total capacity; or
- A heating plant having hot water boilers and refrigeration equipment, with no limitation on total capacity.
- Required Education & Licenses:
- H.S. Diploma or equivalent. 3rd Class DC Steam Engineer’s license (non-restricted) by the date of hire. Must possess a current and valid United States driver’s license at the time of hire and be able to obtain and maintain University driving privileges.
- Central Plant Operations:
- Strong working knowledge of and the ability to perform moderately complex technical tasks to support the operation, maintenance, and repair of assigned utility systems and related equipment. Ability to understand blueprints and moderately complex technical manuals. Strong working knowledge of the tools, equipment, regulations, and procedures relevant to site-specific systems. Ability to become proficient in all site-specific systems.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Facilities Management Certificate
- LEED Green Associate Certification
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
- Math & Science:
- Knowledge of practical math, percentages, decimals, and fractions, length, area, and volume measurement. Knowledge of and ability to understand fundamental principles related to thermodynamics and basic water chemistry.
- Building Automation Systems (BAS):
- Basic knowledge of BAS and ability to independently resolve routine problems.
- Decision-Making & Leadership:
- Received: General Supervision. Ability to independently resolve moderately complex technical problems and serve as a point of escalation for nonroutine problem resolution. Ability to review one’s own and others’ work to ensure completeness and accuracy, carefully prepare for meetings, and organize information or materials for others.
- Communication & Interpersonal:
- Ability to express oneself orally in a clear and concise manner, while seeking and accepting feedback in a non-defensive manner, and providing constructive feedback and instruction to coworkers as appropriate. Ability to produce accurate and clear written material on topics of moderate complexity that is appropriate to the audience and free of spelling and grammatical errors. Proactive and demonstrated commitment to treating all individuals with dignity, compassion, and respect.
- Technology:
- Ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint to prepare briefings, reports, and presentations.
- Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry 50lbs. Ability to climb ladders and work at heights. Ability to work in confined spaces and areas with temperature extremes.
- Other Requirements:
- Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age by the date of hire. Interest in and commitment to ongoing professional development and training.
Others
- Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
- To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive.
- Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University’s unique benefit options.
Other Details
- Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
- Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
- Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Current American University Employees
If you are a current employee at American University, please log into AsuccessfulU through the myAU portal. Once in AsuccessfulU, please select the Careers tile which will take you to our internal career page.
Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.