Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00031284

Description Activated On:  8/6/2026 9:42:31 AM


Position Purpose:
Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

Employee is assigned to Boiler Plant at Clarks Summit State Hospital and function under supervision of Utility Plant Supervisor. The Plant Mechanic uses considerable independent judgment in maintaining, repairing, adjusting, operating, and replacement of the boilers and operating equipment at the Boiler Plant. Equipment includes three high-pressure steam boilers and their related auxiliary equipment, which are used and maintained for supplying steam heat and hot water to buildings within hospital complex. Must be available for all shifts as needed. Additionally, temporary boilers may be in use to support maintenance operations.
This position is an essential employee.

Description of Duties:
Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example:

Updated: 11-10-2025
This is skilled mechanical or lead work in the operation, maintenance, repair, replacement and care of boilers, boiler plant equipment, building and grounds at a state operated facility. Maintain mechanical repairs to three (3) high pressure steam boilers and their related/auxiliary equipment. Performs annual teardowns and maintenance on boilers and prepares the boilers for annual inspections. Maintain feed water pumps, sump pumps, condensate return pumps, air compressors and auxiliary equipment. Perform adjustments, replacement, minor and major repairs to automatic boiler panel board, water softeners, surge tank, actuators, transmitters, blowdown tank, fuel oil pumps, condensate receiver, deaerator, transfer pumps, general care of building and auxiliary equipment. Operate hand and power tools to complete tasks. Plumbing and electrical/mechanical repair work. Maintain electrical components of boilers, such as feed water pump motors, condensate pumps, chemical pump motors, alarms. Maintain plumbing, condensate and steam distribution lines in Boiler Plant and steam tunnels; replace and/or repair steam lines, water lines, pumps, fuel oil lines, natural gas and propane lines, steam traps, heaters and condensate return lines. Weld, solder, brace pipe, thread and sweat fittings, insulate pipes, paint, and perform boiler repairs and maintenance. Change and repair auxiliary low water cut-offs. Replace gauge glasses. Requisition of new or replacement parts as required. Responsible for any type of recordkeeping related to required and/or completed repairs.
Report any problems or deficiencies in the physical plant or equipment to immediate supervisor.
Perform related work as required.
Leads lower-level employees on an assigned shift, performs skilled mechanical work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of boilers, related equipment and building. Work involves ensuring that steam is generated and that boiler operations are conducted in accordance with established operating and safety procedures; taking corrective action to resolve or prevent boiler plant equipment malfunctions; adjusting and repairs to boilers, pumps, and related equipment; and keeping accurate shift records of fuel consumption and steam production. Work also includes conducting scheduled preventive maintenance on all plant equipment; testing water for softness and balance; operating steam generating equipment; and recommending changes to maintain and increase boiler plant efficiency. An employee in this job receives general supervision from a Utility Plant Supervisor or other technical supervisor who reviews work for compliance with instructions, procedures, and safe operations.
All duties assigned are performed in accordance with existing standards, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations as set forth by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Human Services, and Clarks Summit State Hospital. All duties are performed with utmost safety precautions to ensure continuous operation of the Boiler Plant.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Comprehend repair manuals, diagrams, and sketches.
Conduct inspections; large motors and boiler valves for replacement and/or repairs.
Move throughout all areas of plant; use hand trucks and flat carts to transport supplies and materials within plant.
Direct any helper who may be assigned to assist in repairs.
Perceive boiler’s low water alarm and respond accordingly; detect abnormalities in running motors, boilers and other operating equipment.
Receive instructions/information via telephone, pagers and public address systems; effectively communicate with supervisors and coworkers; comprehend written communications, policies and procedures, memos, manuals, product safety data sheets, equipment operating instructions.
Repair boilers and plant equipment; lubricate equipment and perform preventative maintenance on plant equipment.
Use proper power tools, hand tools and other equipment needed for completing assigned tasks.
Perform manual labor, transport heavy loads, perform duties in areas of relatively high temperatures.
On call and work additional hours beyond end of shift or when called in on hours after regularly scheduled shift and weekends or holidays for emergency repairs in Boiler Plant.
Read gauges on control panels and water level indicators for boilers & pressure vessels.
Conduct preventative maintenance inspections; conduct water tests; fill water softeners with salt; place chemicals in boiler plant water treatment tanks; move boiler valves for replacement and/or repairs.
Operate boiler-cleaning equipment; clean boilers, boiler jackets; open and close large steam valves.
Move throughout all areas of plant; use hand trucks and flat carts to transport supplies/materials within plant. Perceive boiler’s low water alarm and respond; accordingly, detect abnormalities in running motors and other operating equipment. Receive instructions/information via telephone, pagers, cellular phone, computer, and public address systems; effectively communicate with supervisors and coworkers; comprehend written communications, policies and procedures, memos, manuals, product safety data sheets, equipment operating instructions, boiler room charts for steam production and water flow, and boiler room logs.
Make repairs on plant equipment; lubricate equipment; take water samples; record water data test information in boiler room logs; record oil, gas use, steam production and steam pressure.
Use proper power tools, hand tools and other equipment needed for completing assigned tasks.
Perform manual labor, transport heavy loads, and perform duties in areas of relatively high or low temperatures. Work additional shifts when need arises, work additional days beyond normal schedule, work additional hours beyond end of shift. Select the proper personal protective equipment and don accordingly for task assigned.
Obtain crisis intervention certificate from licensed vendor.
Performs related work as required.


Decision Making:
Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Employee demonstrates time management decision-making by prioritizing work assignments through supervisor and adapting to changing work requirements to complete assignments within established time frames. Works independently in the performance and responsibilities of the boiler plant. Independently recognizes impending problems/needed adjustments and adjustments and takes necessary corrective actions.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:



Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1. 
  N/A
 
2.  
N/A
 
3.  
N/A
 
4.  

 
5.  

 
6.  


Essential Functions
: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Perform mechanical and manual tasks.
 2. Read charts, gauges, computer printouts.
 3. Maintain consumption records.
 4. Recognize and resolve impending problems, follow safety rules, utilize personal protective equipment.
 5. Adjusts and alterations to Boiler instrumentation.
 6. Medium to heavy work strength demands.
 7. Climb ladders and steps up to 3 stories high.
 8. Work in relatively high temperatures.
 9. Communicate effectively.
 10. Maintain effective working relationships.