Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00078733	Description Activated On: 5/21/2026 7:29:47 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.

An employee in this position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a modern high-pressure boiler plant during their assigned shift.

This is skilled mechanical work involving the operation, maintenance, and repair of fire tube and water tube steam generating boilers equipped with touch-screen interfaces and computerized control systems, along with all associated auxiliary equipment at a state-operated facility.

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.

1.Starts up and shuts down all Superior and Keeler boilers and related equipment, operates valves, monitors and records readings from gauges, thermometers, charts, and touch-screen control systems to provide safe, efficient heat, hot water for the hospital.
2.Replaces gauge glasses on boilers, deaerators, condensate return tanks, and vacuum tanks as necessary to maintain accurate water level indication.
3.Collects water samples from boilers, deaerator, Softeners and condensate systems, performs chemical testing, and treats the water in accordance with test results to maintain proper feedwater quality.
4.Climbs stairs and ladders as required to perform assigned duties.
5.Manually operates the emergency fire horn to communicate with the Fire Department when required.
6.Rotates shifts as required to ensure continuous boiler plant coverage.
7.Maintains the boilers and all associated equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation of the Powerhouse.
8.Repairs and/or replaces and maintains all plant equipment and components necessary for efficient operations, including boilers, pumps, motors, steam traps, the hot water generator, and associated systems.
9.Makes emergency repairs to any/all operating equipment in order to maintain operations including diagnosing problems, planning appropriate corrective action, and notifying the plant supervisor when necessary.
10.Performs scheduled preventive maintenance on all plant equipment and maintains the cleanliness of the utility plant, including floors, bathrooms, break areas, and workspaces, in accordance with established procedures.
11.Cleans the utility plant equipment and work areas in accordance with requirements/procedures and as directed.
12.Performs other related duties as assigned by the supervisor in order to provide continuity of plant/facility operations. These other duties may include but are not limited to other trades work, laboring, housekeeping, grounds, and some equipment operation within your capabilities.

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.

Makes independent decisions of a routine and recurring nature based upon established hospital policies, procedures, training, and job knowledge.

Exercises judgment in determining when situations require notification of Supervisor. When the Utility Plant Supervisor is not available, follows the established chain of command and contacts the Operations Manager.

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.   N/A

5.   N/A

6.   N/A

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Performs Utility Plant Operator 2 level work, working independently with minimal supervision
2.	Reads, comprehends, and accurately records data from gauges, digital displays, charts, and touch-screen control systems.
3.	Reads and interprets in order to work from sketches, diagrams, and written procedures,
4.	Receives assignments orally and from work orders, records time and materials used on work order forms.
5.	Identifies defects in equipment and makes appropriate repairs or adjustments.
6.	Performs heavy manual labor, Uses and cares for hand tools, shop tools and equipment in the boiler plant,
7.	Recognizes occupational hazards and follows all safety precautions.
8.	Works cooperatively with other staff on all three shifts and maintains effective oral and written communication skills.
9.	Takes water samples and performs chemical analysis using mathematical calculations and makes adjustments based on results.
10.	Must be able to Sit, Stand, Kneel, Twist, walk, climb work in tight space, traverse even/uneven surfaces.