Position Title:
Utility Technician I
Work Type:
Full time
Location:
Swarthmore College Approved Location Type:
On Campus
Department:
Work Shift:
Day Shift (United States of America)
Who We Are:
The Swarthmore College Maintenance Department is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and improving the college’s physical infrastructure, including campus buildings, classrooms, residence halls, offices, and common areas. Their work ensures that Swarthmore College remains a safe, functional, and comfortable environment for students, faculty, and staff.
The Opportunity:
The Utility Technician I is responsible for performing preventative, predictive, corrective, and general mechanical maintenance on campus heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), steam distribution, and related mechanical systems throughout Swarthmore College and its residential facilities.
Working in coordination with Heat Plant Operators, HVAC Technicians, and other Facilities personnel, the Utility Technician I helps ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of campus mechanical equipment and infrastructure.
This position focuses primarily on the inspection and preventative maintenance of stationary mechanical equipment in accordance with established preventative maintenance schedules, manufacturer recommendations, and operational requirements.
Equipment and systems serviced may include air handling units, pumps, motors, compressors, steam traps, pressure-reducing valves, generators, piping systems, and associated mechanical components.
The position requires the ability to work safely around electrical systems, including 480-volt three-phase power, high-temperature piping, and medium-pressure steam systems operating at pressures up to 150 PSI. A strong commitment to safety, attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and equipment reliability is essential.
Essential Responsibilities:
Perform scheduled preventative and predictive maintenance on HVAC, steam, and other mechanical equipment throughout campus.
Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and rebuild air handling equipment, including replacing belts and filters, cleaning coils, lubricating bearings, and recording motor amperage and operating conditions.
Assist in the maintenance and repair of pumps, motors, compressors, and other mechanical equipment.
Perform routine maintenance, inspections, testing, and fueling of emergency generators.
Repair, replace, and install mechanical piping, valves, gaskets, filters, fittings, and other HVAC-related components.
Identify equipment deficiencies, unusual operating conditions, and potential failures, and communicate findings to the appropriate supervisor or department personnel.
Assist with troubleshooting mechanical system performance issues and identifying opportunities to improve equipment reliability and efficiency.
Use CMMS to maintain accurate records of preventative maintenance activities, repairs performed, equipment conditions, labor, and materials used.
Follow established safety procedures, including lockout/tagout, confined space entry, electrical safety, and other applicable workplace safety requirements.
Coordinate work activities with Heat Plant Operators, HVAC Technicians, and other Facilities staff to minimize equipment downtime and maintain campus operations.
What you bring:
Required Qualifications
Valid driver's license.
High school diploma or GED equivalent. Trade school or technical training in mechanical systems, HVAC, or a related field is preferred.
Minimum of two years of experience in a work environment requiring mechanical skills, preferably in HVAC, facilities maintenance, industrial maintenance, or boiler/steam plant operations.
Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and experience working with engines, pumps, motors, compressors, or similar mechanical equipment.
Basic understanding of mechanical systems, piping, valves, bearings, belts, and rotating equipment.
Ability to use computers and computerized maintenance management systems…