Review Vacancy

Date Posted: 11/17/25
Applications Due: 11/27/25
Vacancy ID: 202778

Position Information

NY HELPYes

AgencySUNY Potsdam

TitlePlant Utilities Assistant (NY HELPS)

Occupational CategorySkilled Craft, Apprenticeship, Maintenance

Salary Grade09

Bargaining UnitOSU - Operational Services Unit (CSEA)

Salary RangeFrom $42641 to $52413 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Non-competitive Class

Travel Percentage 0%

Schedule

Workweek Variable

Hours Per Week 40

Workday

From 12 AM

To 12 AM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

Location

County St Lawrence

Street Address 44 Pierrepont Ave

City Potsdam

StateNY

Zip Code13676

Job Specifics

Duties Description Plant Utilities Assistants perform semiskilled tasks in the operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment providing heat, hot water, ventilation, air-conditioning, and electrical distribution under direction of Plant Utilities Engineers in various State agencies.

Plant Utilities Assistant: as a semiskilled employee, performs the more routine, repetitive tasks in the operation, maintenance, and repair of a variety of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and mechanical equipment inside and outside of a physical plant such as stationary steam or high temperature hot water boilers. Incumbents may also perform journey-level activities, under supervision, or after receiving detailed instructions, to learn and perfect their skills.

Generally, Plant Utilities Assistants work under the supervision of a Plant Utilities Engineer 1 or higher-level plant utilities position; in turn, they may supervise Facility Operations Assistants 1 (Utilities) and related labor class positions.

May perform all of the same duties and functions as a Facility Operations Assistant 1 (Utilities).
Monitors equipment consoles.
• Reads, analyzes, and follows up on all console readings, charts, and trouble calls.
• Adjusts equipment controls to correct malfunction when indicated by observation or in response to a signal.
• Reads and records gas, steam, water, and electrical meter readings.
• Fills out plant logs, incident and Quality Assurance Reports.
• Advises supervisor when repairs are required.
• Receives and distributes fuel supplies required for all program locations.

Performs preventive maintenance on heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems.
• As instructed, and under the guidance and supervision of qualified personnel, uses specific chemicals to treat water used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
• Cleans strainers and coils.
• Maintains steam traps.
• Changes filters.
• Regenerates water softeners.
• Installs, removes, washes, and stores window air conditioners
• May determine if refrigeration system is low on refrigerant; if so, identifies type and amount of refrigerant needed, and prepares system for charge.

Performs minor repairs such as replacing worn gaskets, changing belts and tightening joints, and assisting Plant Utilities Engineers 1 in the maintenance and overhaul of boilers and in the repair of stationary equipment.
Performs semiskilled plumbing, electrical, and refrigeration work, and skilled work in these areas under supervision, or after receiving detailed instructions.
• Determines if water regulator valves need rebuilding or repair.
• Threads, solders or glues and installs pipe.
• Re-packs pumps and valves.
• Assists in the repair, maintenance, and operation of plant alarm and signal systems.
• Assists in the monitoring and operation of building management or automation systems, and energy management systems related to the control of clocks, lighting, filtering systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and boiler energy management systems.
• Cleans mechanical rooms.
• As assigned, during night shifts, weekends or on holidays, responds to calls concerning mechanical, electrical, or plumbing breakdowns outside of the plant, troubleshoots the problem, and makes necessary repairs or advises the appropriate authority regarding the problem.

Provides instruction to Facility Operations Assistants 1 (Utilities) and other labor class positions on routine jobs and equipment inspections.

Minimum Qualifications This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). HELPS Program titles may be filled via a non-competitive appointment. This means that you do not need to take an exam to qualify, but you do need to meet the minimum qualifications of the title.
At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), employees hired under NY HELPS are expected to have their permanent non-competitive employment status converted to permanent competitive status. You will not have to take an exam to gain permanent competitive status.
Minimum Qualifications for applicants not currently civil service eligible for the title:

Either 1. Graduate of heating, HVAC, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration apprenticeship program from the U.S. Air Force;
Or 2. Must have been an enlisted machinery technician (MK) with the U.S. Coast Guard OR possession of a certificate as a Marine Engineer issued by the U.S. Coast Guard;
Or 3. Must have been an enlisted power generation equipment repairer with the U.S. Army;
Or 4. Must have been an enlisted gas turbine systems technician, submarine nuclear propulsion plant operator reactor control, utilities man, machinist mate, or engineman with the U.S. Navy;
Or 5. Must have a Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) and have been a qualified member of the engine department (QMED) as an oiler, fireman/water tender, refrigerating engineer or engineman with the U.S. Merchant Marine;
Or 6. Completion of a New York State Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program for stationary engineers, plant maintenance (plumber/steamfitter), HVAC Mechanic or plant maintenance (refrigeration/AC) (See Note #1);
Or 7. Possession of a High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer License or Stationary Engineer License;
Or 8. A bachelor’s degree in Facilities Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Marine Engineering;
Or 9. An associate’s degree in HVAC;
Or 10. One year of full-time hands on experience in the maintenance and operation of commercial, industrial, institutional facility, computer applications of digital energy platforms and building analytics and/or performing diagnosis, repair of HVAC systems or boilers or auxiliary equipment;
Or 11. One year of full-time hands on experience in a residential setting performing diagnosis, operation, maintenance repair of HVAC systems or boilers or auxiliary equipment;
Or 12. Completion of an HVAC certificate or diploma from a BOCES program (440 hours) OR completion of an approved certificate in HVAC, electrical, refrigeration, boiler operations and maintenance, or plumbing from an accredited technical school or technology college (See Note #2)

Notes
1. Information regarding qualifying New York State Department of Labor recognized apprenticeship programs can be found here: https://labor.ny.gov/apprenticeship/appindex.shtm
2. Certification programs must be accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or recognized by the New York State Education Department Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS). Information on ACCSC accredited programs can be found here: http://www.accsc.org/ Information on BPSS recognized proprietary schools can be found here: http://www.acces.nysed.gov/bpss/welcome-career-training-proprietary-schools

If you are currently a New York State employee serving in a permanent competitive qualifying title and eligible for a transfer via Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law, you may be appointed to this title as a permanent competitive employee.

Additional Comments We are seeking candidates who can work effectively in an increasingly diverse environment; and who are open and willing to continue to learn about diversity-related issues, and contribute in fostering a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment at the College.

All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applicant must submit NYS-Application: https://www.cs.ny.gov/extdocs/pdf/20-450&20-451.pdf

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to Apply

Name Human Resources

Telephone 315-267-4816

Fax 315-267-2170

Email Address employment@potsdam.edu

Address

Street 44 Pierrepont Ave

City Potsdam

State NY

Zip Code 13676

 

Notes on ApplyingApplicant must apply online at: https://employment.potsdam.edu/postings/5445