Careers

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world. 

Job Summary

The Utility Plant Operator (Licensed Pipefitter) operates, maintains, and repairs the campus steam, condensate, water and sewer distribution systems and related equipment.

Essential Functions

• Tests, repairs, or replaces valves, fittings and pipe insulation associated with the steam distribution system.
• Makes standard types of water and sewer connections within manholes, vaults, and trenches.
• Installs and repairs underground steam, water storm drains and sewer lines using plans and drawings as required by normal assignment.
• Applies a thorough knowledge of standard practices involved with underground distribution systems their insulation systems and performs all work accordingly.
• Applies a complete knowledge of the layout and characteristics of the campus steam, water, reclaimed water, storm water, and steam distribution systems.
• Applies a thorough knowledge of the UMA lock out/tag out, confined space, trenching and shoring procedures, as well as the procedures and dangers involved with starting and isolating steam systems.
• Diagnoses and repairs trouble relating to normal assignment and performs unusual work where no standard methods or specific directions are available.
• Performs all type of valving and pressure boosting work.
• Arranges and lays out steam, water, and sewer installations in manholes and vaults.
• Makes standard types of pipe and insulation repairs in manholes, mechanical rooms, and vaults.
• Instructs and functionally supervises line personnel in lower classifications.
• Performs construction work in accordance with safe procedures and working from work orders and drawings.
• Locates, diagnoses, and repairs failures in steam, water, reclaimed water, storm water and sewer distribution systems.
• Performs necessary work required for service restoration under storm, cold and emergency conditions.
• Performs repairs and installation of steel pipe, fittings, and support systems using arc welding and gas welding techniques.  Must be capable of welding with sufficient quality to obtain certification to UMA standards as established and tested via an impartial third party.
• Interprets maps, work orders, written directions, and utility diagrams.
• Applies a thorough knowledge and understanding of how to apply Steam, Water, reclaimed water and Storm water Construction Standards.
• Performs all types of rigging associated with the removal and installation of valves, fittings, piping, and related appurtenances.
• Utilizes various technologies to verify “Dig Safe” requests for planned excavations.
• Wears personal protective equipment as required, including respiratory protection, and work under potentially hazardous conditions
• Operates various departmental vehicles.
  
  
  

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Massachusetts Journeyman or Master Pipefitter License.
• Valid Class D Driver’s License.
• Minimum two (2) years of relevant experience. 
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of underground steam, water, reclaimed water, storm water and sewer distribution systems such as steam piping and the related expansion properties of steam pipes, insulation systems and valving.
• Considerable knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions peculiar to working in underground vaults containing live steam lines or sewer piping.
• Experience installing, repairing and troubleshooting valves, steam traps, pressure regulators, condensate receivers, and other devices typically installed in steam systems.
• Ability to weld steel pipe and structural steel with sufficient quality to obtain an UMA PP Power welding certificate within one year of entry into this position.
• Skill in working with the tools and equipment used in the underground utility trade such as confined space equipment, hoisting equipment, trenching, and shoring.
• Ability to work from drawings and diagrams and from oral and written instructions.
• Ability to detect and locate causes of failures and breakdowns of equipment and sufficient knowledge to isolate failed systems,
• Ability to install, maintain and repair steam, water, sewer, reclaimed water, storm water distribution piping systems and related equipment.
• Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time and to lift and carry heavy objects.
• Ability to climb, work in underground tunnels and vaults, work in confined spaces along with heavy lifting and other strenuous activities.
• Ability to make job/work decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationship with others.
• Must be able to work overtime on an as needed basis.
• Must be willing to work with outside contractors under varying weather conditions.
• Must acquire a Massachusetts Water Distribution Grade 2 License within the current time limit established by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Required within 12 months of hire date: 
  • Must acquire a Massachusetts Combination Certified Backflow Prevention Device Tester/Certified Cross Connection Surveyor certification within 12 months of employment.
  • Must complete required steam distribution training within 12 months of employment. 

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Construction Supervisor license.
• Previous experience working with underground steam distribution systems.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Work is physically demanding and is done under varied weather conditions. Must be able to climb; work in underground tunnels and vaults; work in confined spaces; do heavy lifting and other strenuous activities.
• Requires the ability to balance, carry, pull, push, stand, bend, climb, drive, reach, sit, twist, lift, and perform repetitive movements.

Additional Details

This position is designated as on call and essential personnel. 

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday; 6am-2pm. 

Salary Information

Grade 18, special recruitment rate: Step 6.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.