The Facilities and Campus Services department is committed to providing the highest quality service to faculty, students, staff, alumni and visitors. With more than 260 major buildings on the Ithaca campus, approximately 1,000 highly talented and dedicated staff serve as stewards of campus resources and operations.
The Energy and Sustainability Utilities department operates the University energy infrastructure system on a continuous, 24 hour per day basis. Production facilities include a combined heat and power facility which provides steam and electricity to heat and power campus; a potable water filtration plant which provides all water for campus; a hydroelectric plant; two chilled water plants to provide campus cooling; and a university owned electric substation connected to the local utility. The Utilities department manages and maintains all distribution systems on campus, including steam, chilled water, electricity, potable water and waste water, and administers energy management programs for campus buildings.
The Operations group within Utilities Production oversees the production of steam, chilled water, and electricity by operating the Central Energy Plant, Lake Source Cooling, Chilled Water Plant 3, and the Hydroelectric Plant.
While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
Boiler Operator WTP Technician – Trainee:
Assist the Senior Plant Operators in the operation of all Central Energy Plant facilities and infrastructure associated with the production of steam, chilled water, and electricity for the Cornell campus. Work closely with Boiler Operators and Senior Plant Operators to learn to operate all boilers, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG’s), and associated auxiliary equipment to continually keep the boilers/HRSG’s operating in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner. Work with the Boiler Operator and Senior Plant Operator to start and shut down boilers/HRSG’s as needed, maintain fuel feed to boilers/HRSG’s, operate the chilled water system, test and maintain water chemistry, dose chemicals, regularly check auxiliaries, etc.
Employees hired into the trainee position are expected to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary to move to the next level, Boiler Operator WTP Technician, Grade 5, through completion of the Boiler Operator Level 1 training program. Promotion from Grade 3 to Grade 5 occurs once the Boiler Operator Trainee is fully trained and competent to stand shift on their own.
Boiler Operator WTP Technician:
Assist the Senior Plant Operators in the operation of all Central Energy Plant facilities and infrastructure associated with the production and distribution of steam, chilled water, and electricity for the Cornell campus. Independently operate all boilers, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG’s), turbines, emergency generators, and associated auxiliary equipment to continually keep the boilers/HRSG’s operating in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner. Work with the Sr. Plant Operator to start and shut down the boilers/HRSG’s as needed, maintain fuel feeds to boilers/HRSG’s, operate the chilled water system, test and maintain water chemistry, dose chemicals, regularly check auxiliaries, etc.
Fill out daily log sheets, assist with locking out equipment, review standard operating procedures and drawings, help train operators at lower grades, and maintain plant cleanliness. Grade 5 Boiler Operators are expected to work toward completion of the Central Energy Plant’s Senior Boiler Operator qualification program (level 2 qualifications) and maintain established proficiency in accordance with standards set by the Operations Manager.
Provide coverage for other shifts, as required, to ensure proper staffing at all times.
Boiler Operator WTP Technician Relief:
Perform all duties of the Boiler Operator WTP Technician when working on shift. Cover the scheduled and unscheduled absences of Boiler Operators assigned to shifts, as required. When not assigned to shift coverage, Boiler Operator Reliefs are to assist the Boiler Operators in their duties, as necessary. Reliefs are expected to write and implement equipment or system lock outs, review standard operating procedures, assist with water treatment duties, accept fuel, chemical, and equipment deliveries, and maintain plant cleanliness.
The Boiler Operator Relief is to assist with maintenance in the plant when not performing operations duties. Maintenance duties include basic repairs to equipment, adjustments, lubrication, routine PM’s, and cleaning. Boiler Operator Reliefs are expected to do all maintenance work expected of a Grade 5 mechanic as well as assisting Sr. Mechanics in more complex tasks such as rigging, equipment rebuilds, and equipment renewal and installation.
This position is Endowed and is covered by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) bargaining unit.
A Boiler Operator WTP Technician – Trainee would be hired as a Grade 3 (0-1 year) position with an hourly rate of pay of $29.33.
A Boiler Operator WTP Technician would be hired as a Grade 5 (0-1 year) position with an hourly rate of pay of $34.29.
We are a value–based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity. Facilities and Campus Services employees are required to attend staff development trainings and participate in the performance evaluation process.
Required Qualifications:
Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
Ability to advocate for individuals from a broad range of backgrounds.
Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Demonstrated ability to give and receive feedback, communicate honestly, listen, respect others, learn from mistakes, set high goals and achieve them, overcome obstacles, use time effectively, set priorities, and participate effectively on teams.
Demonstrated ability to give and receive feedback, communicate honestly, listen, respect others, learn from mistakes, set high goals and achieve them, overcome obstacles, use time effectively, set priorities, and participate effectively on teams.
Highly motivated and exhibits innovation, good judgment, and reliability in the workplace.
High School diploma or equivalent.
Valid US driver’s license.
Three years previous experience operating relevant equipment and systems, including but not limited to: boilers, fuel feed systems, chillers, rotating equipment, water chemistry, chilled water, steam systems, hot water systems, or trades work.
Demonstrated proficiency and knowledge of the skills necessary to perform minor maintenance activities. This includes use of such things as hand tools, wrenches, measurement devices, etc.
Demonstrated proficiency with basic computer skills such as typing, email, and database entry.
Preferred Qualifications:
Additional education: e.g., Associates Degree in technical field or equivalent experience preferred.
Previous experience as an operator in an industrial setting.
Previous experience in maintenance of relevant equipment, such as boilers, pumps, air compressors, chillers, etc.
Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting and problem solving.
Previous experience performing shift work.
No visa sponsorship provided.
Rewards & Benefits:
Cornell provides great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation leave, health and personal leave, 13 holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year’s Day) and superior retirement contributions.
Cornell has also been nationally recognized as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. For more information click here.
Application Procedure:
Interested parties should submit a resume and cover letter describing qualifications on-line at https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs under staff positions section.
When applying through our system, please remember to attach resume and cover letter in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. In the Experience section of your application, use the ‘Drop Files Here’ box to manually drag document(s) into your application. For a more detailed description and instructions on how to apply online please click here.
University Job Title:
Boiler Operator Trainee
Job Family:
Int'l Union Operating Eng
Level:
003
Pay Rate Type:
Hourly
Pay Range:
Refer to Union Pay Rates Link Below
Remote Option Availability:
Onsite
Company:
Contact Name:
Tonya Eiklor
Contact Email:
[email protected]Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
Non-Union Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Prior relevant work or industry experience
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
Unique applicable skills
Academic Discipline
To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.
Union Positions
The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.
Current Employees:
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Online Submission Guidelines:
Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.
Employment Assistance:
For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].
If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].
Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing [email protected].
Notice to Applicants:
Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.
EEO Statement:
Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.
2025-10-06
Building Systems & HVAC (1)