Full-Time

Operating Engineer

Posted on 8/19/2026

Deadline 9/12/26
American University

American University

Research university in Washington, DC

Compensation Overview

$37.25 - $41/hr

Washington, DC, USA

In Person

Work is fully on campus; staff must work from the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or on-site at the university.

Certification

Category
Building Systems & HVAC (2)
,
Required Skills
Word/Pages/Docs
Microsoft Outlook

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Requirements
  • A high school diploma or equivalent.
  • One to three years of relevant experience working in a plant with high-pressure steam boilers, heating boilers, refrigeration equipment, or heating plants with hot-water boilers and refrigeration equipment.
  • A non-restricted Third Class District of Columbia Steam Engineer’s license by the date of hire.
  • A current and valid United States driver's license at the time of hire and the ability to obtain and maintain University driving privileges.
  • Strong working knowledge of and ability to perform moderately complex technical tasks supporting the operation, maintenance, and repair of assigned utility systems and related equipment.
  • Ability to understand blueprints and moderately complex technical manuals.
  • Strong working knowledge of the tools, equipment, regulations, and procedures relevant to site-specific systems, and ability to become proficient in all site-specific systems.
  • Knowledge of practical math, percentages, decimals, fractions, and length, area, and volume measurement.
  • Knowledge of fundamental principles related to thermodynamics and basic water chemistry.
  • Basic knowledge of building automation systems and ability to independently resolve routine problems.
  • Ability to independently resolve moderately complex technical problems and serve as a point of escalation for nonroutine problem resolution.
  • Ability to review one’s own and others’ work for completeness and accuracy, prepare for meetings, and organize information or materials for others.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing, including producing accurate written material on moderately complex topics.
  • Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds, climb ladders, work at heights, and work in confined spaces and areas with temperature extremes.
  • Must be at least eighteen years of age by the date of hire.
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development and training.
Responsibilities
  • Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair campus thermal systems, including steam, chilled water, and heating water systems, related plant equipment, water treatment systems, boiler systems, and chiller systems.
  • Maintain and repair domestic water, sewer, and campus gas utility distribution systems to support building and equipment reliability.
  • Train Assistant Operating Engineers and Facilities Management and Technology staff on utility systems and related equipment as required.
  • Operate and maintain systems to meet department, reliability, energy-efficiency, and regulatory-compliance objectives.
  • Maintain inspection, operation, maintenance, and repair records for campus utility systems and related plant equipment.
  • Use historical utility-system data to optimize scheduling and repair of critical heating and cooling system components.
  • Recommend improvements to the efficiency and reliability of campus-managed utility systems.
  • Store and use tools and equipment properly to maintain an adequate operating inventory of tools and supplies.
  • Inspect campus utility systems and related plant equipment and test boiler and chiller water chemistry.
  • Maintain proper chemical water treatment using approved training provided by the chemical distributor.
  • Respond to after-hours and weekend requests received through the customer response center line.
  • Complete approved training and performance requirements to meet department and regulatory goals.
  • Maintain an Individual Development Plan and document required items in the Learning Management System.
  • Coordinate and review the work of others, and train and mentor new staff members and others as appropriate.
  • Work evening, weekend, multiple, unscheduled, and relief shifts as needed, including a second consecutive shift if the scheduled relief does not arrive.
  • Perform duties in confined spaces and extreme temperatures and carry out strenuous lifting, pushing, and pulling as required.
Desired Qualifications
  • A Facilities Management Certificate.
  • LEED Green Associate Certification.

American University is a private research university in Washington, DC. It provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its colleges and schools.

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