Temporary Utility Plant Helper

Department: Temp Center
Salary/Grade: TMP/01

Position: Temporary Utility Plant Helper
Hours: This is a full-time position (40 hours per week/ 6am-2pm)
Pay: $20.00 per hour
Campus: Evanston
Approximate start date: 1/6/2025
Approximate end date: 6/30/2025

Northwestern University is seeking a temporary full-time Utility Plant Helper for the Evanston campus.

Temporary Job Description:

Under direction, guidance, and with varying degrees of instruction, supports the maintenance and operation activities within the Evanston campus Central Utility Plant. In limited situations, and still under direction, will work independently on select maintenance tasks and activities. Primarily supports the operation and maintenance of the high pressure steam boilers and auxiliaries, including water treatment processes.

The role will support the department's mission and values by exhibiting the following: inclusiveness, respect, initiative, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. The incumbent will strive to provide excellent service when performing job responsibilities and will practice safe work procedures, and follow safety rules at all times.

• Performs activities in support of the operation, maintenance, and repair of the CUP boilers, cooling equipment, and accompanying ancillary equipment as instructed;
• Provides support to Plant Operators and Operating Engineers in their activities;
• Performs limited maintenance activities independently;
• Maintains neat and accurate operating and maintenance log entries as required;
• Other duties as assigned;
• Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24 hour, 7 day per week coverage.

Please note: Must be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399, or join after a 90-day probationary period. Physical ability to lift and maneuver heavy weights, climb and descend ladders, and work in hot, cold, cramped and confined quarters. Ability to work safely and at heights on ladders, lifts and scaffolding. Dexterity necessary for the use of tools and manipulation of materials. Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24 hour, 7 day per week coverage.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma, GED or equivalent combination of educational training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired;
• Previous work experience in a manual labor role, with preference to experience in a plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or mechanical field.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license recognized by the State of Illinois, provide own reliable transportation and purchase a University parking permit (as required).

Minimum Competencies:

• Familiarity with heating, cooling, and/or plumbing, and their application in typical building systems;
• Knowledge of standard tools, instruments, methods and standard trade/safety practices;
• Ability to perform calculations applicable to field of experience;
• Mechanical aptitude and strong desire to learn and advance in knowledge and skill sets;
• Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement;
• Helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented;
• Ability to build strong working relationships and a positive work environment;
• Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect and shared purpose;
• Balances listening and talking, speaks and writes clearly and accurately, keeps others informed;
• Integrates health and safety precautions into daily activities;
• Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters or priorities may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations;
• Successfully uses multiple software program independently. Software may include Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, CMMS systems, and Peoplesoft;
• Proficiency with mobile devices including iOS

Preferred Qualifications

• Past experience working with steam boilers and/or steam distribution systems;
• Knowledge of electrical distribution and safe working practices;
• Working familiarity with building systems and equipment such as steam or hot water boilers, centrifugal chillers, refrigeration units, air handling units, pumps, and water treatment systems;
• Thorough knowledge and experience in the troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of a typical building HVAC or plumbing system;
• General understanding of how to troubleshoot mechanical/HVAC/Plumbing systems;
• Completion of an accredited plumbing or HVAC service technician apprenticeship program, or the equivalent education, training, and field experience;
• Three years of advanced plumbing or HVAC maintenance and operation experience;
• EPA Universal Certification and three years' experience with refrigeration;
• Training and/or developmental experience equivalent to full apprenticeship in pipefitting or welding;
• Stationary Engineer's License or equivalent certification.

Preferred Competencies

• Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team;
• Plans ahead, manages time well and arrives on time;
• Recommends improvements and opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs;
• Exceptional customer relationship skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment;
• Analytical skills including critical thinking, decision making, trouble shooting and problem solving, reading and interpreting technical drawings;
• Achieves a standard of excellence with work processes and outcomes, honoring University and Department policies and all regulatory requirements.

Northwestern University seeks to employ a varied and diverse range of dynamic people who understand the importance of our mission and vision. When you consider a temporary opportunity at Northwestern University, you know that you are joining an institution with a deep history of academic, professional and personal development.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.