Chiller Operator, (vacation relief coverage) at Harvard University — Cambridge, MA
Full-timeCambridge, MA$52.34–$52.34/hourPosted 2026-07-08Apply on SmartRecruiters
Full job description
NOTE: This is a vacation relief position required to cover vacations and other absences
- A specifically trained mechanic, skilled in the trade of operating and servicing chilled water generation/distribution systems and related equipment/components.
- Responsible for maintaining an intimate knowledge of such systems and identifying and resolving problems associated with each system consistent with recognized trade practices, industry standards, codes/jurisdictional authorities, and University guidelines/practices.
- Also required to perform, as directed, other skills of the trade and related duties associated with the operation and maintenance of steam equipment and distribution systems, water/drainage distribution systems, and other related systems.
- Must maintain work area, tools and equipment in accordance with University standards/practices.
- Required to work independently and/or with others under the guidance of the Associate Manager and/or Working Foreman.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
NOTE: This is a vacation relief position, required to cover vacations and other absences
- Operates central chilled water plant under varying load conditions.
- Operates other miscellaneous plant equipment including water treatment systems and compressed air systems.
- Works with other trades personnel and management personnel to maintain continuous plant operations/performance.
- Takes all related plant readings critical for operations, efficient performance, and billing (e.g., pressures, temperatures, flows, oil levels, meter readings, etc.)
- Completes daily logs and prepares reports as necessary, enters daily information in computer.
- Maintains chemical treatment program and enters information into computer.
- Cleans and maintains plant and assigned boiler facilities.
- Perform inspections, preventive maintenance on various equipment as directed.
- Operates and maintains various plant systems (including HVAC) as required to meet equipment and occupant requirements.
- Works with utility mechanics and performs other duties as directed.
- Maintains work area, tools and equipment.
Physical Requirements:
- Required to bend, reach, and hold awkward positions for prolonged periods.
- Required to lift up to 75 pounds and to lift and transport various types of equipment and tools, with others, in excess of 300 pounds.
- Must be able to push and pull heavy loads as listed above.
- Must be able to work for extended periods of time from/in ladders, high places, cramped spaces, confined spaces, and scaffolding.
- Requires considerable walking, climbing, bending, and stooping.
Emergency Status Designation:
- Critical Operations Personnel
Basic Qualifications:
- Five (5) years of experience in the trade as a journeyman or operator, current Refrigeration Technician license or current Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s First-Class Fireman’s License or higher.
- Must have, or successfully obtain within 6 months of hiring, EPA CFC certification (universal).
- Trade or vocational school mandatory.
- Must have a valid Massachusetts driver’s license.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Must be thoroughly knowledgeable of and experienced in the installation, operation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of all components and/or systems (chillers, cooling towers, pumps, water treatment systems, controls, etc.) pertaining to chilled water generation and distribution.
- Must be capable of reading and interpreting plans, specifications, and operating/technical manuals associated with systems/equipment within his/her work scope.
- Must observe and comply with all standard safety codes and/or practices and perform work in accordance with recognized trade practices, industry standards, codes and/or requirements of jurisdictional authorities, and University guidelines and/or practices.
- Ability to work independently, take initiative when necessary, as well as be capable of working as a member of a team and in conjunction with other trades.
- Operation of state-of-the-art, computer-based plant control systems required.
- Must be quality focused, service oriented, and be able to clearly and professionally communicate in English with peers, managers, and customers.
- Required to take and pass annual DOT physical.
Technology Skills Requirements:
Certificates and Licenses:
- Current Refrigeration Technician license
- EPA CFC Technician certification
- A valid Massachusetts driver’s license
Standard Hours/Schedule:
NOTE: This is a vacation relief position, required to cover vacations and other absences.
- 40 hours per week
- Sunday: Off
- Monday: Off
- Tuesday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm
- Wednesday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm
- Thursday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm
- Friday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm
- Saturday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm
Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
- $52.34 per hour, plus a $1.65/hour shift differential
Visa Sponsorship Information:
- Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening:
- Identity
- Criminal
- Certification/License
- Motor Vehicle Record
- Drug Test
- CORI
- Employment
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Work Format Details
Salary Grade and Ranges
Benefits
- Generous paid time off including parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
- Retirement plans with university contributions
- Wellbeing and mental health resources
- Support for families and caregivers
- Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks