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Plant Utilities Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plant Utilities Assistant

Collins, NY ยท On-site

$42K - $52K/yr

PLANT UTILITIES ASSISTANT/SG-9 (TC: 7520010) Minimum Qualifications for taking the Open Competitive Examination: Either 1. Graduate of heating, HVAC, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration ...

Plant Utilities Assistant

Rome, NY ยท On-site

$42K - $52K/yr

PLANT UTILITIES ASSISTANT/SG-9 (TC: 7520010) Minimum Qualifications for taking the Open Competitive Examination: Either 1. Graduate of heating, HVAC, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration ...

PLANT UTILITIES ASSISTANT/SG-9 (TC: 7520010) Minimum Qualifications for taking the Open Competitive Examination: Either 1. Graduate of heating, HVAC, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration ...

PLANT UTILITIES ASSISTANT/SG-9 (TC: 7520010) Minimum Qualifications for taking the Open Competitive Examination: Either 1. Graduate of heating, HVAC, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration ...

PLANT UTILITIES ASSISTANT/SG-9 (TC: 7520010) Minimum Qualifications for taking the Open Competitive Examination: Either 1. Graduate of heating, HVAC, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration ...

Plant Utilities Assistant

Stormville, NY ยท On-site

$42K - $52K/yr

PLANT UTILITIES ASSISTANT/SG-9 (TC: 7520010) Minimum Qualifications for taking the Open Competitive Examination: Either 1. Graduate of heating, HVAC, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration ...

Will work under supervision of a Plant Utilities Engineer 1or 2. Perform light plumbing and electrical work. This position is on a 4-year apprenticeship track, leading to Plant Utilities Engineer 1 ...

Plant Utilities Assistant

Tupper Lake, NY ยท On-site

$42K - $52K/yr

As a Plant Utilities Assistant, you would assist in the operation, maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment providing heat, hot water, ventilation, air conditioning and ...

Will work under supervision of a Plant Utilities Engineer 1or 2. Perform light plumbing and electrical work. This position is on a 4-year apprenticeship track, leading to Plant Utilities Engineer 1 ...

Minimum Qualifications One year of permanent service as a Plant Utilities Engineer 1, SG-14, or higher, OR Two years of permanent service as a Plant Utilities Assistant, SG-9, OR Four years of ...

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Plant Utilities Assistant information

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$23K

$85.1K

$145K

How much do plant utilities assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant utilities assistant in the United States is $85,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Plant Utilities Assistant vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectPlant Utilities AssistantMaintenance Technician
CredentialsBasic certifications, such as HVAC or plumbing licensesTrade certifications or technical degrees in HVAC, electrical, or plumbing
Work EnvironmentIndustrial or hospital settings, supporting utility systemsVaried settings including industrial, commercial, or residential facilities
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in healthcare, manufacturing, or large facilitiesUsed across multiple industries for equipment maintenance and repairs

The Plant Utilities Assistant primarily focuses on supporting utility systems like HVAC, water, and power within specific facilities, often requiring basic certifications. Maintenance Technicians have broader responsibilities, including repairing and maintaining various equipment, often with more advanced certifications. Both roles are essential for facility operations but differ in scope and technical requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by Plant Utilities Assistants and how can they be addressed?

Plant Utilities Assistants often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected equipment malfunctions, working in varying temperature conditions, and managing multiple maintenance tasks simultaneously. Staying organized, maintaining clear communication with team members, and proactively following preventative maintenance schedules can help address these issues. Continuous learning and hands-on training are also vital for adapting to new technologies and procedures in the utilities environment.

What are Plant Utilities Assistants?

Plant Utilities Assistants are entry-level workers responsible for supporting the operation and maintenance of building utilities systems, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical systems. They assist more experienced staff in performing routine maintenance, repairs, and monitoring equipment to ensure that systems run efficiently and safely. The role often includes tasks like checking gauges, cleaning equipment, and reporting issues to supervisors. Plant Utilities Assistants are typically employed in schools, hospitals, government buildings, and other facilities that require consistent and reliable utilities operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plant Utilities Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plant Utilities Assistant, you need basic mechanical aptitude, knowledge of utility systems (such as boilers, HVAC, and water treatment), and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with standard hand and power tools, preventive maintenance procedures, and sometimes specific certifications like OSHA safety training are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of plant utilities, minimizing downtime and supporting overall facility operations.
What cities are hiring for Plant Utilities Assistant jobs? Cities with the most Plant Utilities Assistant job openings:
What states have the most Plant Utilities Assistant jobs? States with the most job openings for Plant Utilities Assistant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Plant Utilities Assistant job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,100 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Plant Utilities Assistant

$42K - $52K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Plant Utilities Assistant
Job No: 496641
Department: FM&D
Local Title: Plant Utilities Assistant
Budget Title: Plant Utilities Assistant
Work Type: Full Time
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Categories: Maintenance & Skilled Trades
Are you looking to take your career to new heights with a leader in healthcare? SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is one of the nation's leading metropolitan medical centers. As the only academic medical center in Brooklyn, we serve a large population that is among the most diverse in the world. We are also highly-ranked by Castle Connolly Medical, a healthcare rating company for consumers, among the top 5 leading U.S. medical schools for training doctors.
Bargaining Unit:
CSEA
Job Summary:
The Department of Facilities Management and Development at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is seeking a full-time Plant Utilities Assistant.
The Plant Utilities Assistant as a semiskilled employee, performs the more routine, repetitive tasks in the operation, maintenance, and repair of a variety of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and mechanical equipment inside and outside of a physical plant such as stationary steam or high temperature hot water boilers. Incumbents may also perform journey-level activities, under supervision, or after receiving detailed instructions, to learn and perfect their skills.
Generally, Plant Utilities Assistants work under the supervision of a Plant Utilities Engineer 1 or higher-level plant utilities position; in turn, they may supervise Facility Operations Assistants 1 (Utilities) and related labor class positions.
Illustrative Tasks
  • Monitor equipment consoles.
    • Read, analyze, and follow up on all console readings, charts, and trouble calls.
    • Adjust equipment controls to correct malfunction when indicated by observation or in response to a signal.
    • Read and records gas, steam, water, and electrical meter readings.
    • Fill out plant logs, incident and Quality Assurance Reports.
    • Advise supervisor when repairs are required.
    • Receive and distributes fuel supplies required for all program locations.
  • Perform preventive maintenance on heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems:
    • As instructed, and under the guidance and supervision of qualified personnel, use specific chemicals to treat water used in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems.
    • Clean strainers and coils.
    • Maintain steam traps.
    • Change filters.
    • Regenerate water softeners.
    • Install, removes, washes, and stores window air conditioners.
    • May determine if refrigeration system is low on refrigerant; if so, identifies type and amount of refrigerant needed, and prepares system for charge.
  • Perform minor repairs such as replacing worn gaskets, changing belts and tightening joints, and assisting Plant Utilities Engineers 1 in the maintenance and overhaul of boilers and in the repair of stationary equipment.
  • Perform semiskilled plumbing, electrical, and refrigeration work, and skilled work in these areas under supervision, or after receiving detailed instructions.
    • Determine if water regulator valves need rebuilding or repair.
    • Thread, solders or glues and installs pipe.
    • Re-pack pumps and valves.
    • Assist in the repair, maintenance, and operation of plant alarm and signal systems.
    • Assist in the monitoring and operation of building management or automation systems, and energy management systems related to the control of clocks, lighting, filtering systems, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and boiler energy management systems.
    • Clean mechanical rooms.
    • As assigned, during night shifts, weekends or on holidays, responds to calls concerning mechanical, electrical, or plumbing breakdowns outside of the plant, troubleshoots the problem, and makes necessary repairs or advises the appropriate authority regarding the problem.
  • Provide instruction to Facility Operations Assistants 1 (Utilities) and other labor class positions on routine jobs and equipment inspections.

Required Qualifications:
  • Open Competitive: 1-year of experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of boilers, HVAC, and/or auxiliary plant utilities equipment in commercial, industrial, or institutional facilities.

Preferred Qualifications:
55 B/C Qualifications:
  • Individuals certified eligible for the 55 B/C program under the Governor's Program to Hire Persons/Veterans with Disabilities pursuant to Section 55 B/C of the Civil Service Law will also be considered. To be considered, you must provide a copy of your letter of eligibility with your response.
  • It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.

Work Schedule:
Variable Days; Variable Hours (Full-Time)
Salary Grade/Rank:
SG-9
Salary Range:
As per civil service guidelines
  • $42,641 - $52,413 Base Salary plus $4,000 Location Pay

Executive Order:
Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.
Women, minorities, veterans, individuals with disabilities and members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact Human Resources at ada@downstate.edu
Advertised: December 19, 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:
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