Physical Plant Operator

 Physical Plant Operator

Westtown School seeks an experienced Physical Plant Operator to start immediately. The Physical Plant Operator is an experienced general mechanic who performs installation, maintenance, repair, and upkeep of campus plumbing, electrical, and heating/cooling systems.

The regular hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  In addition, the Plant Operator participates in the Mechanic-On-Call rotation for emergency and urgent requests every 6 to 7 weeks. Facilities team members are considered essential personnel and, as such, are expected to be available during inclement weather and other school-closing situations.

This is a year-round, full-time position with full benefits, including Paid Time Off, paid holidays and breaks, health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement contributions, tuition remission, long-term and short-term disability coverage, and life insurance. Meals are also provided.

Westtown School is a Quaker, independent, pre-K to 12, college-preparatory day and boarding school located in suburban West Chester, PA, approximately 30 miles from Philadelphia.  Situated on a beautiful 600-acre campus, Westtown offers state-of-the-art facilities where our committed faculty and staff inspire and prepare our students to be stewards and leaders of a better world. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs daily maintenance of the central boiler plant; 
• Performs yearly maintenance on the pressure-regulating valve and steam trap;
• Inspection, preventative maintenance, cleaning, adjustment, repair, and replacement of energy systems such as boilers and heaters;

• Installs, repairs, or replaces damaged plumbing fixtures such as sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs, and/or connects them to outlet and inlet pipes by fitting gaskets, couplings, traps, and valves, and soldering connections where necessary;
• Layout, fabricate, and assemble piping and fixtures as required;
• Operates and maintains heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, and electrical systems in order to provide a comfortable environment in classrooms, laboratories, residences, and campus offices;
• Monitors systems performance with continuous attention to efficiency and repair needs;
• Maintains equipment records for scheduling of maintenance, ordering of repair parts, and optimal utilization of resources;
• Inspects work site to determine repairs needed, method of repair, and supplies and tools required;
• Estimates materials needed and records time and materials expended on work orders;
• Transports materials, tools, and equipment to the work site;
• Performs installation and repairs of electrical fixtures, devices, and appliances;
• Observes and reports any and all defects, deterioration, and wear and tear on the facilities;
• Willingness to be trained in new technology, such as building automation systems, and obtain professional licenses required by the School;
• Participates in the Mechanic-On-Call weeknight and weekend duty rotation throughout the year;
• Maintains and updates service records;
• Maintains professional and appropriate relations with all community members at all times;
• Maintains knowledge of school property and staff as required to perform assigned duties;
• Reports unsafe conditions or suspicious activity as necessary;
• Remains committed to safe work practices and energy conservation at all times;
• Participates in departmental meetings/training as necessary;
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements 

• Lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 50 lbs. regularly
• Lift, carry, or otherwise move up to 100 lbs. occasionally and with assistance
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl for extended periods
• Must be able to climb ladders
• Must be able to push and pull heavy loads
• Able to work in a variety of weather conditions

Qualifications 

• A high school diploma is required.
• Minimum of three years of experience in the care and maintenance of similar facilities.
• Must possess good verbal and written communication skills and be able to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to express ideas effectively and concisely.
• Must be able to read and understand blueprints, structural drawings, and schematics.
• Knowledge of safety procedures related to hazardous materials.
• Should possess one of the following certifications: HVAC, Sewer Plant, Water System, or Pool Certification.
• Must be able to prioritize work and work independently without close supervision. 
• Must be able to maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Must have a valid Driver's License in order to drive school vehicles.

For additional information about Westtown School and to explore current career opportunities, please visit our website westtown.edu/careers. Interested applicants can apply online by submitting their resume and cover letter, including three professional references, directly to the specific job posting on the school’s employment portal.