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Chiller Operator, (vacation relief coverage)

Harvard University · Cambridge, MA, United States · Posted Jul 8, 2026

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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:

NOTE : This is a vacation relief position, required to cover vacations and other absences

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:

Operation of state-of-the-art, computer-based plant control systems required.

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…

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