Boiler Technician & Pool Operator

Whitman College
Walla Walla, Washington
Full Time

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WHITMAN COLLEGE

Located in the historic community of Walla Walla , Whitmans vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.

Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the colleges working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).

POSITION PURPOSE

The Boiler Te chnician & Pool Operator is responsible for the operation and maintenance of steam and hot water generating equipment on campus, including disruption and circulation infrastructure. The work involves routine operation, maintenance and cleaning of central heating plant equipment, and similar equipment in all buildings. Emphasis is placed on technical knowledge and enforcement of safety regulations at all times.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES (Boiler Technician 80%)

Main Boiler (25%)

Responsible for proper operations of Central Heating Plant for the main campus which includes but is not limited to monitoring condensate return and make-up water, gas consumption, proper firing of boiler, monitoring chemical balance of boiler and condensate.
Maintain precise and thorough records; accuracy is absolutely essential.
Interface with the DDC system to control and monitor the operation of the Central Heating Plant.

Distribution Systems (10%)

Responsible for all steam piping and plumbing associated with steam and hot water distribution systems, which may or may not require help from outside Whitman College depending on size and scope. This decision will be made after consultation with the Director of Facilities Operations or Maintenance Manager.

Circulation Pumps (10%)

Responsible for condensate return, feed water, and chemical pumps with an emphasis on preventative maintenance.
Assist HVAC Technicians for maintenance of all pumps associated with hot water heating.

Other Boilers (10%)

Assist HVAC Technicians for all other standalone hot water or steam boilers on college property with the same emphasis on accurate record keeping and responsible operation.

Electrical (10%)

Troubleshoot electrical motors, boiler control circuits, and other wiring devices associated with heating equipment.

Plumbing (5%)

Function as the assistant plumber for Whitman College during normal duties and be able to perform as the lead plumber when needed.

General (10%)

Assist with other maintenance projects and fill in where needed in the Maintenance department. Consult regularly with the Maintenance Manager on scheduling and prioritizing projects and regularly check the computerized work order system.
Participate in the Accident Prevention Program, safety meetings and other safety programs.
Serve as On-Call Maintenance Technician several weekends throughout the year.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES (Pool Operator 20%)

Daily monitoring of pool chemicals and maintaining accurate records as required by the Washington State Department of Health.
Maintain chemical feed equipment and filtration system.
Maintain and repair pool deck equipment (e.g., starting blocks, ADA lift, pool vacuum, etc.).
Coordinate with HVAC Technicians and contractors as needed for maintenance of circulation pumps and pool heating system.
Coordinate scheduling for work and repairs with Maintenance Manager and pool users.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,

Ability to communicate effectively with others and keep a clean and organized work area and service vehicle.
Must have good mechanical abilities and be able to operate maintenance vehicles and equipment.
Skill, knowledge, common sense and the ability to use each or all in making work decisions are vital.
Ability to work within the safety rules of Washington State and Whitman College.
Ability to be on-call at least four weekends annually and work after hours when necessary.
Ability to work in confined spaces, close quarters, or in a standing or kneeling position for extended periods.
Ability to organize a daily work schedule and use a computerized work order system.
Ability to use computers for email, creating reports, working on spreadsheets, etc.
Ability to positively and actively contribute to the Colleges core values of diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism and access.
Ability to be reliable and capable of working independently on the assigned shift.
Knowledge of tools and related equipment.
Knowledge of safety rules and precautions in all phases of electrical work is vital in working with and around high voltages and complex machinery.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or equivalent.
2+ years of experience in the boiler service, heating plant operations and swimming pool (or ability to quickly learn), preferably at a journey-level.
A Certified Pool Operator (CPO) or Aquatic Facilities Operator (AFO) certification (or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire).
Must possess a valid drivers license with three years of driving experience, and be able to pass a motor vehicle report, pass a background check and pre-employment physical.

OR a combination of relevant education, training, and experience.

Whitman College values diverse pathways to acquiring skills and knowledge and encourages applicants to demonstrate how their background aligns with the role.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Applicable trade school training and certification.
Applicable certifications or licenses.
Training offered by boiler and chemical firms.
Past experience in standard electrical and maintenance practices and procedures in an organization with extended hours of operation and multiple high-traffic areas such as, higher education, K-12 schools, or healthcare.

Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work environment is primarily inside Whitman facilities, but outdoor work is also necessary, both of which may include working in high places and confined spaces. This position may be exposed to dirt, dust and equipment solutions. Work may require periodic use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, eye and hearing protection.) Physical skill and sustained physical effort may be required for some of the maintenance responsibilities. Requires moderate strength and agility and typically requires balancing, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping and repetitive motions. Lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 50 pounds occurs with varied frequency.
This position is required to be on call during the heating season, including winter break. Must be available during extreme weather conditions and serve as essential personnel, which means duties are essential to the operations of the College and requires that the technician report to campus for work even during full or partial closures, emergencies, inclement weather, etc.

BENEFITS

Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.

Basic life , accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.

403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.

Paid Time Off: 10 accrued vacation days , 12 accrued sick days , 13 paid holidays .

Tuition Remission Dependent Children.

Employee tuition waiver for one Whitman course per semester.

Employee Assistance Program.

Relocation benefits for eligible employees.

Learn more about benefits eligibility here .

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES

Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.

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