About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
Under general supervision, the Technical Specialist I performs skilled technical and mechanical duties to support the operation, maintenance, and repair of campus utility and mechanical systems. This position requires specialized trade skills in plumbing, pipefitting, welding, water distribution, and related mechanical systems to ensure the efficient, safe, and code-compliant delivery of utilities across the UMass Amherst campus.
Essential Functions
- Perform complex technical mechanical tasks in support of the Utility Mechanical Department, including installation, maintenance, and repair of water distribution, piping, and plumbing systems.
- Utilize trade skills such as pipefitting, welding, and plumbing to fabricate, modify, and repair utility piping and mechanical equipment.
- Perform duties of the confined rescue team.
- Inspect mechanical systems and piping for leaks, deterioration, or code compliance and perform or recommend corrective actions.
- Assist in troubleshooting and resolving mechanical system performance issues to maintain continuous and safe operation of utility services (water, steam, chilled water).
- Monitor and maintain valve operations, pumps, meters and related mechanical components within the utility water distribution system.
- Support the Utilities department in the operation of control systems and instrumentation related to mechanical components.
- Maintain accurate documentation of maintenance activities, repairs, and inspections per departmental and regulatory requirements.
- Work collaboratively with Facilities Maintenance, Engineering, and other campus units to coordinate repairs, upgrades, and inspections related to mechanical and pipefitting systems.
- Provide hands-on assistance during the installation or retrofitting of utility mechanical systems under the direction of operators and supervisors.
- Adhere to safety regulations and industry best practices, including confined space entry, lockout/tagout, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Contribute to preventative maintenance programs aimed at extending system life and reducing downtime.
- Maintain tools, welding equipment, and mechanical supplies, ensuring availability and proper functioning for plant and utility systems.
- Aid in the cleaning, flushing, and chemical treatment of water and steam systems to preserve system integrity and prevent scaling and corrosion.
- Support emergency response activities involving mechanical system failures, including rapid repair of pipe breaks or valve malfunctions. Assist in scheduling and coordinating maintenance outages or shutdowns with minimal disruption to campus operations.
- May train or provide guidance to less experienced staff or interns as assigned.
Other Functions
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience and demonstrated competence in plumbing, water distribution, pipefitting, welding, millwright or related mechanical trades. Substitution: A diploma or certificate from a recognized trade, technical or vocational school, at the high school level or higher, with a major in plumbing, pipefitting, welding, or related mechanical trades may be substituted for required experience.
- Knowledge of the principles and techniques of the following construction and repair trades: water distribution systems, mechanical piping, plumbing repairs, or welding in an industrial, utility, or institutional setting.
- Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of utility mechanical systems including pumps, valves, meters, and piping networks.
- Familiarity with relevant codes and standards (e.g., Massachusetts plumbing code, OSHA safety standards).
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and piping schematics.
- Skilled in use of plumbing and pipefitting hand and power tools, welding equipment and mechanical diagnostic tools.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.
- Ability to work safely in confined spaces and at heights as needed.
- Effective communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
- Willingness to work flexible hours and respond to emergency situations as required.
- Qualifications Acquired on the Job:
- State of Massachusetts Back Flow Preventer tester certification with the first six (6) months of employment.
- Welding Power Piping Certification within the first twelve (12) months of employment.
- Complete steam safety training within the first twelve (12) months of employment.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Certification in welding (e.g., AWS Certified Welder) or equivalent.
- Certification or training in water distribution system operation or maintenance.
- Experience with campus utility systems or mechanical utility plants.
- Massachusetts permissible pipefitter license or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe.
- Demonstrated familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or work order software.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Primarily perform duties indoors in mechanical rooms as well as outdoors on campus grounds.
- Exposure to utility systems including pressurized water lines, steam pipes, boilers, and mechanical equipment.
- May involve physical work such as lifting, climbing, standing for extended periods, and operating heavy equipment.
- Required to adhere to campus and OSHA safety policies.
Work Schedule
- Monday-Friday; 7am-3pm.
- 40 hours per week.
Salary Information
AFSCME, Non-Exempt, Grade 14.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.