Widener University is currently seeking a General Mechanic in our Facilities Management Department. Reporting to the Assistant Director for Buildings and Grounds but working with minimal supervision, the General Mechanic operates and maintains campus wide building(s) with regards to appearance, comfort elements, equipment operation, lighting, life safety systems, building envelope issues (windows, doors, roofs) and maintains a preventive maintenance program for assigned buildings in order to provide a safe and beautiful environment in all University facilities.
Facilities Management staff are responsible to provide safe and beautiful facilities that support the academic mission and campus operations. The Facilities Management Mission is to continuously improve the services we provide and make the experience of students, faculty, staff, and visitors the best it can possibly be. Every staff member may be assigned duties within their capacity aside from duties that are their technical expertise, and every staff member is empowered to perform tasks within their capacity to achieve this Mission.
This position is essential and is required to report and remain on campus in response to emergencies even when normal university operations are cancelled or suspended. This position may also be required to work weekends and off-hours to support weekend operations and special events.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not limited to):
Essential duties:
- Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs, as required, all building systems, equipment and fixtures consistent with manufacturer's guidelines, design parameters, and accepted practices.
- Inspects buildings and roofs.
- Maintains, makes operational repairs and performs preventative maintenance tasks for residential and commercial-type building systems, materials, equipment and fixtures.
- Operates and keeps in good working order a variety of equipment including hand and power tools, mobile electronic devices, measuring/diagnostic/testing meters and instruments.
- Reads and interprets complex blueprints, sketches, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
- Performs various carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning work as required and within abilities.
- Must be proactive in keeping all mechanical/electrical spaces in assigned buildings clean and clear of all foreign combustible materials to comply with risk management inspection requirements.
- Must be proactive in remediating all visual and operational deficiencies in assigned buildings and keep them to a minimum.
- Provides work order documentation, as required.
- Coordinates with other trades, as required, to ensure multi-trade projects are completed efficiently and completely.
- Maintains a professional appearance.
- Maintains a positive customer service orientation and attitude.
Secondary responsibilities:
- Assists in furniture and event set ups and break downs, decorations for special functions, meetings, etc.
- Assists in emergency response events including snow removal operations.
- Cooperates with other university employees and related contractors to achieve the best possible outcomes
- Other duties as assigned and within capability
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (education/training and experience required):
Required:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Must possess valid driver’s license
- Current documentation indicating successful completion of formal training classes or programs and be able to exhibit acceptable life experiences in general maintenance work.
- Able to provide specifications, estimates and bill of materials for all projects.
- A minimum of ten years of experience in building maintenance or related trade.
- Must have experience in preventative maintenance procedures; in meter reading, and in the shutoff of gas, water, electrical, life safety systems (i.e. fire alarm, sprinkler, etc.).
- Must have knowledge of building and utilities construction, materials and inspection techniques, to include life safety systems (i.e. fire alarm, sprinkler, etc.) light and power, water systems and refrigeration, elevators, exhaust systems, and air handling units.
- Must have the ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, drawings/sketches, schematics and diagrams.
- Basic Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Outlook skills.
- Must have the ability to follow both verbal and written directions in English; the ability to interact with students, faculty, administration, and staff in a professional and positive manner, as well as the ability to read and understand NFPA and ICC codes and OSHA guidelines, such as Material Safety Data Sheets, equipment safety data plates, fuel/chemical flash points, etc.
Preferred:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR UNUSUAL HOURS:
- Must be able to stand, sit, bend, kneel, climb stairs, reach, and climb ladders;
- Must be able work in confined spaces and in elevated spaces (e.g. scaffold, bucket-truck platform, ladders, high-reach lifts);
- Must be able to lift 60 pounds at waist height and carry for 20 feet;
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds from ground to overhead;
- Must be able to shovel snow manually;
- Essential and required to report and remain on campus in response to emergencies and weather events even when normal business operations are cancelled or suspended;
- May be required to work on weekends and holidays to support weekend operations or special events
Qualified candidates must submit resume and cover letter for consideration. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only those selected to interview will be contacted.
Widener University is committed to fostering an inclusive community in which faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, color, national origin, race, religion, disability, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or status as a protected veteran.
Widener University requires all prospective employees to provide proof of taking the primary vaccination series against COVID-19 prior to employment or apply and be approved for a medical/religious exemption. Offers may be rescinded if the new employee does not provide proof of taking the primary vaccination series in a timely manner.
Some positions may be eligible for a hybrid or remote work arrangement that may include a partially or fully remote work location, consistent with Widener’s Flexible Work policy.
Widener University, an independent, metropolitan, doctoral-intensive university, connects curricula to social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal attention and experiential learning are key components of the Widener Experience. Located in Chester, PA, Widener's main campus is nestled between Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, with Law Schools located in both Harrisburg and Wilmington. For more information about the university, please visit our website at www.widener.edu.
EOE M/F/V/D
