Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who We Are: 

The Swarthmore College Maintenance Department is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and improving the college’s physical infrastructure, including campus buildings, classrooms, residence halls, offices, and common areas. Their work ensures that Swarthmore College remains a safe, functional, and comfortable environment for students, faculty, and staff.

The opportunity: 

The Utility Technician I/II's role is to work in conjunction with HVAC Technicians, Plant Operators, and Electricians to maintain and repair all equipment and devices related to heating, air conditioning, and ventilation throughout the college campus. The Utility Technician will perform routine maintenance, inspections, and minor repairs to equipment and machinery to ensure optimal performance and prevent unexpected breakdowns. This role requires a strong technical aptitude, adherence to safety standards, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Essential Responsibilities 

• Perform scheduled inspections, lubrication, filter replacements, and servicing of campus equipment and machinery in accordance with manufacturer specifications and company guidelines.
• Assist in the diagnosis of mechanical and electrical issues and implement effective repair solutions to minimize downtime.
• Maintain accurate records of all maintenance activities, including completed tasks, parts used, and time spent.
• Monitor equipment performance to identify potential issues before they result in major failures.
• Identify and order replacement parts or materials as needed and maintain inventory levels.
• Adhere to college and industry safety protocols and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Work closely with plant operations teams to schedule maintenance without disrupting production timelines.
• Proactively suggest improvements to preventative maintenance processes and procedures to enhance equipment reliability and efficiency.

What you bring: 

Utility II Level Required Qualifications

• Valid Drivers license
• Minimum of a High School or GED diploma
• Technical Training or Certification in one or more mechanical disciplines ie: Electrical, Pump Repair. Engine Repair, etc.
• 5 to 10 years experience in an industrial or commercial environment where the primary responsibilities were related to the maintenance and repair of motors, pumps, and similar equipment.
• Must be familiar with safe workplace practices regarding securing equipment that has the potential to move, electrical lock-out tag out, and securing valves and lines with pressurized fluids and gases.
• Must be able to communicate via radio and other means of voice communication and be able to provide written documentation of jobs performed and materials used to augment equipment histories.
• Must be able to operate and interpret results of test and measurement equipment including, but not limited to, multimeters, temperature sensing devices, and amp meters. 
• Must be able to use computer workstations for data input and reports and utilize the BAS  to identify and investigate trouble alarms.

Utility I Level Required Qualifications

• Valid Drivers license
• Minimum of a High School or GED diploma, Trade School a plus.
• Minimum of two years experience in a work environment where mechanical skills were utilized, HVAC or boiler plant experience a plus.
• Some level of experience in automotive or engine repair
• Must be able to use computer workstations for data input and reports.
• Must be able to communicate via radio and other means of voice communications and be able to provide written documentation of jobs performed and materials used to augment equipment histories.
• Must be able to operate and interpret results of test and measurement equipment, including, but not limited to, multimeters, temperature sensing devices, and amp meters.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift objects weighing up to 70 pounds unassisted.
• Must be able to identify and use hand tools including, but not limited to, pipe wrenches up to 36”, spanner wrenches, ratchet wrenches, pliers, bearing pullers, hammers of all sizes up to 24 lb. sledgehammers, chain falls, come-alongs, screwdrivers and all other commonly used tools relevant to mechanical repairs.
• Must be able to identify and use electrical and pneumatic power tools, including but not limited to drills, circular and reciprocating saws, chop saws, sandblasters, heat guns, and pneumatic drive tools.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work with solvents and other chemical cleaning and coating materials.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces such as air handler bodies and manholes.
• Must be able to work from ladders, scaffolding, powered lifts, and other platforms at heights up to fifty feet.
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors for extended periods of time.

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world's most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role! For full consideration, submit applications with an uploaded resume by March 3, 2025. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled.

PA Criminal Required

Swarthmore College requires a PA Criminal background check for all staff positions prior to the start of employment.

MVR Required by Position

Due to operating a College owned motor vehicle while performing essential job responsibilities for this position, a motor vehicle report (MVR) clearance is required prior to the start of employment.

Preview our Benefits Flyer. We offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

2025 Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook

Retirement Plans

Tuition Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off (Staff)

Holiday Schedule

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.