Port Authority of NY & NJ Careers

About the Role

As a Watch Engineer at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, you will play a crucial role in maintaining and overseeing the operation of our critical infrastructure systems. Watch Engineers act as the Port Authority’s leaders for the safe and efficient operation of utility systems and auxiliary equipment and further our mission to provide best-in-class services to our patrons. We are hiring for locations at various facilities located in New York and New Jersey.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heating and cooling systems for Port Authority facilities
• Install, maintain, repair, and diagnose issues involving high/low-pressure heating and HVAC systems
• Install, maintain, repair, and diagnose issues involving fire protection life safety systems
• Various locations, rotating shifts and need to work 24/7, holidays, weekends, and potential of overtime

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution
• Three years of full-time paid work experience in the HVAC/Utility Systems handling high pressure boilers, steam, and refrigeration equipment
• Possess a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued Refrigerant Technician's Certificate (RTC)
• Valid Driver’s License

Depending on the facility you are assigned to, one of the following licenses is required either at the time of appointment or within a specified amount of time upon employment:

• High-Pressure Steam Boiler Operators License issued by New York City OR New Jersey Blue Seal Steam Boiler Operator’s License (Blue Seal - Class I, Grade C or above) issued by the State of New Jersey (at the time of hire) OR a facility that does not operate a high pressure plant may accept a New York City S12 City Wide Sprinkler Systems certificate or a New York City S13 City Wide Standpipe Systems certificate or a New Jersey Black Seal Boiler Operator’s License instead
• New York City Refrigeration Machine Operator's License OR Blue Seal Refrigeration Machine Operator's License (Class II) issued by the State of New Jersey (at the time of hire)
• Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the Air Brakes endorsement or higher Applicants without a Class B CDL must obtain a Class B CDL Permit with endorsement before their first day of work and will be required to obtain a Class B CDL with endorsement within three months of employment.

Applicants should refer to the following websites for further information on obtaining a CDL and medical clearance for CDL Licensing:

• New Jersey - http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/drivertopics/cdl.htm  OR
• New York - https://dmv.ny.gov/org/get-cdl

At the Port Authority of NY & NJ, our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is unwavering. We recognize that not every candidate may meet every single desired qualification outlined in the position description.  We also welcome applications from military veterans and their spouses and will review resumes for related experiences. If you are interested in this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with all qualifications, we still encourage you to apply.

Selection Process

Qualified candidates will be assessed via a written exam and a practical exam or interview.  For this position, the following skills will be assessed:

Written exam:

• High-Pressure and Low-Pressure Heating
• Heating Systems
• A/C and Refrigeration Systems
• Auxiliary Equipment; Pumps and Controls
• Fire Protection, Fire Safety and Sprinkler Systems
• HVAC Electrical Systems

Practical exam:

• Working at heights
• Troubleshooting a rooftop furnace unit
• Installation of heating zones
• Installation of HVAC controls
• Creating a steel pipe & copper loop
• Demonstrate proficiency in central heating and refrigeration plant operation

Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers an outstanding benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

The starting salary for the Watch Engineer position is:  $50.05 per hour.  This salary is subject to the collective bargaining agreement for this position. 

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