Assistant to the Engineer

The Assistant to the Engineer of Overbrook School for the Blind exudes a passion for the school, its students, and its employees. This position will report directly to the Director of Facilities.

The Mission of Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) is to develop and deliver education that enhances the options available for persons with visual impairments, including those with additional challenges so that they have the greatest opportunity to experience active and fulfilling lives.

Organizational Description: Overbrook School for the Blind serves students who are blind or visually impaired with or without additional disabilities (such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, hearing impairment, sensory issues, and including those who require specialized medical care) receive a customized, individualized education based on state educational standards. OSB is more than a school, it is a community where students, families, and staff support one another and come together to build a bright future. 

Job Functions: The Assistant to the Building Engineer supports the overall operation, maintenance, and repair of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems across assigned building(s). This role ensures a safe, efficient, and comfortable environment for building occupants by performing preventive maintenance, responding to work orders, and assisting with technical troubleshooting.

• Mechanical, Electrical, and HVAC Support
  • Operate, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems, including boilers, chillers, air handlers, fan coil units, VAVs, and exhaust systems.
  • Monitor and adjust mechanical and pneumatic systems, including thermostats, valves, diffusers, gauges, and control panels to maintain optimal environmental conditions.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot building automation systems (BAS), including relays, control valves, actuators, and transducers.
  • Remotely access and manage the Energy Management System (EMS); make necessary adjustments based on building needs and alerts.
• Plumbing and Pipe Maintenance
  • Perform plumbing repairs on fixtures such as toilets, urinals, lavatories, flush valves, and faucets.
  • Clear blockages and maintain drain systems using plungers, augers, or drain snakes.
  • Conduct repairs on various piping systems (copper, cast iron, PVC, ABS, galvanized, etc.).
  • Replace, install, and maintain pipe insulation as needed.
• Preventive Maintenance
  • Perform routine PM tasks: change air filters, clean coils, grease bearings, inspect belts and motors, and assist with boiler seasonal startup/shutdown.
  • Inspect mechanical rooms, engine rooms, electrical rooms, and pump areas to verify proper operation and cleanliness.
  • Monitor system temperatures and pressures in steam, chilled water, and domestic systems.
  • Maintain walk-in freezers, refrigerators, fire pumps, sump pumps, generators, and exhaust fans.
• Facility Operations
  • Replace lighting components including lamps, ballasts, and signage; verify emergency and exit lighting functionality.
  • Ensure mechanical areas are clean, organized, and free of obstructions.
  • Respond promptly to building management system (BMS) alarms and alerts.
• Documentation and Reporting
  • Accurately document work performed and complete work orders using the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
  • Provide timely updates and status reports to supervisors and the engineering team.

Minimum Education and Experience Qualifications:

• High school Diploma or equivalent 
• Graduate of apprentice program or trade school equivalent
• 5+years of related work experience in operating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in a commercial or campus institution property setting. 
• Hold an epa certification for handling refrigerants 
• Appropriate certification to handle and work on equipment containing CFCs,HFCs,HCFCs,A1-A2L refrigerants. 
• Must have or obtain a Philadelphia Boiler Engineer License

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Lifting: must be able to lift 75-lbs minimum.
• Working Environment: Employees are subject to accidents and/or injuries, which may be incurred during the performance of the essential functions of the position. Work is primarily indoors but some outdoor activities may be required
  • Climb ladders. 
  • Stand for the duration of shift.
  • Be physically fit to perform strenuous tasks.

Benefits and Pay:

OSB offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience, including liberal financial support for the pursuit of advanced degrees.  Applications from members of communities traditionally under-represented in school administrative positions are invited.

Overbrook School for the Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability.  OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Overbrook School for the Blind offers a competitive salary and benefits package reflective of the applicant’s training and experience.