Equipment Operation Engineer (8135C), International House #87328 About Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff. As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic, and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles , Principles of Community , and Strategic Plan .
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Departmental Overview
The International House is a self-supporting residential and program center for up to 600 international and United States students and scholars from the Berkeley campus. Its mission is to foster intercultural understanding and respect among people throughout the world across cultural, economic, and racial lines.
The building, constructed in 1929, is approximately 200,000 square feet and operates year-round. Although the building is the property of The Regents of the University of California, the maintenance and non-structural improvements are the responsibility of The Regents but outside contractors work closely with the Physical Plant staff. The building has 8 floors, 5 elevators, 490 rooms/offices, 600 plumbing fixtures, 3 guestrooms, a dining room and dining facility serving approximately 400,000 meals annually, and a Café.
Position Summary
The Equipment Operating Engineer, reporting directly to the Custodial Manager of Physical Operations, performs a wide variety of skilled trades, maintenance, construction, and renovation work. This position requires at least 4 years of experience in at least 3 of the following disciplines of trades with thorough knowledge of plumbing and electrical systems, construction building codes, ADA compliance regulations, air/refrigeration systems, carpentry, painting, drywall, and steam systems, hazardous waste and chemical procedures, Title 19 Life safety codes, and seismic upgrades. This position also requires the ability to read blueprints, drawings, and technical manuals and experience using and repairing hand and sophisticated power tools.
Assisting the Custodial Manager of Physical Operations, the Equipment Operating Engineer evaluates and diagnoses problems and makes recommendations for corrections and/or repairs. Applies skills and job knowledge across areas of specialization; may adapt procedures, operations, techniques, tools, materials, and / or equipment to meet needs of International House. Under general supervision works on operational and / or procedural assignments that are moderately difficult, requiring judgment in resolving procedural issues.
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is July 21, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities
Plumbing/Steam/HVAC
Installation or repair of water, steam, gas, sanitary, storm and drain systems or other types of pipe, fitting, traps, vacuum breakers, bents, and valves.
Installation or repair of steam pressure regulators and control valves.
Cutting, threading, bending, assembling, welding, soldering, and fastening of various types and sizes of pipe.
Opening clogged and clearing drains with manual/electrical snakes or water jets.
Install/maintain/repair vents, traps, faucets, showers, drinking fountains, and various other fixtures.
Drain steam lines and replace filters and belts.
Install and replace cast iron, steel, copper, plastic, and sanitary piping.
Install and replace valves, make gas, steam, and water connections; to various equipment such as ovens, brazing units, steamers, deep fat fryers, grills, laundry equipment, steam heaters, steam traps, and hot water heaters.
Fabricate and install new pipe systems for water saving devices such as low consummation toilets and urinals.
Install steam traps and steam supply valves to steam radiators.
Installation repairs or replaces toilets, urinals and sinks.
Ensure ADA compliance when installing toilets, urinals, sinks, and grab bars.
Asbestos/Hazardous Materials training on a regular basis.
Drain and refill the fire sprinkler system when repairs are needed.
Electrical
Repair, replace, and troubleshoot interior and exterior electrical fixtures, lighting fixtures, wall receptacles, switches, timers, and wiring.
Repair, replace, and install new wiring, circuit breakers, fuses, and power distribution panels.
Disconnect and repair all electrical supply for food service equipment (110/220 volt) ovens, waste disposal units, dishwashing machines, steamer ovens, coffee urns, refrigeration equipment freezers, shill boxes, thaw boxes, ice cream/yogurt machines, serving line equipment and lighting, permanently install refrigeration freezers that box, dairy box, produce box.
Test and replace local safety devices and smoke alarms.
Troubleshoot and repair custodial equipment vacuums, buffers, carpet extractors, power washers, and steam cleaners.
Repair and replace faulty wiring, switches, starters for all shop equipment (saws, joiners, wood planer, drill press, wood shaper).
Use test equipment such as multimeter, circuit tester and tracer, recording equipment.
Perform routine testing of installed emergency diesel generator and power distribution.
Carpentry
Works from verbal or written instructions, sketches, and plans.
Performs all kinds of carpentry work related to alterations, additions and repairs, such as removal and demolition work, erection of wall frames (Metal and Wood), door and window openings.
Prepare plaster and lath.
Patch and prepare surfaces for painting.
Maintain inventory of paint and supplies.
Prepare surfaces and install sheetrock, ceiling tiles, ceramic tiles, and Corian counter and tabletops, shelving, bathroom partitions. This also includes making repairs for the aforementioned.
Construct, install, and repair shelving, bulletin boards, chalkboards.
Repair fences and gates.
Design, layout, fabricate, and construct cabinets and counters.
Replace broken window glass, sash cords, hinges, window screens, and latches.
Install, replace, adjust, and lubricate door closures.
Hang doors, install locks and dead bolt locks, latches, hinges, panic hardware, and other building hardware.
Repair office and resident room furniture. Assemble and disassemble.
Maintain good repair building woodwork and equipment including counters, benches, floors, doors, and trims made of wood, and wainscoting.
Install new locks/deadbolt latches.
Repair and open locks, make keys, change locks/combination locks, re-pin and re-key locks.
Repair mortise style lock fixtures.
Replace roof tiles as needed.
Install/repair card readers and resident room card key locks.
Other Responsibilities
Assist all on-site contractors.
Consult with and inform the supervisor of problems and provide updates on all work in progress.
Repair and maintain security system cameras and access locks.
Install new CAT6A cables for security cameras, security card readers, POS systems, and TV's in public areas.
Work with in-house IT and IT contractors to ensure the computer and security network system is functioning properly and become familiar with the network security system.
Assist UC Regents in maintaining fire extinguishers, hoses, and cabinets. Must be willing to seek training to enhance and learn new skills.
Lifting Requirements: ability to lift 75 lbs.
Must be able to work in confined spaces.
Supervisor may assign other duties as needed to meet the needs of the organization.
This list is representative of the job duties but should not be considered as all-inclusive.
Required Qualifications
Requires verbal and written communication skills, active listening, critical thinking, multi-task, and time management skills.
Journey level skills or at least four years experience in at least three of the following crafts: Plumbing, Painting, HVAC, Carpentry, Electrical, etc.
Experience operating, installing, maintaining and repairing buildings, building systems, utilities and equipment.
Skills in building trades (plumbing, electrical, carpentry and painting) sufficient to plan and complete construction projects and repairs.
Skills required to use common trade hand and power tools and other equipment.
Ability to work from drawings, models, plans and specifications to estimate costs and select materials.
Performs complex projects requiring specialized skills, or the utilization of specialized equipment on a regular basis.
Performs repairs and maintenance on some or all of the following: structures, grounds, facilities, utilities, irrigation and water systems, energy management, HVAC.
Performs extensive remodeling and renovation projects, participates in utility system improvements, and responds to after-hours emergency alarms, taking corrective action as needed and / or notifying designated personnel.
Works from drawings, models, or verbal instructions; and select necessary materials.
Assignments may include the full range of operational level duties.
Schedules, performs or assists with all required inspections and tests.
Maintains all records, progress reports and files.
Education / Training
Postsecondary Education Technical Training (Preferred)
Licenses / Certifications
Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP) (Preferred)
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted hourly pay that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $58.89.
This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
