Equipment Operation Engineer (8135C), International House #87328

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.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

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 Cafe.

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.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
• This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Skilled Crafts Unit (KB) between the University of California and the Alameda County Building and Construction Trades Council (ACBCTC). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/kb/index.html

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

Misconduct

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.