What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Maintenance Technician position at Berkeley Lab Careers?
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is hiring a Plant Maintenance Technician within the Facilities division. You will install, repair and maintain equipment and systems critical to Laboratory operations and the pursuit of world-class science. You will perform varied tasks essential day-to-day operation of the plant facilities systems, complete preventive maintenance, make small and complex equipment repairs, monitor and respond to control systems alarms and perform emergency repairs and equipment replacement when needed.
We’re here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:
Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans
Opportunities to grow in your career - check out our Tuition Assistance Program
A culture where you’ll belong - we are invested in our teams!
Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers)
Pet insurance
You will:
Operate, maintain, & make mechanical, non-electrical repairs to low and high pressure boilers, pneumatic actuated devices, air handlers, vacuum systems, pressurized gas and hydronic water systems, pumps, blowers, compressors, cooling towers, and DI/RO Water Systems.
Operate Facilities Monitoring & Control System (FMCS). Monitor and respond to alarms and abnormal site conditions.
Perform various preventative and corrective maintenance tasks on a wide variety of fixed and portable equipment, including but not limited to Boilers, Air Compressors, Engine Driven Generators, Air Handling Units, Exhaust Systems, Cooling Towers, Fix Treatment Units, Pressure Control Valves, High Pressure Gas Manifolds, Large and Small Pumps, and underground utilities.
Respond to mechanical and system emergencies to identify safety hazards, prevent damage to property and assess needs.
Utilize test and safety equipment as required to perform assigned tasks efficiently and safely.
Inspect, test, evaluate, and maintain the operation of critical equipment and systems in order to provide a safe and reliable facility infrastructure to the research community.
Implement lock out, tag out (LOTO) and complex LOTO procedures.
Comply with LBNL implementation of health and safety policies and other applicable Federal, State, and local fire, health, safety, and environmental-protection policies.
Desired Responsibilities:
In direct support of research processes perform fabrication, installation, and maintenance of highly sophisticated experimental equipment from engineering specifications, drawings, sketches, or verbal instruction.
Support the maintenance and operation of above ground storage tanks (AST) and underground storage tanks (UST).
We are looking for:
Knowledge of various machinery and mechanical equipment including engines, motors, hydraulic systems, emergency generators, pumps, air compressors, roll up doors and power gates.
Must have four years or more of work experience in the field of mechanical maintenance, plant operations, installation, or fabrication; or completion of a recognized four year apprenticeship program in plant maintenance or completion of an accredited two-year program with two years of work experience; or an equivalent combination of documentable military or industrial training and work experience.
Ability to diagnose and effect appropriate corrective actions without detailed instruction.
Ability to read piping diagrams and blue prints.
Able to climb stairs, ladders, scaffolds, work at heights, in confined spaces, around rotating equipment, under fluorescent and other artificial lighting, able to bend, stoop, kneel, and crawl. Must have manual dexterity in both hands as well as ability to lift 50lbs. to chest height, and distinguish colors adequately to utilize color-coding.
Ability to use computers effectively for record keeping and communication. Ability to write intelligible and presentable reports.
Able to communicate clearly over telephone and two way radio.
Must have a valid California Drivers License.
Desired skills/knowledge:
Completion of the Laboratory’s Qualified Electrical Worker program or ability to become QEW 1 qualified within 12 months.
Experience working with underground utilities such as water, wastewater and natural gas.
Additional information:
Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by January 31, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
Appointment type: This is a full-time, career appointment, non-exempt (bi-weekly paid) eligible for overtime pay.
Salary range: The salary for this position is $58.78/hourly. Salary for this position is predetermined based on collective bargaining agreements set rates. Different shift options may be available (day/swing/owl). Swing and Owl shifts include additional shift differential to the $58.78/hourly.
Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.
Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Union Represented: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.
Salary : $59