Energy Plant Operating Engineer

Job Description

Under general supervision from Energy Plant Management or other high level supervisor, the Energy Plant Operator is responsible for the operation of all Energy Plant Facilities, including the heating plant, chilled water plant, and water treatment plant, which produce and distribute steam, chilled water, and hot water to the entire campus in appropriate quantities, pressure, and temperature. The operator uses extensive knowledge of systems and sound judgment to safely respond to all operating scenarios, including emergencies.

Boiler, chiller, and all other plant subsystems are modulated via manual and automated controls. The operator provides advice, guidance, training, and backup for the like classifications on the same shift and serves as a lead worker by providing work direction and training to other employees on an assigned shift.

The operator is responsible for operating all equipment in a safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant manner, maintaining plant security and ensuring the safety of all personnel on duty. The work is performed on a 24‑hour rotating shift basis.

• Adheres to all OSHA and Ohio University required safety guidelines, identifies safety and fire hazards, and maintains a safe work environment for self and fellow workers.
• Serves as lead worker over other workers on an assigned shift related to the installation, repair, maintenance, and operation of high‑pressure boilers, furnaces, auxiliary equipment, chillers, chilled water pumps, water treatment plant equipment, controls, and related apparatus. Assists in training personnel on new systems.
• Periodically monitors and inspects all areas of responsibility throughout the plant, reading gauges, monitoring power consumption, operating generators, pumps, and chillers, and reporting problems or unusual conditions to plant management.
• Oversees the operation of the water treatment plant, ensuring a continuous flow of properly treated water. Performs laboratory tests and chemical analyses and records results to assure that makeup water, boiler water, feed water, and campus condensate remain within proper tolerances.
• Monitors environmental parameters to assure compliance with all environmental regulations and takes appropriate action to eliminate violations.
• Serves as lead safety officer in the Energy Plant, training staff in safe work practices and attending required safety training.
• Operates the coal conveyor system and cleans the plant and equipment in the absence of other employees.
• May be exposed to dirt, dust, fumes, noise, steam, hot water, and high temperatures.
• Performs other related duties as required.

• Stationary Steam Engineer’s License as per Section 4104.19 of the Revised Code and all requirements of the Ohio Department of Commerce.
• Knowledge of boiler plant operations, baghouse, chilled water plant operations, and water treatment processes associated with plant operations.
• Knowledge of stationary engineering principles.
• Skill in operating energy plant equipment.
• Ability to recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate emergency action.
• Understanding of powerhouse procedures.
• Ability to follow written, oral, and pictorial instructions.
• Ability to work independently and with others.
• Willingness to foster a welcoming and respectful workforce and community.
• Dexterity and skill in use of craft‑associated hand and/or power tools and equipment.
• Reading and writing of common vocabulary in sentence structure.
• Basic arithmetic skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percentages).
• Ability to apply principles to solve practical problems.
• Knowledge of all applicable OSHA and Ohio University safety guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Successful completion of a written test or practical exam may be required.
• An established pattern of good work habits and performance with good interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of employee mentoring, training, and development (to be developed after employment).

Planning Unit: Vice President for Finance & Administration

Department: Heating Plant

Contact for Questions: Eric Burnem, eburnem

Employment Type: full‑time regular

Advertised Salary: AFSCME | $28.28 – $31.82 hourly rate