Utility Plant Operator - Control Room

Utility Plant Operator - Control Room

Job Summary: This role operates District Energy Plant and Satellite Plant systems for heating, cooling, and power generation, oversees Utility Distribution Systems, monitors equipment, maintains records, and trains lower‑level operators.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

CU Boulder complies with all applicable laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.

• Operate and configure plant equipment at multiple sites, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operation according to procedures, policies, and engineering practices. Problem‑solve and take corrective actions for off‑normal conditions affecting equipment, utilities, or safety.
• Operate combined heat & power (CHP) system (dual fuel combustion gas turbine generators, HRSG, steam turbine generator, dual fuel boilers, electric chiller, cooling towers, and auxiliary equipment).
• Conduct routine inspections, log equipment parameters, perform chemical analyses and adjustments, and document operations.
• Administer and control lock‑outs/tag‑outs (LOTO) with maintenance personnel and contractors.
• Control physical access, monitor control network activity, and notify when plant security is compromised.
• Attend safety trainings and meetings.
• Maintain plant cleanliness, including cleaning and painting components as required.
• Provide plant vehicle operation when needed.

• No visa sponsorship available.
• Shift work requiring evenings, weekends, holidays, and high‑volume overtime subject to on‑call policy.
• Opportunity to work 12‑hour shifts to increase days off.
• Typical workdays: 14–16 days or nights per month.
• Eligible for Facilities Management Employee Referral Program.

• Four years of increasingly responsible experience in district energy or central plant operations.
• At least one year hands‑on experience with two of the following:
  Electrical Generation, Electrical Distribution, Steam Generation, Steam Distribution, Chilled Water Generation, Chilled Water Distribution, Distributed Control Systems (PLC).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Successful completion of the CU‑Boulder Boiler & Chiller Operator Training Program and CHP Operator Training Program within 1 year (or 3 board tests).
• Maintain required qualifications for career duration.
• Ability to work independently, solve problems, take initiative, remain level‑headed during emergencies, and perform physical tasks such as balancing, climbing, crawling, and exposure to weather.

• Operating combustion gas turbines, HRSGs, electric chillers, steam boilers, high‑voltage switch gear, or chilled water distribution systems.
• Qualified DCS operator.
• Qualified boiler operator.
• Formal education in power plant operations/maintenance.

Annual salary: $73,000 with up to two 5% increases after system certifications, 14% night shift differential, 20% weekend shift differential, and 1.5× holiday pay. Relocation assistance is available per department guidelines.

Benefits include medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance; ECO Pass for local transit; and access to CU Advantage programs.

This position is designated “essential services.” The incumbent must respond to campus emergencies and report to work during emergency campus closures.