Utility Plant Operator

Position Summary

This position serves as a Utilities and Energy campus‑wide operator/dispatcher for the University of Oregon and acts as the point of contact for utility distribution issues across the campus. The incumbent will safely operate the UO steam plant, which includes two high‑pressure saturated steam boilers with a combined capacity of 125,000 lbs per hour, and a combined cycle co‑generation plant (CTG/HRSG) capable of generating 7.5 MW from the gas turbine and 65,000 lbs of 600‑psi steam from the steam turbine.

The position also operates the UO chilled‑water plant comprising five electric centrifugal chillers with a total capacity of 7,500 tons of cooling, an 18‑tank 3‑million‑gallon thermal storage tank, 18 cooling towers, pumps and associated equipment. Responsibilities include distribution of the 12,470‑Volt electrical load to campus buildings, assistance in configuring the plant to island mode during an external power loss, regulating access, providing training, maintaining operations, and monitoring all work performed in the UO utility distribution tunnel system.

The operator monitors BAS (building automation system) alarms and controls within the steam plant, chiller plant, and building HVAC systems. Continuous skill development in technology‑based automation systems is required. The incumbent will perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on all power plant and building equipment.

Interactions/contacts:
The incumbent interacts daily with CPFM and the campus community while performing work and responding to emergencies. The position works with electrical and maintenance staff within the Utilities and Energy Department and is in contact with outside contractors, vendors, and regulatory agencies such as LRAPA and DEQ.

Decisions:
The position is a member of a team; decisions made affect the entire university. The incumbent manages electricity, steam, chilled water, and other utilities during normal and emergency situations. Decisions may include when to start or stop equipment, interpreting equipment data, and applying corrective actions.

Supervision:
Work is reviewed regularly by the Operations Supervisor to ensure it is performed efficiently, safely, and meets expectations and applicable requirements. A performance appraisal is conducted annually.

This position works non‑typical hours/shifts and is classified as Essential Personnel. During a six‑month trial service period, employees complete a structured training program that includes rotations on day, swing, and graveyard shifts over weekdays and weekends.

• Day Shift: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., weekdays
• Swing Shift: 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., including weekends and three weekdays
• Graveyard Shift: 11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m., including weekends and three weekdays

Upon successful completion of the trial service period, employees are assigned to a shift based on operational needs and seniority within the team, in accordance with the SEIU Collective Bargaining Agreement. Long‑term schedules will most likely be the swing or graveyard shift and will include weekend coverage.

This position must comply with federal, state, local, and University of Oregon rules and regulations, including permit maintenance, regulatory compliance, and safe operation of duties.

Special Requirement:
The incumbent must qualify for and maintain UO driver’s certification eligibility, which requires maintaining an Oregon driver’s license throughout employment.

• Completed Boiler and Turbine Operator apprenticeship or equivalent education and experience, including knowledge of turbine generators, centrifugal absorption chillers, high‑pressure boilers, and related technical systems involving electrical, steam, and refrigeration.
• Valid Oregon driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

• Ability to perform duties in a way that advances and supports the mission of the department and university.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a diverse team and foster positive relationships for problem solving.
• Skilled in taking initiative and proactively addressing tasks that…