Utilities Plant Operator

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Posting Details:

• Position Title: Utilities Plant Operator
• Classification Type: SHRA
• Work during adverse weather or emergencies: All Emergency and Pandemic On Site
• Minimum Experience/
  
  Education:
  
  High school diploma or equivalency and one year of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Maintains required certification(s).
• Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training,
  
  Education:
  
  High school diploma or equivalency and four years of experience in applicable utility operations, of which one year is supervisory; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Associate’s degree in mechanical engineering, industrial maintenance, power plant technology, or a related field; a bachelor’s degree is preferred.
  • Five (5) years of experience in high-pressure steam plant operations, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or lead role.
  • Proven knowledge of water tube boiler systems, condensate return systems, deaerators, and feedwater pumps.
  • Ability to interpret technical drawings, piping schematics, and equipment manuals.
  • Proficiency in using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for tracking work orders and preventive maintenance.
  • Documented experience implementing energy efficiency measures in steam plants, such as boiler tuning and stack heat recovery.
  • Familiarity with state and federal boiler safety regulations and environmental compliance requirements.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with experience managing 24/7 shift-based operations and achieving measurable outcomes.
  • Hands‑on experience troubleshooting control systems and integrating automation technologies (e.g., SCADA or PLC systems).

Primary Purpose of Position:

Operate and maintain boilers supplying steam for the campus; make rounds of the steam plant at regular intervals; read gauges; adjust equipment consumption meters; make routine tests of H2O to determine that it conforms to established standards of institutional use; maintain H2O treatment equipment as required.

Key Responsibilities and Related

Competencies:

• Ensure that the quantity and quality of steam is sufficient to satisfy pneumatic controls.
• Ensure that the quantity of air for combustion is adequate on boiler(s) to prevent unburned combustibles.
• Complete one chemical analysis test on condensate H2O, boiler H2O, H2O softener per shift.
• Take hourly readings and record findings in log book for equipment gauges, motors, pumps, chemical tanks, fuel oil tanks, D.A. tank, condensate tanks, I.D. fans, and conditions inside dike wall.
• Conduct shift change checks:
  Inspect equipment, valves, and controls to ensure everything is in working order before turning over operations to next shift lead.
• Test boiler water for pH levels, dissolved solids, and other parameters to ensure proper water chemistry and prevent corrosion and scaling.

Required Competency – Safety and Health Compliance:

• Demonstrate awareness of safety and health laws and regulations, identify and fix potential safety problems, and use regulation safety equipment.
• Show knowledge of emergency procedures and plans necessary to work safely and effectively during a disaster, utilities failure, fire, or other emergency situation.
• Follow all safety protocols and regulations, wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and conduct safety inspections as required.
• Maintain a safe work environment by keeping work spaces clean and orderly.

Required Competency – Equipment Operation:

• Prepare boilers for inspection, replace seals, pumps, traps, strainers, and perform maintenance on boilers located at the farm.
• Use hand tools and power tools; conduct shift change checks to ensure everything is in working order before turning over operations to next shift lead.
• Regularly check gauges, meters, and control panels to ensure the boiler is operating within safe parameters.
• Perform routine maintenance: lubricate equipment, replace worn or damaged parts as needed.
• Keep accurate records of boiler operations, including…