Utility Plant Operator III

What You Can Expect

As a Utility Plant Operator III at the University of Iowa Power Plant in Iowa City, you will support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of campus power generation systems. You will operate and monitor a wide range of industrial equipment that supports steam and electrical production for campus customers. You will work as part of a rotating shift team and partner closely with Operations and Maintenance to keep plant systems operating within design, safety, and regulatory limits.

You will perform field rounds, log equipment data, respond to alarms, support testing and treatment activities, and provide operational coverage across multiple functions. This role requires strong technical knowledge, clear communication across shifts, and the ability to respond to plant conditions in real time. Your work directly supports campus reliability, safety, and service continuity.

• Responsible for the safe, proper and efficient operation of all machinery and related equipment (turbine generators, boilers, pumps, air compressors, conveying systems, fans, electric motors, ash conveying system, control valves, etc.) as directed by the Shift Supervisor.
• Responsible to report and keep the appropriate personnel informed by communicating verbally and in writing all pertinent information amongst the shift, between shifts, production support personnel and management personnel.
• Know and understand the normal operating condition of each piece of plant equipment and be aware of the present operating condition of each piece of plant equipment.
• Perform hourly rounds and other round schedules as outlined in shift procedures and/or as assigned by Shift Supervisor. Record and ensure that plant operating logs are kept current and accurate.
• Perform daily housekeeping tasks and any other housekeeping tasks as assigned by Shift Supervisor/Management.
• Required to provide relief and support in other job classifications including but not limited to all other Operations positions, Maintenance and Fuel Unloading.
• Perform regular and routine testing & treatment of boiler water as directed.
• Responsible for vacation/emergency relief as required. This may require coverage for the Shift Supervisor and all other Operations positions. Also, may be required to work overtime as deemed necessary by the Plant Management Team.
• Utilize a CMMS for writing and completing work orders with notes.
• Carries out other duties as assigned.

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED required
• Minimum of four (4) years of industrial, process, or power plant operating experience where you have operated boilers, pumps, fans, conveyors and/or other similar equipment
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience operating solid fuel and/or gas/oil fired water tube boilers, turbine generators and related plant equipment
• This role requires attendance at a worksite on a daily basis
• You must possess a valid U.S. driver's license/clean driving record, operation of company owned vehicles is required
• Required to have a personal telephone to be able to receive emergency notifications
• Ability to meet highest attendance requirements
• Ability to communicate effectively, written, verbally, and digitally using a company provided computer working with standard software applications (MS Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Must be physically capable to hear and understand audible alarms, detect changes in noise levels of rotating equipment and portable radio communication
• Capable of frequently standing; walking; balancing; sitting; climbing (ladders, stairs, ramps, catwalks and the like as required); kneeling; pushing; pulling; lifting
• Capable of performing repetitive motions as required
• Must be physically capable of entering and working in a confined space (crawl spaces, shafts, small enclosed areas, pipes and the like) as required
• Must be physically capable of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to half and full-face respirators, fall protection equipment, hardhat, safety shoes, safety glasses, etc.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time

The Power Plant can be an…