Heating and Cooling Operator

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Job Title: STEPS Heating and Cooling Operator

Requisition Number: TE08959

Department: 3CU00:
Utilities & Energy Management

Location: Lexington, KY

Salary: $18.25/hour

Position Type: Temporary

Work Hours: Full‑Time, 12‑hour shifts (day shift 6a‑6p, night shift 6p‑6a). Shift schedule alternates 3 shifts one week, 4 shifts next week within a two‑week pay period. Weekend work and 3p‑7a hours receive differential pay.

Required

Education:

High School

Preferred Education: HS + 1 year of experience in heating and cooling, equipment maintenance, or general maintenance

Required Experience: Experience in heating and cooling, equipment maintenance, and/or general maintenance.

Physical Requirements: Standing or walking with objects up to 50lbs; repetitive motion; may be exposed to loud noises, fumes, confined spaces, temperature extremes.

Are you ready to be a key part of the team that powers our campus? As a STEPS Heating and Cooling Operator, you’ll play a critical role in maintaining and operating the equipment that keeps the University of Kentucky running efficiently. This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to build hands‑on skills, work with essential systems, and contribute to the vital operations that support our students, faculty, staff, and patients.

• Operate and maintain boilers, chillers, compressors, cooling towers, pumps, and auxiliary equipment
• Maintain proper steam pressure and chilled water temperatures
• Feed coal into boilers, maintain uniform coal bed, and remove ash accumulation
• Fill and drain boilers; clean evaporator and condenser tubes
• Perform routine lubrication, repairs, and troubleshooting on mechanical and pneumatic systems
• Manage coal and ash handling systems, and water treatment chemical processes
• Maintain clean and safe job sites and accurate maintenance records
• Respond to emergency calls and assist in training or assigning tasks to others

• Frequent climbing, crawling, and maneuvering in tight spaces
• Significant lifting, pushing, and pulling (50 lbs. or more)
• Regular exposure to extreme temperatures, hazardous chemicals, and fumes
• Must be available to work overtime as required

• On‑the‑Job Training:
  Hands‑on experience will be provided. Candidates with experience in power tools, machinery, or HVAC are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Career Opportunity:
  This position offers the potential for regular, long‑term employment based on performance and job fit.
• Benefits Eligible:
  You may be eligible for a comprehensive health insurance package and other university benefits.
• Team Environment:
  Work alongside skilled professionals committed to excellence in a supportive, safety‑focused workplace.

02/28/2026

We value the well‑being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. The University follows both federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre‑employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources, including a national background check and/or drug screen.