Heating & Cooling Power Plant Operators - Entry

Current Employees:
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University Staff

Regular

Heat/Cool Plant Operator I

About the H&C Plant Operator – Entry position:
The H&C Plant Operator is a part of our Physical Plant:
Heating and Cooling Plant Department within the Facilities Planning and Management Division at UW‑Madison. The entry position is an entry‑level role offering comprehensive on‑site training; no experience is required. Candidates with backgrounds in facility engineering, industrial mechanics, or skilled trades—particularly those experienced with large‑scale HVAC, refrigeration, or water treatment systems—bring highly transferable skills that make them strong fits for this role.

This position also offers excellent opportunities for career growth and advancement within our organization.

The Operator – Entry position assists in the operation, maintenance, and repair of boilers and chillers or varying types and capacities, and all associated equipment along with general operations and miscellaneous work duties. This position plays a vital role in a collaborative environment with a team of 4 to 6 Operators where success is driven by strong communication, mutual support, and shared goals.

Ongoing/Renewable;
Full‑Time: 100% FTE;
Hours generally scheduled on site with a rotating 12‑hour shift. Occasional nights, weekends, and holidays may be required for this position.

• Maintains forms, logs, or reports
• Adheres to safety protocols and procedures
• Ensures the safe and efficient operation of the plant and its associated equipment
• Works under direct supervision while on shift operations
• Communicates to/with plant personnel to ensure operational and safety objectives are met
• Makes regular inspections of plant equipment and prepares equipment malfunction reports
• Cleans and maintains work areas and equipment
• Assists with preventative and corrective maintenance as needed
• Starts, stops, and adjusts equipment settings to maintain operational requirements

Division of Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M), Heating & Cooling Power Plant

The Division of Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M) is a full‑spectrum service organization that builds, maintains, and operates the physical environment of UW‑Madison in the university's education, research, and outreach activities. We are responsible for everything from the building projects that change the face of campus to the flowers that beautify the grounds.

Find out more about our Division: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

$33.86 hourly minimum

The minimum rate for this position is $33.86.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax‑advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

For a summary of benefits, please see below for more information:
University Staff Benefits Summary

• Driver's license in accordance with UW‑Risk Management requirements

• Basic working knowledge of boiler operations, valves, pumps, compressors, fans and piping systems and a mechanical aptitude including the common hand tools

• High School Diploma or Equivalent - Preferred

To begin the application process, click the "Apply" button.

Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all of your documents in the attachment field, either as one combined document, or separate documents.

We are eager to learn more about how your experience may align with this position.

The following is required for your application to be considered complete:

• A cover letter describing how your experience relates to the listed required and preferred job qualifications.
• Resume detailing your educational and professional background.

The search committee will review all application materials after the posted deadline.

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