Heating Plant Operator

This is a full-time, benefits eligible, hourly position (hiring range $28.14 - $33.11 per hour).

Shift schedule:

Wednesday - Friday 11:00am - 9:00pm, Saturday 5:00pm - 3:00am (overnight).

• Flexible with work schedule; plant operates 24/7/365; may work days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays; willing to work occasional overtime.
• Operate boiler plant (biomass gasification, natural gas, fuel oil) producing 125 psi and 250 psi steam to serve campus systems; collect plant process data; maintain written and computer logs throughout shift.
• Receive and coordinate fuel deliveries for all fuels utilized by plant; receive water treatment chemicals at heating plant.
• Successfully pass Central Heating Plant Operating Training, including sign-off of the training manual.
• Maintain Central Heating Plant equipment for continuous operation; perform basic maintenance; keep plant in tour-ready condition through routine housekeeping and cleaning.
• Perform standard tests on boiler feed water and steam condensate and chemically treat as needed.
• Operate steam-driven turbines and auxiliary equipment for 480‑volt, 3‑phase power generation.
• Ensure plant operation complies with all Air Quality Permit requirements.
• Coordinate work with contractors and ensure compliance with safety standards for contracted work in the heating plant.
• May cross‑train in other mechanical/electrical trade shops and support other Facilities Services department needs; perform duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent; basic math and computer skills; driver’s license.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in power plant, turbine generator, or equivalent industrial process operations.
• Power plant operating certification/license (e.g., NUILPE) or equivalent preferred.
• Preferred knowledge of maintenance and troubleshooting for heating plant systems (electrical, steam, condensate, heating oil, natural gas, feed water, propane, compressed air). Experience with boiler steam drum and fireside inspection.
• Working knowledge of boiler combustion control and burner management systems.
• Basic turbine/generator operation and maintenance.
• Familiar with OSHA regulations including lockout‑tagout, fall protection, confined space, hazardous materials handling, and fire safety.
• Knowledge of steam and electrical distribution systems preferred.
• Forklift experience preferred.

Work performed in a heating plant, may be loud or dusty; requires ability to operate equipment.

An offer is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check, post‑offer pre‑employment physical exam, and references.

• Competitive health, dental, life, disability, and vision benefits.
• Generous retirement matching and generous time‑away program—up to 34 days per year, increasing with service length.
• Midd Card privileges: access to athletic facilities, discounts at the college store, library privileges, and cultural/sporting events; spouses or domestic partners eligible for a card.
• Discounts on season passes at Middlebury College’s Snow Bowl, the Ralph Myhre Golf Course, and the Rikert Outdoor Center.
• Access to our Partner Inclusion Program providing comprehensive support services to spouses and partners.
• A full listing of our benefit offerings can be found on our website.

Middlebury College is an equal‑opportunity employer where diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. The College encourages applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of other protected classes and historically underrepresented communities. The College also invites applicants who demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.