Power Plant Operator

Position Overview

The Power Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the College’s central heating and power plant during an assigned shift. This position plays a vital role in maintaining essential campus utilities by operating, monitoring, and repairing a wide range of power‑generation, heating, and refrigeration equipment. The operator oversees the performance of high‑pressure steam boilers, turbines, generators, pumps, compressors, motors, and related systems, ensuring continuous service and regulatory compliance.

In addition to performing hands‑on maintenance and troubleshooting, the Power Plant Operator supervises plant personnel, responds to emergency situations, assists with equipment installations and major repairs, and monitors system performance through routine inspections and operational record‑keeping.

• On an assigned shift, responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of a large electric power generating and heating plant in a state institution or group of institutions.
• Responsible for the efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as stationary engines, turbines, generators, switchboards, transformers, motors and controls, high‑pressure steam boilers, blowers, pumps, compressors, ventilators, and other heating, generating, and refrigerating equipment.
• Supervise and participate in emergency repairs.
• Assist in new installations and major repairs.
• Read and record findings of instruments and gauges; keep records of fuel and water consumed and make reports based on this data.
• Supervise the work of firemen and other power plant employees.
• Inspect equipment and note its condition and performance.
• Do related work as required.

Graduation from a senior high school.

Employment in a responsible capacity in the firing and maintenance of steam boilers and other power plant equipment.

Any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above.

At the time of appointment must be physically qualified to perform assigned duties as evidenced by a physician’s certificate.

A working knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of high‑pressure steam boilers, stationary engines, turbines, generators, switchboards, transformers, motors and controls, blowers, pumps, compressors, ventilators, and other refrigerating, heating, and generating equipment; a working knowledge of the safety precautions and practices necessary to work effectively around high‑pressure steam boilers and moving equipment; the ability to supervise and direct the work of employees in such a plant;

and related capacities and abilities.

• FLSA
• FLSA Non‑Exempt
• Full Time / Part Time
• Full Time / Part Time Full‑time

Full Time

40 hours/week

Thursday – Monday 2:00PM-11:00PM

Tuesday & Wednesday OFF

• Health and Wellness – Medical, Dental & Vision
• Wellness Incentives and Rewards
• Paid time Off – Vacation, Sick & Holiday
• Disability and Insurance Benefits
• Education Benefits – Tuition waivers for RIC , CCRI & URI

Manager, Campus Environmental Functions and Services

Permanent - C

Salary Grade 318CA

Minimum: $50,545

Maximum: $55,928

Added Salary: $9.00/hr Trade Wage Stipend + $2.00/hr Shift Differential

Council 94 Local 2878

Rhode Island College is an equal opportunity employer. The institution does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability religion, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. Rhode Island College is committed to maintain a workplace and educational environment that supports equal opportunity, professionalism and respectful engagement for all community members.