Central Plant Operator I

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee•Milwaukee, WI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Monitors, operates, adjusts, maintains, and repairs a variety of technical equipment including but not limited to high-pressure boilers and large tonnage chillers for the campus Central Heating and Cooling plant. Inspect, operate, and maintain heating and cooling equipment at campus satellite facilities. Perform all duties in accordance with policy and procedures while utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE). Employees in this position are designated as essential employees and may be required to report to work during emergencies or campus closures in accordance with University policy. Employees are required to perform all essential job duties on-site, including at campus satellite locations. This position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work.

Requirements

Minimum of six months of maintenance experience (A combination of education, training, and coursework may be considered in lieu of experience.)
Ability to lift weights up to 50 pounds unassisted.
Ability to work at heights up to 35 feet while using fall protection or ladders.
Ability and willingness to wear required PPE according to UWM policies, procedures, and practices.
Ability to work in confined spaces.
Required to be able to work overtime and all shifts including weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience managing boiler and/or chiller water treatment and water chemistry management programs.
Demonstrated experience with courteous customer service and professional communication within the team.
Evidence of previous work experience as a lead worker, team leader or supervisor over a staff charged with operations and maintenance of equipment.
Demonstrated experience with standard office computer programs.
Prior work experience in a central plant, process plant, or equivalent.
Possession of a Boiler Operator License administered by a recognized national certification organization or equivalent work experience.
Possession of a valid Wisconsin Driver’s license (or other such valid operator’s permit recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation) and be able to meet or exceed the minimum requirements for driving on state business.

Responsibilities

Perform emergency, routine, and preventative maintenance under the direction of the central plant leadership or designee following proper procedures and practices.
Repair failed equipment as directed.
In emergency situations be able to self-direct to repair failed equipment.
If equipment is not able to be repaired during the current shift, complete and submit a maintenance report prior to shift end to the central plant leadership or designee.
Complete preventative maintenance work orders assigned.
Communicate respectfully with all co-workers and customers to ensure smooth plant operations.
Document and communicate measures taken to repair equipment to central plant leadership or designee (for example: parts replaced, work done, etc.).
Inspect and test equipment to ensure proper functionality.
Assist under the direction of the central plant leadership or designee in the operation of the main campus and off campus central plant boilers, chillers and auxiliary equipment following proper procedures and practices.
Assist in the startup and shut down of boilers and fuel changeovers and the startup and shut down of auxiliary equipment.
Monitor and adjust control systems as directed by the central plant leadership or designee.
Conduct inspection tours of assigned equipment on the half hour.
Establish communications with preceding and succeeding shift operators to discuss problems and plant status to ensure a smooth transition between shifts.
Record information on logs and data sheets per Heat Plant operating procedures and practices.
Perform water testing and analysis and related activities using guidelines set forth in the Heat Plant procedures.
Address urgent or unplanned operations needs by completing tasks assigned by the central plant leadership or designee under close guidance.
Rebooting all systems and equipment.
Monitor water flow to ensure operational needs are met.
Janitorial duties.
General maintenance.
Other duties as assigned.