Central Plant Operator II

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee • Milwaukee, WI

3d • 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. Inspects, operates, and maintains heating and cooling equipment at campus satellite facilities. When assigned responsibility for operating the Central Plant, the Operator II makes decisions about equipment dispatch and operating parameters to ensure continuous production of utilities safely and efficiently. Performs all duties in accordance with policies and procedures while utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE). All Operator II employees are expected to operate the plant while assigned the job task.

Requirements

• One year or more of experience operating and maintaining high pressure boilers and related equipment.
• Ability and willingness to wear the required PPE according to UWM policies and procedures.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work at heights up to 35 feet while using fall protection or ladders.
• Ability to work overtime and all shifts including weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.
• Basic proficiency with electronic communication methods (e.g. email).

Nice To Haves

• Certification by the Department of Safety and Professionals (DSPS) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the handling of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants.
• Possession of an advanced Boiler Operator License or Power Plant Operating Engineer License from a recognized national certification organization.
• Experience working in a central utility or power plant environment.
• Evidence of being accountable for independently and proactively making decisions in a strategic manner to operate equipment in a plant environment.
• Evidence of leadership experience in the workplace.
• Demonstrated experience with standard office computer programs.
• Demonstrated ability to self-direct in emergencies or unexpected situations.
• 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 as detailed here: https://uwm.edu/risk-management/drivers/

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all plant operations on a shift (when assigned responsibility for operating the plant) while operating the plant safely and efficiently and following heat plant procedures and policies.
• Monitor the plant instrumentation and controls.
• Analyze and assess trouble situations.
• Determine when anomalies or emergencies exist and take immediate steps to resolve them.
• Monitor building automation computers for satellite buildings and critical campus spaces.
• Act according to policies and procedures in the event of anomalies or alarms.
• Communicate respectfully with all coworkers and customers to ensure smooth plant operations.
• Communicate verbally with other plant staff on shift and with staff from preceding and succeeding shifts regarding plant operating status, equipment status, maintenance activities, and other relevant information to ensure awareness of all staff as to plant status and any operational abnormalities.
• Record information on logs and data sheets as required per plant policies and procedures.
• Ensure maintenance reports are completed on any equipment that may need repair or service and bring to Central Plant Leadership’s attention.
• Conduct inspection tours on the hour throughout the plant per plant procedures.
• When assigned responsibility for operating the plant, find coverage for unexpected shift vacancies following Central Plant procedures.
• Notify Central Plant Leadership of results.
• In accordance with established policies and procedures, may direct activities of other plant staff on shift as required to ensure continuous plant operations – when assigned responsibility for operating the plant.
• The Operator II may consult with Central Plant Leadership during complex situations.
• Performs emergency, routine, and preventative maintenance while adhering to Central Plant policies and procedures.
• May serve as lead for maintenance activities during the shift.
• Use CMMS (TMA) to perform job tasks.
• May perform tasks typically associated with Central Plant Operator I.
• Guide and train staff in plant operating and maintenance procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by Central Plant management while adhering to plant policies and procedures.
• Due to operational needs, there may be times when an Operator II is assigned work typically associated with other positions in the plant.
• Operator II will be required to complete all assigned tasks according to established procedures and policies.
• This may include janitorial work.
• Other miscellaneous duties as assigned by Central Plant Leadership.

Benefits

• The organization supports the academic and strategic objectives of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with commitment and pride in everything they do.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed