H&C Power Plant Operator - Entry

Universities of Wisconsin • Madison, WI

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The H&C Plant Operator is a part of our Physical Plant: Heating and Cooling Plant Department within the Division of Facilities Planning & Management at UW-Madison. The H&C Plant Operator – 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 H&C Plant 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. This role requires the ability to perform physically demanding tasks in an industrial environment. Candidates must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds, operate and turn large valve handles, and work comfortably in high‑temperature conditions. The position involves standing and performing job duties for extended periods of time and requires effective collaboration as part of a small, close‑knit team.

Requirements

• Drivers License Required - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• generous paid time off
• competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance
• tax-ad vanced savings accounts
• participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED