Heating and Cooling Plant Operator II

University of Wisconsin Stout • Superior, WI

10d • $24 - $26

About The Position

This position operates a variety of equipment in the Halbert Heating Plant, which operates 24 hours a day, year-round. The operator is responsible for the operation of the natural gas/fuel oil fired boilers, various pumps, motors, air compressors, etc., during the assigned shift operation. Operators perform a variety of duties, including monitoring, maintaining, and repair power plant equipment. This position is performed under the general supervision of the Heating/Cooling Plant Superintendent.

Requirements

• Ability to kneel, squat, bend, climb and stretch to read gauges, thermometers, sight glasses, operate valves and perform other related duties.
• Ability to read gauges, thermometers and sight glasses.
• Ability to read and understand manuals, blueprints, and diagrams.
• Ability to work 8 hours shift, alone, in large industrial steam plant setting.
• Ability to work shift work all hours of the day, night, and weekends as scheduled.
• Ability to climb stairs and overhand ladders.
• Ability to enter manholes and exit same via overhand ladders.
• Ability to enter and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to swing a sledgehammer and be able to lift up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to operate and monitor data on computers.
• General custodial and building maintenance knowledge.
• Knowledge of the operation of natural gas and/or oil-fired steam boilers, water pumps, computers, pressure gauges, temperature gauges, flow meters, load centers, and switchboards.
• Ability to obtain permission to drive state owned vehicles.
• Knowledge of water testing and water treatment.
• High School Diploma or equivalency document
• This position is currently ineligible for H1-B sponsorship.
• A qualification for this position includes independent eligibility to work within the United States upon hire date.

Nice To Haves

• Strong mechanical aptitude, high and low pressure boiler knowledge/experience

Responsibilities

• Ensures safe and efficient operation of the plant and its associated equipment
• Cleans and maintains work areas and equipment
• Starts, stops, and adjusts equipment settings to maintain operational requirements
• Maintains forms, logs, or reports
• Assists with preventative and corrective maintenance as needed
• Analyzes data and communicates recommendations on equipment and systems operations, both verbally and in written reports
• Assists in the training and oversight of new employees in these and other safe and efficient plant operational procedures
• Adheres to safety protocols and procedures
• Makes regular inspections of plant equipment and prepares equipment malfunction reports
• Complies with environmental protection protocols and procedures
• May work without direct supervision on shift operations
• Operate a variety of equipment in the plant.
• Operate boilers fired by gas and fuel oil.
• Operate valves, pumps, motors, motor controllers, air compressors, fans, blowers, generators, and water treatment equipment.
• Record and interpret readings from thermometers, pressure gauges, flow meters, digital display screens, computers, and trend screens.
• Operate/monitor emergency generator as required.
• Blow down boilers.
• Operate automatic combustion controls on automatic, manual, or local manual as necessary to meet conditions.
• Exercise judgement in the event of casualties or breakdowns with plant equipment.
• Take water samples, test water samples and interpret the results.
• Mix boiler water treatment chemicals in proper portions and regulate feed of same to maintain boiler water within control limits.
• Operate/monitor Reverse Osmosis equipment, softeners, and water pre-filters.
• Make hourly rounds of the plant monitoring equipment and climbing many flights of stairs and ladders.
• Perform a variety of general repairs and maintenance.
• Diagnose problems and make minor repairs and adjustments to heating plant equipment.
• Assist with major repairs of heating plant equipment.
• Keep work area and equipment clean and in an orderly condition.
• Clean boilers
• Lubricate equipment.
• Complete required trainings and professional development as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.
• For a summary of benefits, please see: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff.pdf

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees