Utility Plant Operator Apprentice & Power Plant Operator

University of Arkansas • Fayetteville, AR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Power Plant Operator and Utility Plant Operator Apprentice positions perform comprehensive operations and maintenance functions across utility plants, control rooms, distribution locations, utility tunnels, and building utility rooms. Work takes place on a rotating 24-hour shift schedule. Employees help ensure the safe and reliable operation of plant equipment and engineering systems by identifying issues and taking corrective action. Duties include inspecting, maintaining, repairing, and replacing components in utility distribution infrastructure, as well as installing new systems. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance and the ability to maintain collegial working relationships are essential job functions.

The position is offered at several apprentice and operator levels, with salary and experience requirements varying by level. Employees must obtain the required DOT Gas Operator’s License and Arkansas Boiler Operator’s License within six months of employment and be able to maintain both licenses. The role requires working varying hours and, when necessary, for extended periods. It also involves physical activities such as lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, operating valves, reaching overhead, and bending.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent formal education.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing.
• Ability to obtain a DOT Gas Operator’s License and an Arkansas Boiler Operator’s License within six months of employment.
• Apprentice I: No additional experience required.
• Apprentice II: At least one year of experience troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines, or a related field.
• Apprentice III: At least two years of experience troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines, or a related field.
• Apprentice IV: At least three years of experience troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines, or a related field.
• Operator I: Four years of experience troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines, or a related field.
• Operator II: Five years of experience troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines, or a related field.
• Operator III: Seven years of experience troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines, or a related field.
• Ability to maintain an Arkansas Boiler Operator’s License and DOT Gas Operator License.
• Knowledge of utility plant operations and mechanical code methods, best practices, safety procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to read blueprints, manuals, schematics, building plans, and one-line drawings.
• Ability to use power tools, machinery, and hand tools associated with skilled trades.
• Ability to work varying hours and extended periods when necessary.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, open and close valves, reach overhead, and bend at the waist and knees.
• Ability to evaluate situations and make sound decisions.
• Knowledge and use of a CMMS or work-order management system and mobile technology.
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office programs, such as email and spreadsheets.

Nice To Haves

• Arkansas Boiler Operator’s License.
• DOT Gas Operator License.
• OSHA certification.
• Completion of required education or training and Journeyman certification in a skilled trade such as Electrician, Plumber, or HVAC Mechanic.
• Completion of the UARK Apprenticeship Training Program.
• One year of experience using the FAMIS CMMS System or equivalent.
• Experience leading or managing a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform operations and maintenance functions across utility plants, control rooms, distribution locations, utility tunnels, and building utility rooms.
• Help ensure safe and reliable operation of plant equipment and engineering systems.
• Proactively identify equipment or system issues and execute corrective actions.
• Inspect, perform preventive maintenance on, repair, and replace components in utility distribution infrastructure.
• Install new systems.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance and collegial working relationships.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5% to 10% of employee salary

What This Job Offers

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