Utility Plant Operator

UO HR Website•Eugene, OR

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This position serves as a Utilities and Energy campus wide operator/dispatcher for the University of Oregon, and acts as the point of contact for utility distribution issues at the University of Oregon. This position will safely operate the UO steam plant, which consists of two high-pressure saturated steam boilers with the combined capacity of 125,000 lbs per hour; One Combined Cycle Co-Generation plant (CTG/HRSG) capable of generating 7.5 MW (Gas Turbine) and 65,000 lbs of 600-psi steam: 3.5 MW (Steam Turbine). It will also operate the UO chilled water plant that consists of (5) electric centrifugal chillers with capacity of 7,500 tons of cooling with the additional 3 million gallon thermal tank, 18 cooling towers, pumps and associated equipment. The operator is responsible for the distribution of the 12,470 Volt electrical load to the UO campus buildings, and will assist with configuring the plant to "Island Mode" if loss of power occurs from EWEB. The incumbent is responsible for regulating access, providing training, maintaining the operation, and monitoring all work performed in the UO utility distribution tunnel system. This position monitors BAS (building automation system) alarms, and controls within the UO steam plant, and chiller plant, and building HVAC system. The incumbent in this role must maintain the skills necessary for the ever-changing technology based automation systems, by training and learning daily. The incumbent will be expected to complete preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on all power plant, and building equipment. Interactions/contacts occur daily with CPFM and the campus community in the course of performing work and responding to emergencies. This position works with electrical and maintenance staff within the Utilities and Energy Department on a daily basis. This position will also be in contact with outside contractors, vendors and regulatory agencies (LRAPA and DEQ). Decisions made by this position affect the entire University. The incumbent is responsible for maintaining a continuous flow of electricity, steam, chilled water and other utilities to the University in normal and emergency situations. Additional job-related decisions may include: when to start or stop equipment, interpreting equipment data and applying corrective actions.

Requirements

Completed Boiler and Turbine Operator apprenticeship or equivalent combination of education and experience to include knowledge of turbine generators, centrifugal absorption chillers, high pressure boilers and related technical systems involving electrical, steam, and refrigeration.
Valid Oregon driver's license and acceptable driving record.
Ability to perform duties in a way that advances and supports the mission of the department and university.
Ability to collaborate effectively within a diverse team environment and foster positive relationships for problem solving.
Skilled in taking initiative and proactively addressing tasks that need to be done.
Proficient in paying close attention to detail.
Ability to maintain a safe and safety-conscious workplace.
Ability to maintain a respectful workplace and model a positive and proactive attitude.
Skilled in modeling and upholding the highest ethical standards.
Proficient in delivering superior customer service.
Must work within Federal, State, local and the University of Oregon rules and regulations, including maintaining compliance with permits, working within regulations, and performing duties in a safe manner.
Must qualify for and maintain UO driver's certification eligibility, which includes maintaining an Oregon driver's license throughout employment in this position.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating high‑pressure boilers (100+ PSI), industrial chillers (1,000+ tons), steam turbines, and working safely around high‑voltage equipment and lines.
Knowledge and hands‑on background with gas turbines, heat recovery boilers, and utility distribution systems, including steam and chilled water.
Working knowledge of maintenance and operation of boilers, chillers, air compressors, DA tanks, RO units, pumps, and valves.
Experience using industrial and facility software systems such as FactoryTalk, Siemens, PME, Milestone Cameras, and CMMS platforms including AiM.
Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, and Zoom for documentation, communication, and reporting.

Responsibilities

Safely operate the UO steam plant, including two high-pressure saturated steam boilers with a combined capacity of 125,000 lbs per hour.
Operate the Combined Cycle Co-Generation plant (CTG/HRSG) capable of generating 7.5 MW (Gas Turbine) and 65,000 lbs of 600-psi steam: 3.5 MW (Steam Turbine).
Operate the UO chilled water plant, including (5) electric centrifugal chillers with a capacity of 7,500 tons of cooling, a 3 million gallon thermal tank, 18 cooling towers, pumps, and associated equipment.
Distribute the 12,470 Volt electrical load to UO campus buildings.
Assist with configuring the plant to "Island Mode" during power loss from EWEB.
Regulate access, provide training, maintain operation, and monitor all work performed in the UO utility distribution tunnel system.
Monitor BAS (building automation system) alarms and controls within the UO steam plant, chiller plant, and building HVAC system.
Maintain skills necessary for automation systems through daily training and learning.
Complete preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on all power plant and building equipment.
Interact daily with CPFM and the campus community, responding to emergencies.
Work with electrical and maintenance staff within the Utilities and Energy Department.
Contact outside contractors, vendors, and regulatory agencies (LRAPA and DEQ).
Maintain a continuous flow of electricity, steam, chilled water, and other utilities to the University in normal and emergency situations.
Make decisions regarding when to start or stop equipment and interpret equipment data for corrective actions.