Operator-In-Training

University Facilities Management provides responsible leadership and systematic guidance to preserve and advance a safe and effective physical environment in support of education, research, and community needs.

About the role

A rare opportunity for on-the-job training to obtain a 1st Class Montana Boiler Operator license and join the team of Stationary Engineers responsible for operating the MSU Bozeman central heating plant. The Operator-In-Training position is responsible for gaining a complete understanding of maintenance and operation requirements of the MSU central heating plant, along with obtaining a 1st Class Boiler license to operate without supervision.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Heating Plant Foreman, provide safe and energy-efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of central heating plant equipment to provide a reliable steam supply to meet campus demands and to generate a portion of campus electricity needs.
• Assist Stationary Engineers with testing and chemical treatment of water, operation of chemical feed equipment.
• Assist Stationary Engineers with instrument checks and maintenance of operation logs and recorders; check and adjust boiler status and peripheral equipment (pumps, fans, economizers, pneumatic/electric/electronic control systems, deaerators, compressors, etc.).
• Assist Stationary Engineers with operation of emergency diesel generator and LPG fuel systems; monitoring of emergency fuel reserves; monitoring of natural gas consumption and initiating demand peak-shaving.
• Assist Stationary Engineers with monitoring and calibration of air quality compliance system; combustion efficiency tests; troubleshooting and repair of controls.
• Assist Heat Maintenance Technicians as needed with the safe, reliable, and efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of approximately 54 outlying heating plants across campus.
• Assist Heat Maintenance Technicians as needed to operate, maintain, and repair medium pressure steam distribution systems in the utility tunnel system. Maintain and repair this system including expansion joints, valves, steam traps, condensate skids, control devices up to, and including, main pressure regulating valves at building connection.
• Assist Heat Maintenance Technicians as needed to read utility metering systems.
• Attend and participate in required training for the use of personal protective equipment and comply with the requirements for the use of employer-provided equipment.

Requirements

• 2nd Class or 3rd Class Montana Boiler Operator license or equivalent experience as confirmed by State of Montana Boiler Operator Program.
• Experience with operation and maintenance of steam boiler systems including chemical treatment programs, emergency diesel-powered generators, and emergency fuel systems.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of work safety procedures, such as lockout/tagout and chemical safety.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the operation of steam turbine generator systems.
• Experience with electronic combustion controls, emissions monitoring, and air quality compliance.
• Experience working in a university or institutional environment.
• Broad knowledge of HVAC and boiler systems, associated controls, and equipment.

Skills

• Consistently exercise initiative and good judgment.
• Effectively and safely operate work-related equipment and tools.
• Work proficiently in the use of a computerized maintenance management system, e-mail, and other computer applications as assigned or required.
• Accurately follow written and oral instructions and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with employees and the public, both in person and over the phone.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public.
• Be a successful team player.
• Represent the department and MSU to others in a professional and courteous manner.

Training & Schedule

Training Period: Approximately 12 to 24 months in length or until the individual obtains a 1st Class Montana Boiler Operator license.

• During the training period, the work shift is expected to be a normal work week schedule (typically 7:30 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday) under the supervision of the Heating Plant Foreman and with operating Stationary Engineers.
• Operator-In-Training is expected to work on the modified DuPont 12-hour shift schedule during the final training period (or until obtaining a 1st Class Montana Boiler Operator license) with a 1st Class licensed Stationary Engineer.

Post-Training Period: Once an Operator-In-Training has obtained a 1st Class Montana Boiler Operator license they will be expected to:

• Permanently fill a vacant Stationary Engineer position after successful completion of the Human Resources recruitment process. The Stationary Engineer position includes working on the modified DuPont 12-hour shift schedule.
• If no vacant Stationary Engineer position is available, the individual will:
  • Temporarily operate the Heating Plant (relief fire) on the modified DuPont 12-hour shift schedule when a Stationary Engineer is unable to work specific shifts due to sick or vacation leave.
  • During other times – provide Heating Plant maintenance on a normal work week schedule or on the modified DuPont 12-hour shift schedule.

Physical Demands

• Performing physical tasks associated with the operation of steam boilers and plant equipment, including valve operations, and transporting materials up to 50 lbs.
• Working under temperature extremes, especially heat.
• Working from and traversing elevated catwalks, stairs, ladders, manholes, and crawlspaces.
• Working with and around moving equipment such as motors, pumps, fans, turbine-generators, and emergency diesel and liquefied-propane-gas systems.
• Exposure to and handling water treatment chemicals and reagents.

Pay

$44.64 per hour

Benefits

Benefits eligible.