Plant Operator III

Location: Belknap Campus | Full time | Regular position

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED and a minimum of four (4) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Pre-employment physical exam required.
• Valid driver's license required and must be insurable by the University's insurance carrier.

About the Role

The Plant Operator III position is responsible for the independent operation, monitoring, control, and routine maintenance of the University's Steam and Chilled Water Plant, including oil- and gas-fired boilers, centrifugal refrigeration equipment, and the underground tunnel system that distributes steam and chilled water throughout Belknap Campus. This position ensures the safe, reliable, and efficient production and distribution of utilities by monitoring plant performance, adjusting operating equipment, maintaining water chemistry, documenting system conditions, and responding to operational issues to minimize service interruptions.

During the heating season, this position works variable shifts to maintain continuous plant operations. This is a required personnel position that necessitates the employee's physical presence in the workplace. The employee must report to or remain at work during university emergencies or closures and maintain a valid, insurable driver's license under the University's insurance policy.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain boilers, chillers, pumps, cooling towers, and other associated equipment and systems to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient production and distribution of steam and chilled water.
• Maintain established steam pressures, temperatures, and plant output to meet campus utility demands for heating and cooling.
• Perform routine operational maintenance and minor equipment adjustments to maximize equipment performance, improve efficiency, and minimize system downtime.
• Operate and inspect the underground steam and chilled water distribution systems to ensure the reliable delivery of utilities to campus facilities.
• Perform and monitor boiler and chilled water chemical treatment through mechanical and chemical means to maintain water quality, protect system integrity, and support efficient plant operations.
• Complete and submit required documentation, including operational logs, records, inspection reports, and water data. Record equipment status, operating conditions, maintenance needs, plant and tunnel equipment issues, and abnormal events to ensure effective communication during shift turnover.
• Follow all applicable safety procedures, environmental regulations, operating procedures, and University policies to promote safe, compliant, and efficient plant operations.
• Assist in providing operational guidance to Plant Operator II employees and perform other job-related duties as assigned by the Foreman.