Utility Plant Operator Apprentice & Power Plant Operator

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at all University of Arkansas institutions will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students.” University of Arkansas, Fayetteville students will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Student Jobs at UAF.” All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page. Closing Date 11/09/2026 Type Of Position Skilled Crafts and Trades Workstudy Position No Job Type Regular Work Shift Shift Vary (United States of America) Sponsorship Available No Institution Name University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations. The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life. As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary. Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening. If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Applicants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied. For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351. Department Plant Operations & Maintenance Department's Website https://fama.uark.edu/ Summary Of Job Duties Both the Power Plant Operator and the Utility Plant Operator Apprentice positions are responsible for executing comprehensive Operations and Maintenance (O&M) functions across utility plants, control rooms, distribution locations, utility tunnels, and building utility rooms on a rotating 24-hour shift schedule. Personnel in these roles ensure the safe and reliable operation of plant equipment and engineering systems by proactively identifying issues, executing necessary corrective actions, and maintaining utility distribution infrastructure through regular inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, component replacements, and new system installations. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job function of this job, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: The formal education equivalent of a high school diplomaValid Driver's License in good standingAbility to obtain DOT Gas Operator’s License and an Arkansas Boiler Operators License within 6 months of employment AND Apprentice I No additional experience required Apprentice II At least one year of experience with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field Apprentice III At least two years of experience with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field Apprentice IV At least three years of experience with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field Operator I Four (4) years of experience working with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field Operator II Five (5) years of experience working with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field Operator III Seven (7) years of experience working with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field Preferred Qualifications Applicable equivalencies may be considered on the above qualifications Arkansas Boiler Operator’s LicenseDOT Gas Operator LicenseOSHA certificationCompletion of required education or training along with Journeyman certification in one of the following skilled trades: Electrician, Plumber, or HVAC MechanicCompletion of UARK Apprenticeship Training ProgramOne (1) Year Experience with working with the FAMIS CMMS System or equivalentExperience with leading or managing a team Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Ability to maintain Arkansas Boiler Operator’s LicenseAbility to maintain DOT Gas Operator LicenseKnowledge of methods, best practices, safety procedures, laws, and regulations relating to Utility Plant Operations and Mechanical CodeAbility to read blueprints, manuals, schematics, building plans, and one-line drawingsAbility to use power tools, machinery, and hand tools associated with skilled tradesAble to work varying hours and be able to work for extended periods of time when necessaryAbility to lift 50lbs, stand for extended periods, open/close valves, reach overhead, and bend at the waist and kneesAbility to evaluate situations and make good decisions based on sound judgmentKnowledge and use of a CMMS/Work Order Management system, mobile technologyBasic understanding of Microsoft Office programs e.g., Email and spreadsheets Qualification Equivalencies Applicable equivalencies may be considered on the qualification listed above. Additional Information Salary Information: Apprentice I: $39,930 Apprentice II: $43,923 Apprentice III: $46,383 Apprentice IV: $51,021 Operator I: $56,123 Operator II: $61,735 Operator III: 63,138 All levels are commensurate with education and experience Required Documents To Apply None Optional Documents Cover Letter/Letter of Application, License or Certificate (see special instructions for submission instructions), Proof of Veteran Status, Resume Recruitment Contact Information Troy Vela, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, tvela1@uark.edu All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS Please do not send to listed recruitment contact. Special Instructions To Applicants Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check, Sex Offender Registry, Substance Abuse Testing The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Constant Physical Activity Feeling, Grasping, Hearing, Reaching, Talking Frequent Physical Activity Standing, Stooping, Walking Occasional Physical Activity Crouching, Driving, Kneeling, Lifting, Sharps, Sitting Benefits Eligible Yes