Capitol Heat & Power Plant Systems Operator

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation/holiday leave

Health, vision, dental benefits

Pension plan with employer match

Well Wisconsin Wellness Program

Job summary

The State of Wisconsin, Department of Administration, is seeking a Senior Power Plant Operator to operate and maintain the Capitol Heat & Power Plant in Madison. Duties include maintaining plant equipment, assisting with major and minor repairs, painting equipment, and performing custodial and grounds tasks.

A forklift is used to unload delivery trucks. The role offers $31.32 per hour, with a possible $1.00 per hour add-on, and a 12‑month probationary period.

Qualifications

• Background check will be required.
• DOA does not sponsor work visas.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, with or without accommodation.
• This position is part of the 24/7 plant coverage and may be assigned to rotating shifts including day, nights, afternoons and most weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the Capitol Heat & Power Plant equipment and perform maintenance tasks.
• Assist maintenance personnel in major and minor repairs of equipment.
• Paint plant equipment and work areas; perform custodial and grounds duties.
• Operate a forklift to unload delivery trucks and support plant operations.
• Work a rotating schedule across day, night, evenings, weekends and holidays.

Job description

Join an organization that strives to exceed customer expectations by delivering efficient, high-quality state government services. The Department of Administration (DOA) provides direct services to state agency customers and designs and leads initiatives to make government more innovative and cost-effective. Working at DOA offers you the opportunity to make an impact on the quality of life in Wisconsin.

We are currently seeking to fill two vacancies. These positions will be located in DOA, Division of Facilities and Transportation Services at the DOA Capitol Heating Plant: 624 E Main St, Madison, WI 53703. This recruitment may be used to fill further permanent or LTE positions within the next 6 months.

As the flagship agency of the State of Wisconsin, our core values at Department of Administration are Adaptability, Collaboration, Stewardship, Equity, Service Excellence, and Integrity. Our values make it possible for us to fulfill our mission, with a set of shared principles and practices, and form the bedrock of how we operate, interact, and are seen by colleagues, partners, and other agencies.

Position Summary

The Power Plant Operator – Senior position operates and maintains the plant and equipment at the Capitol Heat & Power Plant (CHPP). The Capitol Heat & Power Plant provides chilled water and steam to serve the downtown State of Wisconsin, Dane County, and City of Madison buildings only. Duties include performing assigned maintenance duties related to power plant equipment, as needed, and assisting maintenance personnel and craft workers in major and minor repairs of equipment. Other duties include painting plant equipment and work areas, performing operational support tasks, maintaining the grounds outside of the plant, and custodial work. This position also operates a forklift to unload delivery trucks and is expected to perform other miscellaneous tasks as assigned. To view a full list of duties, see the complete position description.

Salary Information

This position is in schedule-range (03-15) with a rate of $31.32 per hour. Eligible employees may receive an add-on of $1.00 per hour at the DOA Capitol Heat & Power Plant. A 12-month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the Wisconsin State Compensation Plan.

Competitive Benefits Package

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation/personal holiday to start, 9 paid holidays, and 130 hours of sick time that rolls over each year.
• Excellent and affordable health, vision, and dental benefits
• An exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program – a free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being
• Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!

Job Details

A background check will be required. DOA does not sponsor work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States, and to complete the required employment eligibility form upon hire. Willingness and adaptability to work under conditions such as extreme noise, dusty or dirty areas, extreme heat and cold, in wet areas and confined spaces is required. Candidate must be able to physically able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with or without accommodation. This position is part of the 24/7 plant coverage and may be assigned to various shifts including a rotating schedule that includes day, nights, afternoons and most weekends and holidays.

The State of Wisconsin is committed to providing opportunities to all applicants from all backgrounds. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Any applicants and employees with a disability may request reasonable accommodations. The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Questions can be directed to Michelle Bassuener at [e-mail]

Deadline to Apply

Job posting will remain open until needs of the department are met. Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on Monday, September 28, 2026 to be considered under the first review period.