Central Plant Operator

Sprung Services; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sprung Services is seeking a Central Plant Operator to ensure safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the central plant equipment. The role focuses on boilers, chillers, emergency power systems, and overall plant reliability to provide uninterrupted service for the Main Campus.

Responsibilities include operating and monitoring boilers, chillers, diesel generators, and fuel delivery systems, while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and safety standards.

Qualifications

• 3–4 years experience in mechanical, electrical, or maintenance field.
• Experience with boilers, central plants, or power plant operations is preferred.
• Knowledge of water chemistry and preventive maintenance practices is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Operates, monitors, and maintains boilers, steam turbine, generator, and related equipment.
• Maintains chilled water systems including centravac chillers and cooling towers to meet temperature/pressure targets.
• Operates emergency diesel generators and power systems to ensure readiness during outages.

Skills

Mechanical maintenance

Electrical maintenance

Maintenance procedures

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

High School Diploma or equivalent + additional training

Job description

The Central Plant Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the equipment in the central plant. The equipment consists primarily of boilers, chillers, emergency power systems, and all balance of plant equipment. The Central Plant Operator is responsible for ensuring all equipment is serviced, maintained, and operated in a manner to provide uninterrupted services to the Main Campus.

Major Responsibilities:

• Operates, monitors, and maintains high pressure steam boilers, steam turbine and generator set, and steam system equipment. Has the decision-making authority to adjust and repair equipment to ensure continuity of service.


• Operates, monitors, and maintains centravac chillers, cooling towers, and cooling system equipment to ensure chilled water is provided to the hospital at specific temperatures, pressures, and flows.


• Operates, monitors, and maintains emergency diesel generators and emergency power and additional life safety equipment to ensure all systems are available in an emergency or loss of power.


• Operates, monitors, and maintains all fuel oil, natural gas, and wood fuel delivery systems/components.


• Tests and maintains water chemistry within limits all water systems supporting the boilers and chiller systems.


• Observes meters and gauges to determine the operating conditions of equipment.


• Maintains daily logs, regulatory reports, preventive maintenance records, and equipment records to comply with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements as well as good engineering practice.


• Monitors Building Automation System (BAS) computers and equipment control systems. Makes decisions to contact appropriate response personnel on the Main Campus or other campuses.


• Works safely using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling water treatment chemicals and other hazardous materials.


• Works safely using appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when operating hand and power tools, such as welders, grinders, lathes, presses, hammers, boiler rakes, trucks, loaders, etc.


• Performs preventive maintenance and repairs to ensure heating and cooling plants operate efficiently and reliably.

Additional Responsibilities

• Knows and understands the appropriate response actions to take in the event of an emergency.


• Knows and understands the appropriate responses when serving as the Facility Operations call center.


• Has the decision-making authority to call in snow removal teams and other essential on-call personnel, including contractors.


• Keeps the area of responsibility neat, clean, and orderly at all times.


• Behaves in a manner consistent with hospital policies and customer service program.


• Participates in training and orientation of new employees.


• Performs other tasks as assigned.

Education and Learning:

• REQUIRED High School Diploma or equivalency


• DESIRED High School Diploma or equivalency + additional training

Work Experience:

• REQUIRED 3-4 years experience in mechanical, electrical, or maintenance field.


• DESIRED Boiler, Central Plant, Power Plant operations experience.

License and Certifications:

• DESIRED Senior Mechanic Certification; Boiler Operator Orientation Course Completion

Age Specific Population Served:

• Nonage Specific (N/A)

OSHA Category:

• Category III – No employees in this job title have a reasonably anticipated risk of occupational exposure to blood and/or other potentially infectious materials.