Central Plant Operator II

UWMIL University of Wisconsin Milwaukee; United States; On-site; USD 94,558,000 - 108,886,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is seeking a Central Plant Operator II to monitor, operate and maintain the campus heating and cooling plant and satellite facilities. The role requires operating high-pressure boilers, chillers and building automation systems, with emphasis on safety, efficiency, and continuous utility production.

You will analyze alarms, coordinate with shift teams, perform preventative maintenance, and document activities using the CMMS.

Qualifications

• One year or more of experience operating and maintaining high pressure boilers and related equipment.
• Ability and willingness to wear PPE according to UWM policies and procedures.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work at heights up to 35 feet while using fall protection or ladders.
• Ability to work overtime and all shifts including weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.
• Basic proficiency with electronic communication methods (e.g. email).

Responsibilities

• Operate plant on shift safely and efficiently following procedures.
• Perform routine, preventive, and emergency maintenance; may lead maintenance activities.
• Use CMMS to document tasks and coordinate with Central Plant Leadership.
• Direct activities of other plant staff on shift when assigned.

Skills

High pressure boilers

PPE usage

Lift 50 lbs

Work at heights 35 ft

Overtime/rotating shifts

Email proficiency

Tools

CMMS (TMA)

Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Position Title: Central Plant Operator II

Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Heating/Cooling Plant Operator II

Job Duties: Monitors, operates, adjusts, maintains, and repairs a variety of technical equipment including but not limited to high-pressure boilers and large tonnage chillers for the campus Central Heating and Cooling plant. Inspect, operate, and maintain heating and cooling equipment at campus satellite facilities. When assigned responsibility for operating the Central Plant, the Operator II makes decisions about equipment dispatch and operating parameters to ensure continuous production of utilities safely and efficiently. Performs all duties in accordance with policies and procedures while utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE). All Operator II employees are expected to operate the plant while assigned the job task.

Key Job Responsibilities

• 55% - Responsible for all plant operations on a shift (when assigned responsibility for operating the plant) while operating the plant safely and efficiently and following heat plant procedures and policies. Monitor the plant instrumentation and controls. Analyze and assess trouble situations. Determine when anomalies or emergencies exist and take immediate steps to resolve them. Monitor building automation computers for satellite buildings and critical campus spaces. Act according to policies and procedures in the event of anomalies or alarms. Communicate respectfully with all coworkers and customers to ensure smooth plant operations. Communicate verbally with other plant staff on shift and with staff from preceding and succeeding shifts regarding plant operating status, equipment status, maintenance activities, and other relevant information to ensure awareness of all staff as to plant status and any operational abnormalities. Record information on logs and data sheets as required per plant policies and procedures. Ensure maintenance reports are completed on any equipment that may need repair or service and bring to Central Plant Leadership’s attention. Conduct inspection tours on the hour throughout the plant per plant procedures. When assigned responsibility for operating the plant, find coverage for unexpected shift vacancies following Central Plant procedures. Notify Central Plant Leadership of results. In accordance with established policies and procedures, may direct activities of other plant staff on shift as required to ensure continuous plant operations – when assigned responsibility for operating the plant. The Operator II may consult with Central Plant Leadership during complex situations.
• 40% - Performs emergency, routine, and preventative maintenance while adhering to Central Plant policies and procedures. May serve as lead for maintenance activities during the shift. Use CMMS (TMA) to perform job tasks. May perform tasks typically associated with Central Plant Operator I. Guide and train staff in plant operating and maintenance procedures.
• 5% - Other duties as assigned by Central Plant management while adhering to plant policies and procedures. Due to operational needs, there may be times when an Operator II is assigned work typically associated with other positions in the plant. Operator II will be required to complete all assigned tasks according to established procedures and policies. This may include janitorial work. Other miscellaneous duties as assigned by Central Plant Leadership.

Department: Facilities, Planning and Management is committed to promoting respect and civility in the workplace. Our staff serves as role models by practicing exemplary behaviors when working with customers, fellow faculty and staff members, students, and visitors. The mission of the department is to provide a safe, sustainable, and accessible physical environment that supports learning, research, working, living, and recreation. The organization supports the academic and strategic objectives of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with commitment and pride in everything they do.

Required Qualifications

• One year or more of experience operating and maintaining high pressure boilers and related equipment.
• Ability and willingness to wear the required PPE according to UWM policies and procedures.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work at heights up to 35 feet while using fall protection or ladders.
• Ability to work overtime and all shifts including weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.
• Basic proficiency with electronic communication methods (e.g. email).

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification by the Department of Safety and Professionals (DSPS) or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the handling of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants.
• Possession of an advanced Boiler Operator License or Power Plant Operating Engineer License from a recognized national certification organization.
• Experience working in a central utility or power plant environment.
• Evidence of being accountable for independently and proactively making decisions in a strategic manner to operate equipment in a plant environment.
• Evidence of leadership experience in the workplace.
• Demonstrated experience with standard office computer programs.
• Demonstrated ability to self-direct in emergencies or unexpected situations.
• Possession of a valid Wisconsin Driver’s license (or other such valid operator’s permit recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation) and be able to meet or exceed the minimum requirements for driving on state business as detailed here: https://uwm.edu/risk-management/drivers/

Compensation: $33.00 / hour to $38.00/hour (Final salary offer will be determined based on qualifications and experience)

To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted by end of day of 10/20/2026. Additional review date is 10/21/2026. Applications submitted after 10/20/2026 may not be reviewed.

Reasonable Accommodations Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact [e-mail] or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request. CBC and Reference Check Policy Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act) For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM's Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at [phone] for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

UWM offers a comprehensive benefits package and contributes toward the cost of several benefit plans. Employees with a qualifying position also receive an extensive leave package including vacation, sick leave (with no expiration), personal holiday, and paid legal holidays. Please visit this link to view summary benefits information (Compensation figures are for example purposes only).