Control Room Operator – District Energy & CHP Specialist

University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 66,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Night shift differential

Weekend shift differential

Holiday pay (1.5x)

Job summary

University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a Utility Plant Operator to operate and oversee district energy and satellite plant systems for heating, cooling, and power generation. The role includes monitoring equipment, performing routine inspections, and training junior staff to uphold safety and reliability on campus utilities.

The position requires 4 years in district energy or central plant operations, a valid driver’s license, and completion of CU-Boulder’s CHP and Boiler/Chiller training

Qualifications

• 4 years experience in District Energy or Central Plant steam and chilled water operations; at least 1 year with any two of Electrical Generation, Electrical Distribution, Steam Generation, Steam Distribution, Chilled Water Generation, Chilled Water Distribution, and Distributed Control Systems (PLC).
• Substitution: formal apprenticeship or higher-level coursework may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
• Must have a valid Driver's License.
• Must pass the CU-Boulder Boiler & Chiller Operator Training Program within 1 year or via 3 board tests.
• Must pass the CU-Boulder Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Operator Training Program to become CHP Board Qualified.
• Maintain qualifications for the remainder of career with Utility Services.

Responsibilities

• Operate and configure plant equipment to maintain utilities for campus safely and efficiently.
• Perform routine inspections and log equipment parameters across multiple sites.
• Oversee DIST systems including 15kV MicroGrid, CHW loop, and Steam Distribution.
• Monitor building metered demands and consumption.
• Perform troubleshooting and basic repairs; conduct initial RCA of failures.
• Administer lock-outs/tag-outs with maintenance personnel and contractors.
• Monitor plant security and infection of network activity; attend safety trainings.
• Maintain plant cleanliness and proper component painting.

Skills

District Energy operations

Central Plant operations

Steam & Chilled Water systems

Electrical Generation

Electrical Distribution

DCS operator

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Education

Formal apprenticeship in Utility Plant Operation

Higher-level coursework in Utility Plant Operation

Tools

DCS (PLC)

Job description

University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a Utility Plant Operator to operate and oversee district energy and satellite plant systems for heating, cooling, and power generation. The role includes monitoring equipment, performing routine inspections, and training junior staff to uphold safety and reliability on campus utilities.

The position requires 4 years in district energy or central plant operations, a valid driver’s license, and completion of CU-Boulder’s CHP and Boiler/Chiller training