ENERGY PLANT OPERATING ENGINEER

Ohio Ag; Athens, Northern (OH, KY); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Paid holidays

Educational benefits

Job summary

Ohio University seeks an Energy Plant Operating Engineer to manage the university’s energy facilities on a 24-hour rotating shift. You will operate boilers, chillers, pumps, and water treatment systems, ensuring safe, compliant performance and high reliability for campus utilities.

The role requires a Stationary Steam Engineers License and OSHA knowledge, with leadership responsibilities for a shift team and a focus on safety and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum license: Stationary Steam Engineers License and compliance with Ohio Department of Commerce requirements.
• Ability to operate high pressure boilers, chillers, and water treatment equipment.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety guidelines and plant operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor Energy Plant facilities (boiler, chiller, water treatment) to provide steam, hot water and chilled water for campus needs.
• Lead and train other Energy Plant staff on shift; ensure safe, efficient operations.
• Maintain plant security and safety; respond to emergencies and monitor equipment performance.

Education

Stationary Steam Engineers License

Job description

ENERGY PLANT OPERATING ENGINEER

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is open to the public. However, current Ohio University AFSCME 1699 bargaining unit employees will be given first consideration.
REQUIRED: Stationary Steam Engineers License as per Section 4104.19 of the Revised Code and all requirements of the Ohio Department of Commerce.
CURRENT OHIO UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES MUST INCLUDE THEIR OHIO UNIVERSITY EMPLOYMENT HISTORY AND ANY RELEVANT VERIFIABLE EXPERIENCE TO SHOW THEY MEET MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS CLASSIFICATION. IF YOUR APPLICATION IS INCOMPLETE, YOU WILL BE SCREENED OUT. IF YOU NEED YOUR OHIO UNIVERSITY EMPLOYMENT HISTORY OR NEED ASSISTANCE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION, PLEASE CONTACT UNIVERSITY HUMAN RESOURCES FOR ASSISTANCE.
In an effort to make the process of warding bid upon positions more efficient, the successful candidate must indicate at the time of offer whether they accept or decline the position.
Candidates may contact management during the posting period to ask questions regarding the expectations of the position.

Posting Details

Applications will be accepted until midnight (Eastern Time Zone) on the ‘Posting End Date’ shown below.

Position Information
Job Title ENERGY PLANT OPERATING ENGINEER
Applications Accepted From Public: Open to the public , University Wide, AFSCME 1699 Bargaining Unit Wide, AFSCME 1699 Intradepartmental , AFSCME 1699 In-segment
Special Instructions to Applicants This position is open to the public. However, current Ohio University AFSCME 1699 bargaining unit employees will be given first consideration.
REQUIRED : Stationary Steam Engineers License as per Section 4104.19 of the Revised Code and all requirements of the Ohio Department of Commerce. CURRENT OHIO UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES MUST INCLUDE THEIR OHIO UNIVERSITY EMPLOYMENT HISTORY AND ANY RELEVANT VERIFIABLE EXPERIENCE TO SHOW THEY MEET MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS CLASSIFICATION . IF YOUR APPLICATION IS INCOMPLETE , YOU WILL BE SCREENED OUT . IF YOU NEED YOUR OHIO UNIVERSITY EMPLOYMENT HISTORY OR NEED ASSISTANCE COMPLETING THE APPLICATION , PLEASE CONTACT UNIVERSITY HUMAN RESOURCES FOR ASSISTANCE .
In an effort to make the process of warding bid upon positions more efficient, the successful candidate must indicate at the time of offer whether they accept or decline the position.
Candidates may contact management during the posting period to ask questions regarding the expectations of the position. This position is eligible for the following benefits: medical, vision, dental, basic and supplemental life, winter break closure, paid holidays, educational benefits for you and eligible dependents, sick leave, vacation, and retirement. Posting Number 20167042S

Under general supervision from Energy Plant Management, or other high level supervisor; has responsibility for operation of all Energy Plant Facilities (heating plant, chilled water plant, and water treatment plant) associated with the production and distribution of steam, chilled water, and hot water to the entire campus in appropriate quantities, pressure, and temperature. Uses extensive knowledge of systems and application of sound judgment to safely respond to all operating to all operating scenarios, including emergencies. Modulates boilers, chillers and all other plant sub systems, via the use of manual and automated system controls. Provides advise, guidance, training, and back up for the like classifications on the same shift and serves as lead worker (e.g. provides work direction & training) to other bargain unit employees on an assigned shift. Responsible to operate all equipment in a safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant manner. Responsible for plant security and for the safety of all operating personnel assigned while on duty. This work is performed on a 24 hour rotating shift basis.

• Adheres to all OSHA and/or Ohio University required safety guidelines. Identifies safety and fire hazards and equipment needing repair throughout the area. Responsible for maintaining a safe work environment for the safety of self and fellow workers.
• Serves as lead worker (e.g. provides work direction and training of others) over other workers at Energy Plant on an assigned shift as related to the installation, repair, maintenance, and operation of high pressure boilers (exceeding 15 pounds per square inch), furnaces and auxiliary equipment (i.e. stokers, turbines, blowers, flow meters, pumps, generators, fans, and related equipment) and chillers (electric powered and steam powered), chilled water pumps, and other related chilled water system equipment; and water treatment plant equipment, controls, and other related appurtenances. Responsible to learn new systems as they are introduced to the plant and to assist in the training of personnel in the use of such systems.
• Periodically monitors and inspects all areas of responsibility throughout the plant(s) observing conditions of machinery making adjustments as necessary to be certain that all equipment is operating as reliably and efficiently as possible. Such tasks include but are not limited to reading gauges, monitoring power consumption; operating generators, pumps, chillers, and other related equipment. Reports any problems or unusual conditions to plant management.
• Oversees the operation of the water treatment plant, assuring that a continuous flow of properly treated water is being supplies. Double checks as necessary laboratory tests and/or chemical analyses and records to assure that makeup water, boiler water, feed water, and campus condensate are all within proper tolerances.
• Monitors various environmental parameters to assure compliance with all environmental regulations. Takes appropriate action to eliminate violations within his/her control.
• Serves as lead safety officer in the Energy Plant including training other staff in safe work practices. Attends safety training as required.
• Operates coal conveyor system and cleans plant and equipment in the absence of other employees.
• May be exposed to dirt, dust, fumes, and noise; may be exposed to steam, hot water, and high temperatures.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Stationary Steam Engineers License as per Section 4104.19 of the Revised Code and all requirements of the Ohio Department of Commerce.
• Possess knowledge of boiler plant operations, baghouse, chilled water plant operations, and water treatment processes associate with plant operations.
• Possess knowledge of stationary engineering
• Possess skill in operating energy plant equipment
• Ability to recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate emergency action
• Ability to understand powerhouse procedures
• Ability to carry out instructions in writing, orally, and in pictorial form.
• Ability to work independently and with others.
• Ability to demonstrate dexterity and skill in use of craft-associated hand and/or power tools and equipment.
• Ability to read & write common vocabulary in sentence structure
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide whole numbers, calculate fractions, decimals & percentages.
• Ability to apply principles to solve practical problems
• Knowledge of all applicable OSHA and/or Ohio University safety guidelines and procedures.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Successful completion of a written test or practical exam may be required.
• Willingness to foster a welcoming and respectful workforce and community
• An established pattern of good work habits and performance with good interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of employee mentoring* training* and development*

Working Conditions/Physical Demands Department Heating Plant Pay Rate AFSCME |10|$28.28 – $31.82 hourly rate Total Compensation Estimator (For Full-Time Benefits Eligible Employees)

Discover the full value of joining Ohio University by clicking this link:
https://www.ohio.edu/hr/compensation/total-compensation-estimator

Our Total Compensation Estimator shows your offer package in dollars: salary plus university paid benefits including health coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off, tuition benefits, and more.
See details on what we offer in one place and compare different options for retirement and insurance.

Estimates are informational only; exact coverage is determined by eligibility policies and official plan documents.

Job Open Date 09/10/2026 Posting Close Date September 24, 2026 Job Category Classified AFSCME 1699 Bargaining Unit appointment Months Planning Unit Vice President for Finance & Administration Work Schedule PN100644
Work Days: Friday – Tuesday
Work Hours: 10:00 pm – 6:00 am
Days Off: Wednesday & Thursday Campus Athens, Ohio Expected hours worked per week 40 hours per week Expected duration of assignment Indefinite Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position. Eric Burnem, [e-mail]

Non-Discrimination Statement
Ohio University is proud of its rich history and as part of our ongoing efforts to provide and support a transformative learning experience, we affirm our commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful workforce and community. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration free from discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military service or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, status as a parent or foster parent, or any other bases under the law. Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer.

Job Information Employment Type full-time regular Job Family/Subfamily Career Track & Level Pay Grade AFSCME|10| Clery Act Annual Safety and Fire Report Clery Act Statistics To view the Clery Act Annual Safety and Fire Report Click Here!

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• References

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please indicate how you learned about this posting.
  • www.ohiouniversityjobs.com
  • www.higheredjobs.com
  • www.ohiomeansjobs.com
  • The Athens Messenger
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education
  • Ohio University employee
  • OHIO Jobs Line (phone)
  • Employment Agency
  • Posted Announcement
  • Professional Association
  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, etc)
  • OTHER
• * Please select an option that best represents your current status:
  • I am a current Ohio University employee and NOT currently serving a probationary period.
  • I am a current Ohio University employee, and I am serving in either an initial or a promotional probationary period.
  • I am a current Ohio University Student employee.
  • I am not an employee of Ohio University.
• * Are you a current Ohio University AFSCME 1699 employee working in the Heating Plant?
  • YES
  • NO
• * Are you a current Ohio University AFSCME 1699 employee?
  • yes
  • no
• * Do you currently hold a valid Stationary Steam Engineers License as per Section 4104.19 of the Revised Code?
  • yes
  • no
  • will have at the time of employment

Ohio University Human Resources | Grosvenor West 103 | 1 Ohio University | Athens, OH 45701| T: 740.593.1636 | F: 740.593.0386