Healthcare Plant Operator

Bodwé Professional Services Group; Bemidji (MN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Bodwé Professional Services Group is hiring for a full-time position in Bemidji, MN, focused on maintaining and operating utility systems including HVAC, fire alarms, and boilers. The role requires travel among locations and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Strong knowledge in piping systems and troubleshooting is essential.

Qualified candidates must have experience with building automation systems and a thorough understanding of safety codes. The position offers a dynamic work environment with emphasis on independent operations and efficient maintenance practices.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of piping systems and related equipment.
• Experience with building automation systems and digital devices.
• Ability to troubleshoot and correct non-normal conditions in system reports.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain boilers, hot water heaters, pressure vessels, and HVAC systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance on HVAC and utility systems.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose equipment and system failures.

Skills

Piping systems knowledge

OSHA regulations knowledge

HVAC system experience

Building automation systems knowledge

Tool proficiency

Job description

About Bodwé Professional Services Group

Bodwé is the Professional Services Group of Mno‑Bmadsen, an investment enterprise and wholly owned instrumentality of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. We are architects, planners, consultants, designers, engineers, scientists, and federal contractors dedicated to growing the economy and legacy of the Pokagon Band and supporting more than 6,000 citizens. We enhance space and place with full‑service architecture and engineering services, plus contract support for federal agencies.

Position Summary

This full‑time, 5‑year W‑2 position is a 100% onsite opportunity with travel among Bemidji, Red Lake, and Cass Lake, MN. The role maintains and operates utility systems on boiler plants, HVAC, fire alarm, water, generator, and building automation systems, ensuring maximum efficiency and compliance.

Essential Functions

• Operate and maintain boilers, hot water heaters, pressure vessels, air handlers, chillers, electrical systems, pumps, and related equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance on HVAC and utility systems following the Nuvolo PM schedule, completing logs and reports.
• Monitor equipment using computerized control systems (Johnson Controls) and interpret system printouts and blueprints.
• Troubleshoot and diagnose equipment and system failures, order parts, and perform repairs when possible.
• Make repairs such as seal and kit replacements on pumps, valves, faucets, thermostats, humidistats, and other facility equipment.
• Install and repair piping systems (sewage, municipal water, hydronic heating and cooling) from blueprints, adhering to plumbing codes and OSHA regulations.
• Maintain hospital and grounds surveillance and support operational readiness for CMS accreditation.
• Work independently under general supervision, prioritizing maintenance needs and ensuring plant operation.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of piping systems and related equipment.
• Ability to work from blueprints and sketches to install systems.
• Knowledge of OSHA, NFPA, and CMS regulations for building systems in healthcare facilities.
• Experience with building automation systems and digital devices.
• Proficiency in interpreting computer‑generated reports and vendor drawings.
• Ability to troubleshoot and correct non‑normal conditions in system reports.
• Knowledge of calibration and operation of thermostats, humidistats, VAV boxes, relays, and related controls.
• Working knowledge of fire alarm panels, pneumatic systems, dampers, annunciation panels (fire, medical gas), and generator controls.
• Proficiency with tools and equipment such as cleaning machines, welding and cutting torches, soldering tools, drills, grinders, and hand tools.
• Understanding of shop mathematics for angles, lengths, and other measurements.
• Comprehensive knowledge of safety codes for hot water boilers and pressure vessels.
• Knowledge of boiler operation, geothermal loop systems, energy recovery chillers, cooling towers, and chemical treatment handling.
• Experience with building systems in healthcare environments and equipment such as centrifugal pumps, DX coils, heat exchangers, and more.

Work Environment

• Primarily indoor work with occasional outdoor exposure to dust, gas, smoke, and harsh weather.
• Requires frequent bending, stooping, lifting (up to 100 lb) and crawling around equipment.
• Potential work nights, holidays, weekends, and on‑call periods.

Physical Demands

• Long periods of standing, walking, and inspecting systems.
• Lifting and carrying tools and materials up to 50 lb, with occasional assistance for heavier loads.
• Climbing ladders or stairs, working on uneven or elevated surfaces, and navigating cramped spaces.
• Fine motor skills for hand and power tools, wiring, and component adjustments.
• Reading blueprints, gauges, and computer screens; responding to alarms and system alerts.
• Exposure to temperature extremes, noise, dust, and potential hazardous materials, requiring appropriate PPE.
• On‑call responsibilities for facility emergencies and rapid response to system failures.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Bodwé Group Companies are federal contractors and welcome veteran applicants.

Native American Hiring Preference

• Priority is given to qualified Pokagon Band citizens, their spouses, custodial parents, and other Native Americans, followed by all other qualified applicants.

Employment Terms

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Reports To: Federal Program Manager

Manages Others: No

Overnight Travel: None