Heat Plant Operator Assistant

University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 30,307; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 days of paid time off

Health plan options

Retirement through VRS

Tuition assistance

Employee wellness program

Job summary

The University of Virginia is seeking an Operator Assistant within Facilities Management to support licensed operators in maintaining heating products for the University and Medical Center.

This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience and includes generous benefits, such as paid time off and health plans. Responsibilities include assisting in boiler operations, responding to emergencies, and participating in training programs.

Interested candidates must have a high school diploma and maintenance experience, with preference for those familiar with boiler operation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years in maintenance or industrial environments.
• Experience with boiler operation/maintenance is preferred.
• Valid Driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Assist Boiler Operators with operations and maintenance.
• Monitor and adjust coal, gas, and oil-fired boilers.
• Respond to emergency calls during off-hours.

Skills

Maintenance experience

Equipment operation

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

The University of Virginia is built on a district energy model managed by Energy and Utilities within Facilities Management, with one main heat plant, three combined heating/cooling plants, nine chiller plants, hundreds of miles of piping distribution, and an internal medium voltage electrical distribution grid anchored by three 35kV to 13kV substations. E&U serves over 18 million gross square feet of learning, research, residential, and support space across a geographically dispersed 1175 acres.

The University of Virginia's Facilities Management - Energy & Utilities - Heat Plant team has an exciting opening for an Operator Assistant. Operator Assistants support the work of licensed plant operators, seniors, and supervisors while learning on the job. They help ensure the highest quality heating products for the University and Medical Center. They learn a skilled profession through a combination of on‑the‑job training, technical education, and classroom instruction, often through a formal training program. Through their work and education, they become skilled and may become certified in a trade. Training is varied and may consist of rotations throughout the department to provide a broad range of skills. Operator Assistants function in a learning capacity and operate under direct supervision.

Operator Assistants will be supporting a 24/7 operation with off‑hour shift work required. Shift premium rates are available: $2.00 per hour for evening hours, $2.50 per hour for night shift, and an additional premium for weekend hours.

Duties Include

• Assist Boiler Operators—monitor, operate, adjust, and perform minor maintenance on coal conveying systems, coal, gas, and oil‑fired boilers, water treatment systems, air pollution control equipment, lime systems, and ash handling systems. Construction, equipment repairs, assessing problems, undertaking corrective actions, and site cleanup.
• Report to assigned shift, work weekends as required, and overtime as needed.
• Respond to emergency calls, including nights and weekends, as needed.
• Communicate with customers regarding the status of work orders, providing additional support and problem solving, as needed.
• Perform all work in accordance with safety rules and procedures, such as OSHA, federal, state, and local regulations.
• Develop an increasing familiarity with the skills and best practices of the Heating Plants.
• Actively participate in classroom and on‑the‑job training.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Minimum of two years of experience in a maintenance field and/or industrial environment operating related equipment is preferred. Experience operating/maintaining boilers is strongly preferred.

Licensure: Valid Driver’s license.

For this position, the selected candidate will need to complete the required background checks prior to the start date of the position.

Compensation

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $18.00 – $22.00 per hour ($37,440 – $45,760 annually). This is a full‑time position with UVA benefits. Employee benefits package highlights include:

• 22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays annually; parental and community service leave.
• Health plan options to meet healthcare and financial needs.
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS).
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities.
• Employee wellness program with incentives of up to $500 annually.

Physical Demands

Requires regular walking, standing, kneeling, crawling, squatting, and climbing ladders or stairs, lifting and carrying of various weights. Repetitive motion for grasping, pulling, pushing, and operating hand and power tools; work may occur in a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions and environments.

To Apply

Please apply online and search for R0084686. Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website. Complete the application, and upload the following required materials:

• Resume

Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

This position will remain open until filled.

EEO Statement

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.