Heating/Cooling Plant Operator II

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Kentucky is seeking a facilities operator to maintain, install, and operate equipment at Heating/Cooling plants. The role focuses on boiler operation, steam pressure management, and distribution systems, with duties including feeding coal, removing ashes, vents and drains, and routine maintenance.

The position requires familiarity with chillers, pumps, and auxiliary equipment, and may involve varying shifts, night/weekend coverage, and emergencies.

Qualifications

• Experience operating and maintaining boilers and distribution systems.
• Familiar with KRONOS and SAP software.
• Willing to work at heights and in extreme temperatures.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Maintains proper steam pressure and chilled water temperatures.
• Operates and maintains boilers and associated equipment.
• Familiar with piping, steam, and distribution systems.
• Feeds coal into boilers.
• Removes ashes and coal accumulation.
• Fills and drains boilers.
• Lubricates, operates and repairs equipment.
• Maintains chillers, compressors, underground lines, and pumps.
• Cleans evaporator and condenser tubes.
• Keeps job site clean and safe.
• Assists training other employees and may assign tasks.
• Responds to emergency situations and other duties as assigned.

Skills

KRONOS

SAP

Job description

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects up to and possibly over 50lbs;

Standing or walking with objects up to 25lbs; Repetitive motion. May be exposed to loud noises, fumes, confined spaces, and/or weather/temperature extremes while on a job-site(s) or traveling to/from various job sites.

Shift

Shifts [6:00am - 6:00pm & 6:00pm - 6:00am].

Hours of work may vary due to situational factors and/or emergencies

requiring night(s), weekend(s), and holiday(s) response.

Job Summary

This position maintains, installs and operates equipment at Heating/Cooling plants. Primary responsibilities include:

• maintains proper steam pressure and chilled water temperatures
• operates and maintains boilers and associated equipment
• must be familiar with distribution systems such as piping, steam, chilled pits, water pits, etc.
• feeds coal into boilers
• removes ashes and empties coal accumulation
• fills and drains boilers
• lubricates, operates and repairs equipment
• responsible for maintenance and operation of chillers, compressors, underground distribution lines, towers, pumps, and auxiliary equipment
• cleans evaporator and condenser tubes
• keeps job site clean
• may try to resolve certain problems independently
• assists training other employees and may assign tasks
• responds to emergency situations and other duties as assigned

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

KRONOS , SAP .

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

Driver’s License preferred.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 10/29/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Describe how your skills and experience make you a good fit for this position.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe what "teamwork" means to you.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * The essential functions of this position will require you to work at various height levels and work in extreme temperature conditions (i.e. boiler room, steam pits, outdoor weather, etc.) and requires lifting, pushing, and/or pulling objects over 50 pounds. Can you meet this requirement with or without reasonable accommodations?
  • Yes
  • No
• * The essential functions of this position will require you to push, pull or lift objects over 50lbs. Can you meet this requirement with or without reasonable accommodations?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Please indicate the number of years of paid experience you have maintaining and operating chillers, compressors, underground distribution lines, towers, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
  • None
  • More than 0, up through 1 year
  • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
  • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
  • More than 5 years