Lead Plant Operator

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 60,700 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska at Omaha is seeking a Lead Plant Operator to supervise and mentor Plant Operators, operate the Central Utility Plant, and ensure safe, efficient building systems across campus.

Responsibilities include interpreting diagrams, performing preventive maintenance, coordinating orders, completing paperwork, and leading on-call coverage; the role requires a strong background in large commercial HVAC, boilers, chillers, and energy management systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five years’ experience with large commercial HVAC equipment and building mechanical systems.
• Three years’ experience in hands-on boiler and chiller operation.
• One year of experience with computerized energy management systems.
• City of Omaha Third Grade Stationary Engineers License – must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain equipment located within the CUP and other campus buildings.
• Interpret and use schematics, one-line diagrams, and construction drawings to troubleshoot and repair systems and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable building, boiler, electrical, and fire codes and university standards.
• Coordinate equipment and supply purchases for the CUP.
• Prepare performance evaluations, conduct training, and assign work orders to staff.
• Assign, review, and close out completed preventive maintenance and service work order requests.
• Approve weekly timecards and review/file inspection reports, log sheets, leave requests, and other required paperwork.
• Maintain, perform preventative maintenance, and complete repairs on all equipment within the CUP.

Skills

HVAC systems expertise

Maintenance supervision

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Facility operations

Education

High school diploma

City of Omaha Third Grade Stationary Engineers License

Associate’s degree in Stationary Engineering

Job description

Lead Plant Operator

Position Summary: Supervise, mentor, coach, assign, coordinate, and inspect work performed by Plant Operators. Operate, monitor, and maintain all equipment in the University’s Central Utility Plant (CUP) and other campus buildings in a safe and efficient manner. Requires knowledge of building systems and maintenance related to commercial boilers, chillers, HVAC, cooling towers, chemical treatment, and refrigeration systems, and all applicable codes and documentation. Must interpret schematics, one‑line diagrams, and construction drawings, perform preventive maintenance, diagnose equipment problems, and comply with regulatory and university standards.

Job Duties

• Operate & Monitor Equipment
  • Operate, monitor, and maintain all equipment located within the CUP and other campus buildings.
  • Interpret and use schematics, one‑line diagrams, and construction drawings to troubleshoot and repair systems and equipment.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable building, boiler, electrical, and fire codes and university standards.
• Preventative Maintenance & Minor Repairs
  • Supervise, mentor, coach, assign, coordinate, and inspect work performed by Plant Operators.
  • Coordinate equipment and supply purchases for the CUP.
  • Prepare performance evaluations, conduct training, and assign work orders to staff.
• Complete Paperwork
  • Assign, review, and close out completed preventive maintenance and service work order requests.
  • Approve weekly timecards and review/ file inspection reports, log sheets, leave requests, and other required paperwork.
• General Housekeeping Duties
  • Maintain, perform preventative maintenance, and complete repairs on all equipment within the CUP.
  • Use basic hand tools, tube cleaning equipment, lifts, stack gas analyzer, chemical test equipment, volt/ohm/amp meters, and other specialized tools.
• Supervision & Coordination
  • Respond to trouble calls received outside normal university hours and take appropriate action.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five years’ experience with large commercial HVAC equipment and building mechanical systems.
• Three years’ experience in hands‑on boiler and chiller operation.
• One year of experience with computerized energy management systems.
• City of Omaha Third Grade Stationary Engineers License – must be obtained within 6 months of hire.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Stationary Engineering or equivalent.

Compliance Requirements

• Credit Check – No.
• Motor Vehicle Licensing Validity Check – Yes.
• Pre‑employment Physical Request and Assessment – Yes.
• Drug Screen – Yes.

Employment Details

• Job Grade: FP18H
• Division: Business and Finance
• College/Department: Facilities Management and Planning
• Department: Maintenance, Operations and Utilities
• FTE: 100%
• Work Schedule: Sunday – Thursday, 7 am – 3 pm
• Appointment Term: 12 months
• Pay Range: $60,700 – $75,000 per hour
• Pay Schedule: Hourly
• FLSA Designation: Non‑Exempt
• Essential Function: Yes

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Nebraska at Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to preventing and eliminating discrimination against employees and prospective employees based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. The University prohibits any form of retaliation against anyone reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.