Operator-in-Training (ME4)

Montana State University; Bozeman (MT); On-site; USD 88,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Montana State University in Bozeman is seeking an Operator-In-Training to learn the safe operation and maintenance of the central heating plant and to obtain a 1st Class Montana Boiler Operator license. The role supports a team of Stationary Engineers in providing a reliable steam supply and campus electricity.

Under supervision, you will gain hands-on experience with testing, chemical treatment, instrumentation, emergency generators, and fuel systems as well as maintenance of multiple plant

Qualifications

• 2nd Class or 3rd Class Montana Boiler Operator license or equivalent experience confirmed by State of Montana Boiler Operator Program.
• Experience with operation and maintenance of steam boiler systems including chemical treatment programs, emergency diesel-powered generators and emergency fuel systems.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of work safety procedures, such as lockout/tagout and chemical safety.

Responsibilities

• Operate central heating plant equipment safely and efficiently to provide steam and some campus electricity.
• Assist with water testing and chemical treatment, and operate chemical feed equipment.
• Assist with instrument checks, log maintenance, and boiler/peripheral equipment checks and adjustments.
• Assist with emergency generator and LPG fuel system operation and monitoring.
• Assist with air quality systems, combustion tests, and controls troubleshooting.
• Assist with maintenance of about 54 campus heating plants and distribution systems.
• Read metering systems and participate in training for PPE and equipment use.

Skills

Boiler license 2nd/3rd

Steam boiler ops

Safety procedures

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

Position Information

Announcement Number

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27139

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

A rare opportunity for on-the-job training to obtain a 1st Class Montana Boiler Operator license and join the team of Stationary Engineers responsible for operating the MSU Bozeman central heating plant. The Operator-In-Training position is responsible for gaining a complete understanding of maintenance and operation requirements of the MSU central heating plant, along with obtaining a 1st Class Boiler license to operate without supervision.

Position Number

Position Number 4N1416

Department

Department Heat Plant

Division

Division University Services

Appointment Type

Appointment Type Skilled Craft

Contract Term

Contract Term Fiscal Year

Semester

If other, specify From date

If other, specify End date

FLSA

FLSA Non-Exempt

Union Affiliation

FTE

FTE 1.0

Benefits Eligible

Salary $44.64 per hour

Contract Type

Contract Type Skilled Craft

If other, please specify

Recruitment Type

Recruitment Type Open

General Statement

University Facilities Management provides responsible leadership and systematic guidance to preserve and advance a safe and effective physical environment in support of education, research and community needs. Facilities Management is comprised of the four service management areas of Engineering and Utilities; Facilities Services; Planning, Design and Construction; and Safety and Risk Management, as well as the Business Management and Administrative areas necessary to support the operation. The Operator-In-Training falls under the Engineering and Utilities area.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Heating Plant Foreman, provide safe and energy-efficient operation, maintenance and repair of central heating plant equipment to provide a reliable steam supply to meet campus demands and to generate a portion of campus electricity needs.
• Assist Stationary Engineers with testing and chemical treatment of water, operation of chemical feed equipment.
• Assist Stationary Engineers with instrument checks and maintenance of operation logs and recorders; check and adjust boiler status and peripheral equipment (pumps, fans, economizers, pneumatic/electric/electronic control systems, deaerators, compressors, etc.).
• Assist Stationary Engineers with operation of emergency diesel generator and LPG fuel systems; monitoring of emergency fuel reserves; monitoring of natural gas consumption and initiating demand peak-shaving.
• Assist Stationary Engineers with monitoring and calibration of air quality compliance system; combustion efficiency tests; troubleshooting and repair of controls.
• Assist Heat Maintenance Technicians as needed with the safe, reliable and efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of approximately 54 outlying heating plants across campus.
• Assist Heat Maintenance Technicians as needed to operate, maintain and repair medium pressure steam distribution systems in the utility tunnel system. Maintain and repair this system including, expansion joints, valves, steam traps, condensate skids, control devices up to, and including, main pressure regulating valves at building connection.
• Assist Heat Maintenance Technicians as needed to read utility metering systems.
• The incumbent will attend and participate in the required training for the use of personal protective equipment and comply with the requirements for the use of employer-provided equipment.

Required Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• 2nd Class or 3rd Class Montana Boiler Operator license or equivalent experience as confirmed by State of Montana Boiler Operator Program.
• Experience with operation and maintenance of steam boiler systems including chemical treatment programs, emergency diesel-powered generators and emergency fuel systems.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of work safety procedures, such as lockout/tagout and chemical safety.

Preferred Qualifications – Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of the operation of steam turbine generator systems.
• Experience with electronic combustion controls, emissions monitoring, and air quality compliance.
• Experience working in a university or institutional environment.
• Broad knowledge of HVAC and boiler systems, associated controls and equipment.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Consistently exercise initiative and good judgment.
• Effectively and safely operate work-related equipment and tools.
• Work proficiently in the use of a computerized maintenance management system, e-mail, and other computer applications as assigned or required.
• Accurately follow written and oral instructions and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with employees and the public, both in person and over the phone
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public.
• Be a successful team player.
• Represent the department and MSU to others in a professional and courteous manner.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Training Period: The training period for the Operator-In-Training is approximately 12 to 24 months in length or until the individual obtains a 1st Class Montana Boiler Operator license. During the training period, the work shift is expected to be:

• The Operator-In-Training is expected to work on a normal work week schedule (typically 7:30AM to 4PM, Monday through Friday) under the supervision of the Heating Plant Foreman and with operating Stationary Engineers.
• Operator-In-Training is expected to work on the modified DuPont 12-hour shift schedule during the final training period of (or until obtaining a 1st Class Montana Boiler Operator license) with a 1st Class licensed Stationary Engineer.

Post-Training Period: Once an Operator-In-Training has obtained a 1st Class Montana Boiler Operator license they will be expected to:

• Permanently fill a vacant Stationary Engineer position after successful completion of the Human Resources recruitment process. The Stationary Engineer position includes working on the modified DuPont 12-hour shift schedule.
• If no vacant Stationary Engineer position is available, the individual will: Temporarily operate the Heating Plant (relief fire) on the modified DuPont 12-hour shift schedule when a Stationary Engineer is unable to work specific shifts due to sick or vacation leave. During other times – provide Heating Plant maintenance on a normal work week schedule or on the modified DuPont 12-hour shift schedule.

For questions regarding a Second- or Third-Class Montana Boiler Operator’s License, please contact the State Licensing Board in Helena, MT at [phone], or visit www.boileroperator.mt.gov
Must possess a valid driver’s license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver’s license, must obtain a valid Montana driver’s license within 60 days of hire.)

In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

• Performing physical tasks associated with the operation of steam boilers and plant equipment, including valve operations, and transporting materials up to 50 lbs.
• Working under temperature extremes, especially heat.
• Working from and traversing elevated catwalks, stairs, ladders, manholes and crawlspaces.
• Working with and around moving equipment such as motors, pumps, fans, turbine-generators, and emergency diesel and liquefied-propane-gas systems.
• Exposure to and handling water treatment chemicals and reagents.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?

This position has supervisory duties? No

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search

Position End Date (if temporary)

Open Date

Close Date

Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on October 30, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).