Plant Operator Lead

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech is seeking a Plant Operator Lead to assist the Shift Supervisor in prioritizing work, assigning tasks, and overseeing daily operations and special projects.

The role requires strong mechanical skills, leadership, and experience with boiler operation in coal, gas, or oil fired plants. You will document work in the Facilities Work Order System, perform preventative maintenance, and be prepared for after-hours or emergency responses.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Power Plant or Boiler Operator.
• Strong mechanical experience and maintenance capabilities.
• Experience with water analysis and softener regeneration procedures.
• Proven leadership to plan, schedule, and direct others.

Responsibilities

• Assist supervisor in setting work priorities and assigning tasks.
• Operate coal, gas, oil fired boilers and related plant equipment.
• Operate air pollution control equipment and perform preventative maintenance.
• Document work in the Facilities Work Order System and manage resources.
• Respond to emergencies and be available for after-hours calls.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical experience

Preventative maintenance

Water analysis

Communication skills

Education

PO1 Power Plant Engineer license or equivalent

Tools

CMMS / Work order system

Job description

Job Description

Reporting to a Power Plant Operator Shift Supervisor, the Plant Operator Lead will assist the supervisor in setting work priorities, assigning work, and overseeing daily operations or special projects. Additionally, the Lead will:

• Provide input to supervisor for evaluation and training of employees.
• Document work performed in the Facilities Work Order System.
• Optimize use of personnel.
• Perform the duties of the Power Plant Shift Supervisor in their absence.
• Operate coal, gas, oil fired boilers, and related plant equipment.
• Operate air pollution control equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance on plant equipment including lubrication as required.
• Perform water handling and testing including regeneration of demineralizers, condensate polishers, and domestic softeners.
• Operate loader and coal delivery/storage systems as required.
• Operate steam turbine generator and auxiliary equipment.
• Perform routine cleaning/housekeeping duties.

Required Qualifications

• Considerable experience as a Power Plant or Boiler Operator.
• Strong mechanical experience.
• Experience providing preventative maintenance to plant/boiler or related equipment.
• Experience performing water analysis and softener regeneration procedures.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to plan, schedule and direct the work of others.
• American Society of Power Engineers Power Plant Engineer 1st Class (PO1) or equivalent or the ability to obtain within 18 months.
• Computer proficient to be able to use a computer based work order system.
• Ability to interpret instructions and complete assignments as part of a team.
• Ability to operate bucket loader.
• Ability to operate coal storage and delivery systems.
• Strong communication skills, with a proven record of providing excellent customer service, and the ability to interact with a diverse University Community.
• Ability to safely and frequently move and handle heavy objects weighing 50 pounds or more; climb and work from elevated work stations such as ladders and scaffolds; climb steps and ladders up to four stories; work for long periods of time standing, sitting, walking, reaching, bending, crouching and/or kneeling, pushing/pulling and working in confined spaces, in extreme heat and dusty environments.
• Though work is performed primarily indoors, must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work shift work.
• This position is designated as “Emergency Personnel.”
• Must be available as situations warrant for response to after hours and weekend calls.
• Ability to report to work within one hour in emergency situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous supervisory experience.
• Experience working in higher education or institutional setting.
• Turbine operation experience.
• American Society of Power Engineers Power Plant Chief (PPC) license or equivalent.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$80,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

August 14, 2026

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

This position has been designated by the university as essential to university operations. As emergency personnel, you will be required to report to work during emergency situations and authorized closings.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim(That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Facilities HRat [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.