Plant Operator Lead

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VT); Blacksburg, Northern (VA, KY); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech in Blacksburg seeks a Plant Operator Lead to assist the Power Plant Shift Supervisor with daily operations and prioritizing work. You will oversee tasks, train staff, and document activities in the work order system.

Responsibilities include operating coal, gas, and oil boilers, handling water treatment, and performing preventative maintenance. The role requires flexibility for shift work and emergency readiness at a major university facility.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Power Plant or Boiler Operator.
• Strong mechanical experience.
• Experience with preventative maintenance on plant/boiler equipment.
• Experience with water analysis and softener regeneration.
• Proven leadership to plan, schedule and direct the work.
• PO1 license or equivalent, obtainable within 18 months.
• Computer proficiency for a computer-based work order system.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment and plant systems.
• Strong communication and customer service in a university setting.
• Ability to work shift work and in extreme conditions.

Responsibilities

• Assist supervisor in setting work priorities and daily operations.
• Document work in the Facilities Work Order System.
• Oversee personnel use and step in during supervisor absences.
• Operate boilers, air pollution control equipment and related plant systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and routine housekeeping.
• Respond to emergencies and after-hours calls as needed.

Skills

Power Plant / Boiler operation

Mechanical experience

Preventative maintenance

Water analysis & softener regeneration

Leadership / planning & scheduling

Work order system / computer literacy

Teamwork & communication

Heavy equipment operation

Tools

Work order software

Boiler controls toolkit

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.
• Performance 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

September 8, 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 aninclusive 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 eightundergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, andHonors 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 numerousExtension officesand 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.