Power Plant Operator, Associate

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Purdue University is seeking a Power Plant Operator to operate and monitor the Wade Utility Plant equipment, ensuring continuous and safe campus utilities. You will work as part of a team and handle boilers, pumps, turbines, and control systems while maintaining water chemistry and process data.

The role requires flexibility for various shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and callbacks as part of a 24/7 operation.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or HSE required.
• One year of operation experience with industrial equipment preferred.
• Basic math, verbal and written communication skills required.
• Ability to pass departmental Training Skills Inventory within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor power plant equipment including boilers, pumps, turbines, compressors and fans.
• Analyze operational data to support plant efficiency and reliability.
• Maintain water chemistry standards and monitor treatment systems.
• Collaborate with a skilled team to ensure 24/7 safe, reliable operation.

Skills

Math skills

Communication

Mechanical aptitude

Training readiness

Lifting ability 25–50 lbs

Education

High School diploma or HSE

Tools

Word processing

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Power Plant Operator, Associate

City: West Lafayette

Job Description:

Job Summary

Power Plant Operator
Administrative Operations | Purdue University

Join the team that helps power one of the nation's leading universities. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride, unlimited potential, and a collaborative community working together to support teaching, research, and innovation every day. As a Power Plant Operator, you'll play an essential role in the safe and reliable operation of the Wade Utility Plant, ensuring critical utilities are available across campus while developing valuable technical skills in a dynamic industrial environment.

In this hands-on role, you will operate and monitor power plant equipment including boilers, pumps, turbines, compressors, fans, water treatment systems, and computerized control systems. You'll analyze operational data, support plant efficiency and reliability, maintain water chemistry standards, and work alongside a skilled team dedicated to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Ideal candidates enjoy technical problem-solving, working in a team environment, and learning complex systems. Purdue offers the opportunity to build specialized expertise while contributing to a mission larger than yourself. This position requires flexibility to work various shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and callback assignments as part of a 24/7 operation.

Helping Build a Better World, Together. Discover a career where your work has a direct impact on the Purdue community every day.

This is a dual level position where the hiring manager will determine the level commensurate with the experience of the candidate.

About Us

Be a part of Administrative Operations—the organization that powers Purdue University by providing safe, reliable and transformative services. We support the university’s day-to-day operations, as well as the strategic vision for the future.

Administrative Operations delivers a wide range of essential services through various positions, including custodians, construction project managers, electricians, firefighters, groundskeepers, plumbers and more. We are looking for hardworking, dedicated individuals as we continue to grow strong, service-focused teams across campus. Team members work in collaborative environments where their contributions directly impact the success and daily experience of students, faculty, staff and campus visitors.

Our employees benefit from the stability of year-round work, competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off and opportunities for ongoing training and professional growth.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

As the SK1 Power Plant Operator you will need the following:

• High School Degree or High School Equivalency (HSE) required
• One (1) year of experience in the operation of some type of industrial equipment
  • The operation of fans, compressors, pumps, farm machinery, or other relevant types of rotating, stamping, or moving equipment
  • The equipment may be electric, steam, hydraulic or air driven
• Must pass departmental Training Skills Inventory 1 in first 90 days of employment
• Valid Driver’s License required

As the SK2 Power Plant Operator will need the above and following:

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in the operation of utility plant equipment required, such as high pressure boilers, steam turbine and diesel generators, centrifugal chillers, and auxiliaries such as turbines, pumps, fans, air compressors and water treatment systems

Skills Required:

• Proven basic math skills, verbal and written communication skills required
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude required
• Ability to take advanced departmental training to learn other positions in the power plant required
• Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs. to 50 lbs. frequently and up to 60 lbs. occasionally

Preferred:

• Knowledge of:
  • water treatment systems, including chemical measuring/handling
  • either steam, electric, hydraulic or air powered equipment
• Ability to perform basic computer operations required, knowledge and experience entering or retrieving word and or excel documents

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days -Summary of Benefits for Administrative and Operational Support, Police, Fire and Skilled Trades - Human Resources - Purdue University

Career Stream

Fire, Police, and Skilled Trades 1

• Pay Band S055
• Job Code #20003673

Fire, Police, and Skilled Trades 2

• Pay Band S060
• Job Code #20003674

Career path maker:https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.