Power Plant Operator / Mechanic

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Leave

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Retirement Options

Employee Well-Being

Tuition Waiver Program

Job summary

James Madison University is seeking a qualified Power Plant Operator / Mechanic to join the Facilities Management team in Harrisonburg, VA. The role requires operating boilers and maintaining plant equipment, with a focus on safety, reliability, and documentation across multiple shifts.

Candidates should have hands-on skills with boilers, pumps, valves, chillers, and related systems, plus a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of applicable safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Working skills include the use of hand and power tools, welding, and cutting equipment.
• Mechanical abilities including: maintaining and repairing power plant and related equipment; troubleshooting and diagnosing a variety of mechanical problems; ability to read and interpret gauges, recorders, and monitoring equipment.
• Ability to perform simple record-keeping tasks.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Installs, modifies, overhauls, repairs, and maintains boilers and associated equipment, steam distribution, and condensate return lines throughout the university.
• Prepares accurate, complete, and up-to-date records of actions taken and assures documentation is properly signed and coordinated in a timely manner.
• Troubleshoots problem areas and inspects for defective equipment and faulty components. Tests system operation and detects component malfunctions.
• Operates boilers and auxiliary equipment within designed parameters to ensure proper operation, efficiency, and safety of the plant.
• Utilizes safe practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations.
• Trains and teaches other employees about proper procedures, repair techniques, and safety issues.
• The employee in this role will be required to work a variety of shift schedules as a primary operator/maintenance mechanic within a centralized steam generation/chiller plant production facility. JMU will provide all training required to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform duties and responsibilities.

Skills

Safety rules knowledge

Tool handling (hand & power)

Mechanical troubleshooting

Reading gauges/monitors

Valid driver's license

Tools

Welding equipment

Cutting equipment

Job description

Working Title: Power Plant Operator / Mechanic

State Role Title: Trades Technician III

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Business Services

Department: 100264 - Power Plant E&G

Pay Band: 3

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $48,000 - $54,000 annually / $23.08 - $25.96 hourly

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 9/29/2026

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

Why Work at JMU? We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional journey and personal wellbeing:

• Generous Leave: Enjoy paid vacation, sick leave, parental leave, community service leave, and 19 paid holidays annually.


• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access high-quality health insurance options that fit your needs.


• Retirement Options: Plan for your future with retirement benefits through the Virginia Retirement System.


• Employee Well-Being: Our Balanced Dukes program promotes wellness and work-life integration through resources, events, and support.


• Tuition Waiver Program: Advance your education with our tuition waiver program for undergraduate and graduate courses taken at JMU.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

The Facilities Management Department at James Madison University is currently seeking a qualified applicant for the position of Power Plant Operator / Mechanic. Applicants must be available to work all shifts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Installs, modifies, overhauls, repairs, and maintains boilers and associated auxiliary equipment, steam distribution, and condensate return lines throughout the university.


• Prepares accurate, complete, and up-to-date records of actions taken and assures documentation is properly signed and coordinated in a timely manner.


• Troubleshoots problem areas and inspects for defective equipment and faulty components. Tests system operation and detects component malfunctions.


• Operates boilers and auxiliary equipment within designed parameters to ensure proper operation, efficiency, and safety of the plant.


• Utilizes safe practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations.


• Trains and teaches other employees about proper procedures, repair techniques, and safety issues.


• The employee in this role will be required to work a variety of shift schedules as a primary operator/maintenance mechanic within a centralized steam generation/chiller plant production facility. JMU will provide all training required to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform duties and responsibilities.

Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of applicable safety rules, regulations, and procedures.


• Working skills include the use of hand and power tools, welding, and cutting equipment.


• Mechanical abilities including:
  
  
  
  • maintaining and repairing power plant and related equipment;
  
  
  • troubleshooting and diagnosing a variety of mechanical problems;
  
  
  • ability to read and interpret gauges, recorders, and monitoring equipment.
  
  
  
  


• Ability to perform simple record-keeping tasks.


• Valid driver’s license.

Additional Considerations:

• A current Facilities Operator Engineer certification (1st, 2nd, or 3rd class) or the willingness to obtain the certification.


• Competitive candidates should possess knowledge of all aspects of operation, repair, and maintenance procedures to power plant equipment: boilers, pumps, valves, chillers, cooling towers, controls, 3-phase electric motors, and steam distribution systems.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and an acceptable MVR.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.