Power Plant Operator - Senior

State of Wisconsin; Fond du Lac (WI); On-site; USD 31,720 - 45,177; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance

Generous vacation and leave time

Pension plan with lifetime retirement payment

Job summary

The State of Wisconsin is seeking a dedicated employee to operate the centralized power plant at Taycheedah Correctional Institution in Fond du Lac. This position includes responsibilities for maintaining equipment, monitoring control systems, and performing necessary repairs.

With a starting pay rate of $27.91/hour and excellent benefits including substantial leave time and a pension plan, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to public safety while supporting the environment.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the U.S. and pass criminal background checks and drug screens.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of the operation of gas and oil operated high pressure water tube boilers.
• Ability to operate and make minor repairs and maintain all power plant equipment.
• Knowledge of OSHA and safety regulations pertaining to power plant operations.

Responsibilities

• Operate the centralized power plant and maintain all equipment.
• Monitor control systems and make adjustments as necessary.
• Clean power plant and equipment, including boilers and turbines.

Skills

Knowledge of high pressure boilers

Skill in equipment maintenance

Knowledge of safety precautions

Ability to work under physical strain

Job description

Introduction

The Department of Corrections (DOC) is focused on public safety through the custody and supervision of those in our care. Corrections employees have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others through careers in a variety of fields. Using evidence-based approaches, employees implement lasting change with a positive impact for the people of Wisconsin.

Locations

Taycheedah Correctional Institution (Fond Du Lac, WI)

Green Bay Correctional Institution (Green Bay, WI)

Prairie du Chien Correctional Institution (Prairie du Chien, WI)

Oakhill Correctional Institution (Oregon, WI)

Position Summary

This position operates the centralized power plant as the only employee on shift and is responsible for complete operation of a full range of equipment used in the generation of steam heat by high pressure gas fueled boilers; performs other maintenance duties as assigned.

Position Perform Duties

• Adjust controls to provide correct operating level/conditions.
• Monitor control systems and watch for changes in pressures, temperatures, steam flow, air flow, water levels, etc.
• Take readings from charts, meters, gauges, etc., record information, maintain logs and records.
• Operate and service auxiliary equipment such as steam driven turbines, air compressors, boiler feed pumps, condensate pumps, condensate receiver storage, deaerating heater, make-up water system, chemical pumps, coal handling equipment, ash removal systems, over fire air, forced draft fans.
• Test water for chemical treatment, and adjust dosage of chemicals to maintain proper level.
• Maintain all power plant equipment.
• Clean power plant and equipment including: boilers, turbines, generators, switch gear, shop, equipment operating areas, and locker room.
• Use emergency Power Plant operation procedures.

Salary Information

This position is in pay schedule/range 03-15 with a starting pay rate of $27.91/hour, plus excellent benefits. Pay on appointment may vary according to the applicable pay transaction provisions of the Compensations Plan, Wisconsin Administrative Code, and statutes. A twelve-month probationary period is required. Employees at Green Bay Correctional Institution are eligible for a $5/hour add‑on for all hours worked.

Benefits

• Substantial leave time including at least 3.5 weeks of vacation to start, 9 paid holidays, and ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year.
• Insurance: Excellent and affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• An exceptional pension plan including a lifetime retirement payment.
• An optional tax‑advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.
• The Well Wisconsin Program helps participants set health and well‑being goals, track progress, stay motivated, and earn incentives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program offers employees and their immediate family a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well‑being.
• DOC is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

To help you understand what your benefit package would be worth, please see the Total Rewards Calculator here.

Job Details

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e., a citizen or national of the U.S., a lawful permanent resident, an alien authorized to work in the U.S. without DOC sponsorship) at the time of application. The Department of Corrections will conduct criminal background checks on applicants prior to selection to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled. Upon hire, all new DOC employees are subject to fingerprinting. The Department of Corrections may conduct pre‑employment drug screens. Any applicant who is offered employment in a position which requires a pre‑employment drug screen must pass the screen as a contingency to employment. Applicants who fail or refuse the drug screen will not be given further consideration for employment.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of the operation of gas and oil operated high pressure water tube boilers, water pumps, steam turbines, pressure gauges, temperature gauges, flow meters, feed water heaters, diesel engines, reverse osmosis, and softeners.
• Knowledge of electrical generators, electric control panels and electrical distribution.
• Knowledge of water testing and water treatment.
• Knowledge of power plant occupational hazards and safety precautions for high pressure power plant operation.
• Ability to operate and make minor repairs and maintain all power plant equipment.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation and use of safety devices and Personal Protective Equipment.
• Skill in making repairs and adjustments on all power plant equipment.
• The ability to accept training and constructive criticism in a mature manner and ability to get along with fellow employees.
• Ability to operate all plant equipment in case of emergency.
• Willingness and adaptability to work under unpleasant conditions such as dust, dirt, and extreme temperatures.
• Physical ability to perform manual labor, climb, bend, crawl, etc.
• Knowledge of OSHA, DIHLR, DNR regulations pertaining to power plant operations and maintenance.
• Work within a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. Work areas are occasionally noisy. Works in close physical proximity to persons in our care and other staff members.

How To Apply

To apply, click on “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Permanent classified employees who are eligible for consideration as a transfer or voluntary demotion must complete the application process in order to be considered.

Questions can be directed to Coral Nelson, Human Resources Assistant at [e-mail].

The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Aff…

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the needs of the department are met. We anticipate using this Job Opening Until: October 15th, 2026. At that time, we anticipate creating a new job opening to continue recruiting for this classification, and individuals will need to reapply to be considered. The first review of applications will occur on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025. Applications will then be processed weekly, usually on Thursdays. After your application is processed, you will receive an eligibility notification. If you are found eligible, your name will be placed on a register and you will be eligible to be contacted about vacancies as they occur.

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