Senior Operating Engineer

University of Minnesota; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 34,959 - 49,790; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Generous time off

Tuition benefit

Pension plan

Life insurance

Wellbeing program

Employee Assistance Program

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

The University of Minnesota, Duluth is seeking a full-time Heating Plant Operator to operate, maintain, monitor, and repair high- and low-pressure boilers and related equipment. The role requires safely managing a high-pressure steam plant and working in a rotating 24-hour, 8-day shift schedule, often on shift alone.

Applicants must have a high school diploma with vocational training or relevant experience totaling at least three years, and must hold or be able to obtain a Second Class Grade B

Qualifications

• High school diploma plus vocational training/experience in heating equipment or steam systems.
• Second Class Grade B Boiler Engineer's license or ability to obtain immediately upon hire.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds, work in tight spaces, and operate safety-focused equipment.
• Applicant must be capable of working rotating 24-hour shifts, often alone.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor high- and low-pressure boilers and auxiliaries in a safe, compliant manner.
• Perform maintenance on pumps, valves, and related plant equipment across campus.
• Record daily logs, monitor alarms, and respond to emergency calls during shifts.
• Complete job orders and participate in safety trainings and required inspections.

Skills

Lift 50 pounds

Work alone on shifts

Hear alarms

Climb ladders / crawl spaces

Education

High school diploma with vocational training or experience

Tools

Second Class Grade B Boiler Engineer's license

Job description

Job Details

Job ID: 374813

Location: Duluth

Job Family: LR-Service/Maintenance/Labor

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Job Code: 6044

Employee Class: Teamsters Local 320

About the Job

The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants begins 7/23/26 and will end 7/30/26.

The primary purpose of this position is to operate, maintain, monitor, and repair high- and low-pressure steam boilers and related equipment.

Incumbent is responsible for safe operation of a high-pressure steam plant in accordance with regulatory and State licensing requirements.

Incumbents will work a rotating 24 hour, 8-day shift schedule and be on shift alone for much of the rotation.

Pay starts at $30.76/hr.

This position is eligible for overtime and may have consecutive Sunday work.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Primary Responsibilities:

Operating Shifts- 85%

• Required to work rotating shifts with little or no supervision.
• Must complete Heating Plant specific training program and pass required exams.
• Safely operate high pressure boilers and their auxiliaries within plant regulations and respond to boiler alarms and problems.
• Operate and maintain feed water pumps, condensate pumps, compressors, water softeners, and other equipment in the Heating Plant and throughout the Campus.
• Determine the steam pressure to be maintained and the number of boilers to operate.
• Regulate steam pressure and water level on boilers and tanks.
• Test/treat boiler water and condensate.
• Monitor outlying boilers and equipment using computer monitoring system.
• Check and change recording charts.
• Take readings and complete daily log sheets timely and accurately.
• Clean and adjust fuel oil strainers, tanks, and related equipment.
• Make basic computer entries using personal computer and complete all required safety training.
• Keep supervisor informed of potential problems.
• Respond to emergency service calls during shift or after work hours.

Maintenance Shifts- 15%

• Make campus rounds, inspect systems, and fill out log sheets.
• Make repairs and adjustments to pumps, valves, boilers, compressors, and other equipment in the Heating Plant and throughout the Campus.
• Dismantle equipment for inspection and repair.
• Prepare boilers and boiler appliances for yearly inspection.
• Close valves, drain boilers, remove manhole covers and hand hole plates, scrape drums and clean tubes.
• Take periodic inventories of stock.
• Complete work orders as assigned.
• Demonstrates courteous behavior to customers, workers, and members of the campus community.
• Know and follow Safety procedures and policies.
• Participate in team meetings and decision making within the work unit.
• Perform other work as assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma and a combination of vocational training and/or experience in the operations and maintenance of facility heating equipment or steam power systems to total 3 years.
• The Duluth plant requires a Second Class Grade B Boiler Engineer's license or the ability to obtain immediately upon hire.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds to waist height without accommodation. Capable of entering boilers and tanks, able to climb ladders, crawl on knees, maneuver in tight spaces, and use hand and power tools. Ability to hear alarms, bells, and whistles. Visual acuity of 20" or less to read controls, meters, gauge glasses, and 20' or more for depth perception and awareness of surroundings.
• Incumbents are required to work alone on shifts and make proper decisions regarding steam plant operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with the operation and maintenance of high-pressure steam heating systems is preferred.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $30.76 Hourly depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.