Steam Plant Operator

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Benton (ME); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is looking for operators at the central steam plant to fill 12-hour shifts. Applicants must operate high-pressure boilers and auxiliary equipment, ensuring safety and efficiency in the heating plant.

Candidates are expected to work collaboratively within Colby College's community, maintaining cleanliness and safety standards. A high school diploma and a Maine State High Pressure Stationary Steam Engineer’s license are required. Basic computer skills and the ability to handle multiple urgent tasks are also necessary.

Qualifications

• Ability to operate high pressure wood and gas fired steam plants.
• Must work independently and manage projects with minimal supervision.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with employee data.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain steam plant equipment and systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on boilers.
• Read and record steam plant data hourly.

Skills

Operate high-pressure boilers

Maintain tools and equipment

Team collaboration

Basic computer skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Maine State High Pressure Stationary Steam Engineer’s license

Tools

Conveyors

Rotating equipment

Hydraulics

Job description

Job Description

Department: Steam Plant

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Employee Type: (none specified)

Job Summary

Colby seeks applicants for operators at the central steam plant to fill 12-hour shifts, reporting to the engineer in charge of the central heating plant. The position requires the ability to operate high‑pressure boilers, natural gas and biomass fired boilers, a turbine generator, and auxiliary equipment. The operator must have the ability to operate, and assist with the maintenance of conveyors, rotating equipment, hydraulics, augers, fans, pumps, and similar equipment, providing a comfortable environment for students, faculty, and staff. We encourage inquiries from candidates who will contribute to the diversity of our College, including its cultural and ethnic diversity.

Essential Functions

To perform successfully in this position, an individual must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily as well as possess education/experience, employ the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed in representative fashion. Colby College actively supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This listing of essential duties is not all‑inclusive, but representative; other duties may be assigned.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Operate high‑pressure boilers, natural gas, and biomass fired boilers, turbine generator and auxiliary equipment.
• Perform all work in a prompt, neat, and careful manner that displays common sense, planning and thoughtfulness.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and mechanical areas in a neat and clean condition.
• Operate, maintain, and repair conveyors, rotating equipment, hydraulics, auger conveyors and controls, fans, pumps and similar equipment.
• Work in a positive, cooperative manner with other departmental personnel and the Colby community.
• Notify and/or obtain advice from the Engineer in Charge or call for assistance as may be appropriate in any situation.
• Complete work safely in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Test condition of the boiler water as directed.
• Read and record steam plant data hourly.
• Assist with preventive maintenance and repairs on wood and gas fired boilers and all supporting equipment.
• Operate soot blowers.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Maine State High Pressure Stationary Steam Engineer’s license required.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and service the mechanical equipment and systems used in high pressure wood and gas fired high pressure steam plants.
• Ability to operate and maintain and repair conveyors, rotating equipment, hydraulics, auger conveyors and gas burners and controls, fans, pumps, and similar equipment.
• Must be able to work independently, exercise judgment, and manage projects with minimal supervision as well as to adjust as new projects are assigned.
• Ability to make an impact through work as a member of a team and diverse community.
• Basic computer skills such as email, Word and Excel.

Physical/Mental Demands

• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, an employee must be able to maintain appropriate confidentiality with regard to employee data, documents, issues, etc., and respect privacy needs of employees and past employees with regard to the same.
• The ability to comply with highly inflexible deadlines is required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position; there will be multiple occurrences of sudden, urgent task completion required.
• There may be occurrences of employees, past employees, members of the general public, and others who express opinions, may exhibit strong emotions, which will require the employee to interact professionally, diplomatically, and appropriately in such situations.
• While performing the essential duties of this position, an employee would frequently be required to move around the office space as well as within hallways, meeting rooms, and other parts of the campus facilities.
• There may be multiple/daily instances of prolonged personal computer use which would include keyboard and/or mouse usage as well as viewing a computer monitor.
• An employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds to perform essential position functions.
• The overall work environment requires the mental ability to shift focus quickly due to interruptions; an employee must be able to mentally track multiple projects and tasks as well.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, there may be unexpected instances of somewhat loud sounds.