Steam Plant Operator

State of Indiana; Plainfield (IN); On-site; USD 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical plan options

Wellness rewards program

Pension plan options

Paid leave (vacation/sick)

Job summary

Heritage Trail Correctional Facility in Plainfield, Indiana, is hiring a Steam Plant Operator to perform technical work in all phases of the steam plant operation at a large state facility. You will operate boilers that provide heating, hot water and support food service and other plant operations.

The successful candidate will obtain a Facility Operator 3rd Class certification within 12 months, maintain IDEM data logs, supervise assigned shift personnel, and ensure safe boiler operation.

Qualifications

• Must obtain within twelve (12) months the Facility Operator 3rd Class certification.
• Test negative on all drug screenings.
• Working knowledge of all phases of Steam Plant operation.
• Working knowledge of methods and equipment used in coal and oil-fired boilers (AGO).
• Thorough knowledge of operating standards to ensure safe, efficient Steam Plant operations.
• Ability to train, work with and direct the work of personnel and offenders assigned to Steam Plant.
• Ability to make decisions in emergency situations.
• Must complete the IDOC Supervisory Training.

Responsibilities

• Make periodic inspections of boiler conditions.
• Ensure Steam Plant operates within safety standards.
• Take periodic readings and log data per IDEM requirements.
• Maintain water levels and RO systems for boiler operations.
• Assist in boiler overhaul, pump repairs and motor servicing.
• Supervise steam plant personnel/IDOC offenders on shift.

Skills

Steam Plant operation

Boiler operation

Safety awareness

Emergency decision making

Supervisory skills

Drug screening compliance

Education

HS Diploma or HSE

Job description

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About Heritage Trail Correctional Facility

Heritage Trail Correctional Facility is a minimum‑security facility in Plainfield, Indiana, with a capacity of more than 1,000 incarcerated adult males. Located on historic grounds, once home to the Indiana Boys School, the facility includes preserved red fire‑kiln brick buildings. Housing is dormitory‑style and encourages personal responsibility and collaboration. Heritage Trail provides programming that supports community involvement, skill development, and re‑entry readiness. Incarcerated individuals participate in education and treatment programs designed to promote stability and growth. Staff work to maintain a safe and structured environment focused on rehabilitation. To learn more about Heritage Trail Correctional Facility, click here .

Role Overview

As the Steam Plant Operator, you will be responsible for providing responsible technical work in all phases of the Steam Plant operation in a large state facility. In this position, you will be responsible for operation of steam producing boilers which supply steam for heating buildings, operating food service facilities, generating hot water and other facility operations.

Salary

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day In The Life

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Make periodic inspections of conditions of fires in boilers.
• Ensure that Steam Plant is operating within appropriate safety standards.
• Take periodic readings on equipment operations and maintain data log as per Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) requirements.
• Ensure the water in salt bin at proper level for use in brine tank and maintain Reverse Osmosis machines for proper boiler operations.
• Assist in annual overhaul and cleaning of boilers, repairing pumps, mechanical equipment, servicing diesel and electrical motors and engines.
• Assist in maintaining condensation return systems to ensure proper and safe boiler operations.
• Assist in training new employees regarding duties in Steam Plant.
• Supervise steam plant personnel/IDOC offenders on assigned shift and advise them of special duties on emergency situations.
• Workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function of this position.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Additional requirements, if this position is based at Adjunct General’s Office (AGO)

• Adjust stoker feeder to increase or decrease supply of coal or checks proper adjustments on fire in oil fired boilers.
• Adjust dampers and forced air to maintain correct fuel‑air ratio.

What You'll Need For Success

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Must obtain within twelve (12) months, the Facility Operator 3rd Class certification.
• Test negative on all drug screenings.
• Working knowledge of all phases of Steam Plant operation.
• Working knowledge of methods and equipment used in operation of coal and oil‑fired boilers if the position is based at AGO.
• Thorough knowledge of operating standards to ensure safe, efficient Steam Plant operations.
• Ability to train, work with and direct the work of personnel and offenders assigned to Steam Plant.
• Ability to make decisions in emergency situations.
• Ability to perform required tests on boiler water, condensate softeners, etc.
• Must complete the IDOC Supervisory Training.

A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) and at least 4 years of full-time paid experience in industrial operations may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports

This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

This role provides supervision for incarcerated individuals and requires a high level of judgment and care.

Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully‑funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
  • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
  • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [e-mail] .