Steam Plant Operator (SR) - Facilities Services - UTK

University-of-Tennessee-Health-Science-Cente; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Tennessee Knoxville is seeking a Senior Steam Plant Operator to monitor and maintain campus boiler systems, ensuring continuous and safe operation. The role involves lighting off boilers, adjusting water and fuel levels, and analyzing readings to keep equipment running efficiently.

The position requires 3+ years of relevant experience, strong knowledge of steam plant operations, and adherence to safety codes.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience: 3 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of steam plant operation and safety codes.

Responsibilities

• Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts to ensure boilers operate safely.
• Make adjustments to maintain boilers and associated equipment.
• Perform diagnostics to sustain campus steam/boiler systems.
• Train fellow staff on boiler operation and systems.
• Report repairs, issues or required parts to supervision to prevent failures.

Skills

Steam plant operation

Safety codes

Boiler systems knowledge

Troubleshooting

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Knoxville, TN, United States

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Job Description

The Senior Steam Plant Operator is responsible for analyzing problems and taking appropriate actions to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems. This person will monitor and inspect equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, safety devices, and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely. This person will observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly. This person will also monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels. Having the ability to light off boilers and other associated equipment to maintain safe operating conditions is required for this role.

Responsibilities

• Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating safely and properly.
• Make adjustments when necessary to maintain boilers and all associated equipment.
• Make skillful decisions based on knowledge and experience.
• Perform diagnostics to maintain systems for continuous operations on campus.
• Interact with students, faculty, staff, and the general public in a courteous, professional, and inclusive manner.
• Must be able to light off boilers and take boilers off line safely according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Start additional equipment when needed to ensure the plant is operating correctly.
• Report job information to supervision including any repairs, issues, deficiencies or needed parts to correct a problem or potential issue of boiler systems.
• Report any unsafe practices or conditions discovered in a timely manner.
• Take readings on boilers, turbine, and associated equipment to maintain logs according to EPA guidelines.
• Assist in the preparation of special maintenance events as assigned.
• Responsible for the training of fellow staff on systems and boiler operation.
• Study technical manuals and equipment information to improve knowledge and understanding of all the campus steam and boiler systems and associated equipment.
• Take available classes and training online and from vendors to stay up to date on the latest maintenance and control strategies and technology.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education:High school diploma or GED
• Experience:Three (3) years of relevant experience
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • A good working knowledge of the complete operation of a steam plant and use of steam system.
  • Skills and ability to keep boilers and equipment running efficiently.
  • The ability to perform work under stress for long periods.
  • Knowledge of plant operation codes and safety codes.

Other Conditions:

Valid Driver’s license

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-basedvisa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Vocational or Technical training - Experience may substitute for training on a year per year basis.
• 3-5 years job related experience
• Ability to operate gas and oil fired boilers, feed water pumps, condensate pumps, turbine generator and complete knowledge of steam plant operations.

Work Location

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on-site position

Compensation and Benefits

• UT market range: MR09
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structurehere
• Find more information on UT Benefitshere

About the Department

UT Facilities Services is responsible for the care and keeping of more than 300 facilities and utilities systems in and around Knoxville. As the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s largest non-academic department, team members are responsible for facilities maintenance and repair, custodial needs, landscaping and lawncare, utility work, in-house and capital construction projects, facilities planning and design, environmental initiatives, pest control, campus event services, and facilities administration functions for both the flagship campus and the agricultural institute. The Facilities Services staff provides around-the-clock coverage to ensure students, staff, faculty, and fans have a consistent and positive experience every time they step foot on Rocky Top.

About Us

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.

UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.

UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.

The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.

Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

Job Info

• Job Identification 9595
• Job Category Facilities Services
• Posting Date 08/18/2026, 06:27 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 2040 Sutherland Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996, US

EEO/AA STATEMENT / NON-DISCRIMINATIONSTATEMENT

The University of Tennessee is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA institution in the provision of its education and employment programs and services. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteranstatus.

Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), ADEA (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the (EEO). Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the EEOoffice .