Steam & Power Plant IV

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Urbana (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Tuition waivers

Job summary

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign seeks a Steam & Power Plant IV supervisor to oversee operators on the shift and direct safe, efficient operation of all plant equipment and systems at Abbott Power Plant.

The Civil Service role requires a high school diploma and several years of relevant power plant experience, with training for Level IV. Salary is $57.43 per hour, and eligibility for benefits applies.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Four years (48 months) of work experience in maintenance and operation of steam and power plant equipment.
• One year (12 months) of work experience in a position comparable to Steam and Power Plant III.
• Possession of the current/valid licenses and certificates, as required by the employing institution.

Responsibilities

• Supervises shifts of Power Plant Operating Engineers and directs safe operation of all plant equipment.
• Supervises operation of mechanical and electrical equipment in Abbott Power Plant.
• Trains personnel and assigns duties for training or upgrade purposes.
• Maintains daily log book documenting operational changes.
• Conducts regular inspections to ensure proper operation and training.
• Promotes safety through training, toolbox talks, and safety meetings.
• Coordinates inspections when new equipment or hazards are introduced.

Skills

Power plant operations

Safety training

Team supervision

Emergency response

Read blueprints

Decision making

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Steam & Power Plant IV

Utilities & Energy Services

Job Summary

To supervise all operators on that shift and to direct the safe and effective operation of all Power Plant equipment and systems.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervises and assigns duties to shifts of Power Plant Operating Engineers (Steam and Power Plant I, II, and III).
• Supervises the operation of all mechanical and electrical equipment in, or directly associated with, Abbott Power Plant.
• Supervises the training of all personnel assigned to the shift and assigns employees of any class as needed for training or upgrade purposes.
• Records operational changes in daily log book.
• Makes frequent inspections of all work areas to insure proper operation of all equipment. Ensure equipment is functioning properly and personnel are well trained on how to use the equipment.
• Supervises and assists in cleaning all power plant equipment.
• Responsible for filling vacancies on succeeding shifts as vacancies become known.
• Assists all operators as necessary.
• Communicates and explains equipment problems to appropriate maintenance personnel.
• Ensure competent and knowledgeable persons conduct regularly-scheduled shop safety meetings.
• Promote safe operations, provide safety training, and support departmental safety initiatives and programs.
• Perform routine safety training sessions, monthly safety meetings, and hold toolbox talks with crews on job sites and follow up to insure that safe work practices and habits are carried out.
• Perform regular jobsite inspections of all crews in order to identify any unsafe work practices and unsafe conditions, documenting the visits and forwarding findings to administrative/management personnel.
• Coordinate supplemental inspections when new equipment, substances or processes are introduced as well as when new or formerly undistinguishable hazards are discovered. Help with the completion of safety planning and hazard investigations
• Monitor personnel to assure safety and security policies are being followed.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work area can be hot, humid, noisy and dusty.
• Exposure to high temperature steam and water, high pressure steam and water, and high voltage electricity.
• Certain hazards may be present in the form of radiation, asbestos, insulation, chemicals, high temperatures, high noise levels, severe weather, dust, etc.
• Outside work is required in all seasons.
• Required to work occasionally in confined spaces.
• Some jobs require an employee to work in an environment that involves exposure to unpleasant and noxious fumes and odors.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

• Multiple daily contacts with Power Plant employees.
• Some limited radio or phone contact with chilled water, electrical distribution and steam distribution personnel.
• Occasional phone contact with local power provider and emergency response personnel when required.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Four (4) years (48 months ) of work experience in the maintenance and operation of steam and power plant equipment.
3. One (1) year (12 months) of work experience in a position comparable to the Steam and Power Plant III.
4. Possession of the current/valid licenses and certificates, as required by the employing institution.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of all Power Plant systems and equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, switchgear, and all auxiliary equipment.
• Complete knowledge of all electrical distribution systems both incoming from the local power provider and outgoing to Distribution Centers, Load Centers and campus buildings.
• Ability to isolate electrical system from the local power provider during emergency situations.
• Complete knowledge of steam distribution system, the interaction between different campus steam systems and how to control the same.
• Complete understanding of all systems (steam, water, air, etc.) connected with equipment operated.
• Ability to understand start up procedures and operating standards set by manufacturers.
• Ability to understand piping diagrams and blueprints.
• Ability to make decisions quickly.
• Ability to communicate with the operating crew and management.
• Ability to supervise and instruct.
• Must successfully complete the training program established for the Steam and Power Plant Level IV position.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4993 - Steam and Power Plant IV position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 12/7/2026. The hourly rate for this position is $57.43/hr.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by November 11th, 2026, 6:00 pm.

For further information about this specific position, please contact Syed A. Arshad at [e-mail]. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

About the University

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Location

Champaign-Urbana

Artificial Intelligence Disclaimer

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Equal Opportunity

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Accommodations

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].

Other Information

Requisition ID: 1039032

Job Category: Crafts & Trades