Utility Operator

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & sick pay

Medical/dental/vision insurance

No-cost life insurance

Retirement plans

Tuition assistance

Staff discounts

Professional development

Parental Leave

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites applications for a full-time Utility Operator position within Husker Energy & Power. The role supports campus energy needs, monitors essential plant equipment, and ensures safe, reliable operations across steam, electricity, and chilled water systems.

Responsibilities include data monitoring, creating maintenance work orders, and coordinating with the team for turnover and issue resolution.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read operating manuals.
• Ability to understand and execute verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Skilled in the use of computer software for word processing, spreadsheets, data entry, and email communication.
• Ability to be available by telephone and work beyond the regular scheduled shift as needed, including 24/7 availability for emergencies, shift coverage, and operational needs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assess daily steam, electricity, and chilled water load demands and identify and operate equipment to meet campus needs.
• Monitor plant equipment through observation, data analysis, and remote systems to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Observe and interpret equipment conditions and make necessary adjustments.
• Record data accurately in required written and electronic formats to meet regulatory and internal standards.
• Communicate with team members to support coordinated operations, such as detailed shift turnover information, equipment status, load changes, operational issues, and corrective actions.
• Submit and follow up on work orders for maintenance support.
• Assist maintenance personnel with preventive maintenance and equipment repairs.

Skills

Operating manuals

Safety procedures

Data entry / computer skills

Basic math

Verbal/written instructions

24/7 availability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Energy Generation Operations or related field

Tools

None

Job description

Ranked as one of the Best Employers in Nebraska, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is committed to providing a work environment and culture that fosters personal and professional success and satisfaction. By joining our team, you will be given opportunities to grow as an individual and contribute to the significant impact that we make within the University of Nebraska community and Nebraska’s economy each year.

We invest in our employees:

• Vacation, sick, and holiday pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• No-cost life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Retirement plans
• Tuition assistance for employees and dependents
• Exclusive staff discounts
• Continuous improvement and innovation
• Professional development through training and education
• Parental Leave
• And many more!!

Husker Energy & Power has three levels of Utility Operators, and the level is determined by a candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and applicable licensure.

As a Utility Operator, you will:

• Assess daily steam, electricity, and chilled water load demands and identify and operate equipment to meet campus needs.
• Monitor plant equipment through observation, data analysis, and remote systems to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Observe and interpret equipment conditions (sound, vibration, temperature, pressure, flow, electrical readings) and make necessary adjustments.
• Record data accurately in required written and electronic formats to meet regulatory and internal standards.
• Communicate with team members to support coordinated operations, such as detailed shift turnover information, equipment status, load changes, operational issues, and corrective actions.
• Submit and follow up on work orders for maintenance support.
• Assist maintenance personnel with preventive maintenance and equipment repairs.

What you bring to the position (minimum qualifications):

• High school or equivalent experience.
• Ability to read and interpret operating manuals.
• Ability to understand and execute verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical computations.
• Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures.
• Skilled in the use of computer software for word processing, spreadsheets, data entry, and email communication.
• Ability to be available by telephone and work beyond the regular scheduled shift as needed, including 24/7 availability for emergencies, shift coverage, and operational needs.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Additional qualifications that support success in this position (not required):

• Associate’s degree in Energy Generation Operations or a related field, or equivalent of two or more years of experience operating high-pressure boilers, centrifugal chillers, and/or related support systems in a comparable environment.
• Skilled in performing system inspections, making operational adjustments, and maintaining compliance with operating specifications.
• Skilled in the inspection, cleaning, adjustment, installation, repair, and replacement of utility plant equipment.
• Skilled in diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, and other equipment malfunctions, including emergency situations.

This position is full-time and is classified as non-exempt. This position has a set schedule and includes on-call responsibilities.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment.

Criminal history background check, driving record review, and pre-placement physical are required.