Utility Plant Operator

UO HR Website; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

University of Oregon seeks a Utilities and Energy campus-wide operator/dispatcher to safely operate steam, chilled-water, and electrical systems. The role includes monitoring BAS alarms, distributing electrical loads, and maintaining critical campus utilities while coordinating with CPFM and contractors.

The position requires apprenticeship-level training in boiler and turbine operation, strong safety practices, and the ability to work non-typical hours as essential personnel.

Qualifications

• Completed Boiler and Turbine Operator apprenticeship or equivalent education and experience, including knowledge of turbine generators, centrifugal absorption chillers, high‑pressure boilers, and related technical systems involving electrical, steam, and refrigeration.
• Valid Oregon driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Operate the UO steam plant and the chilled‑water plant to meet campus needs.
• Distribute the 12,470‑Volt electrical load and monitor BAS alarms across buildings.
• Assist in configuring the plant to island mode during external power loss and coordinate with CPFM and contractors as needed.
• Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on power plant and building equipment.
• Monitor the utility distribution tunnel system and ensure safe, compliant operation.

Skills

Boiler operation

Turbine knowledge

Electrical systems

Chiller systems

BAS monitoring

Safety-conscious

Education

Boiler and Turbine Operator apprenticeship

Tools

FactoryTalk

Siemens

PME

Milestone Cameras

CMMS AiM

Job description

Position Summary

This position serves as a Utilities and Energy campus‑wide operator/dispatcher for the University of Oregon and acts as the point of contact for utility distribution issues across the campus. The incumbent will safely operate the UO steam plant, which includes two high‑pressure saturated steam boilers with a combined capacity of 125,000 lbs per hour, and a combined cycle co‑generation plant (CTG/HRSG) capable of generating 7.5 MW from the gas turbine and 65,000 lbs of 600‑psi steam from the steam turbine. The position also operates the UO chilled‑water plant comprising five electric centrifugal chillers with a total capacity of 7,500 tons of cooling, an 18‑tank 3‑million‑gallon thermal storage tank, 18 cooling towers, pumps and associated equipment. Responsibilities include distribution of the 12,470‑Volt electrical load to campus buildings, assistance in configuring the plant to island mode during an external power loss, regulating access, providing training, maintaining operations, and monitoring all work performed in the UO utility distribution tunnel system. The operator monitors BAS (building automation system) alarms and controls within the steam plant, chiller plant, and building HVAC systems. Continuous skill development in technology‑based automation systems is required. The incumbent will perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on all power plant and building equipment.

Interactions/contacts: The incumbent interacts daily with CPFM and the campus community while performing work and responding to emergencies. The position works with electrical and maintenance staff within the Utilities and Energy Department and is in contact with outside contractors, vendors, and regulatory agencies such as LRAPA and DEQ.

Decisions: The position is a member of a team; decisions made affect the entire university. The incumbent manages electricity, steam, chilled water, and other utilities during normal and emergency situations. Decisions may include when to start or stop equipment, interpreting equipment data, and applying corrective actions.

Supervision: Work is reviewed regularly by the Operations Supervisor to ensure it is performed efficiently, safely, and meets expectations and applicable requirements. A performance appraisal is conducted annually.

Work Schedule

This position works non‑typical hours/shifts and is classified as Essential Personnel. During a six‑month trial service period, employees complete a structured training program that includes rotations on day, swing, and graveyard shifts over weekdays and weekends.

• Day Shift: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., weekdays
• Swing Shift: 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m., including weekends and three weekdays
• Graveyard Shift: 11:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m., including weekends and three weekdays

Upon successful completion of the trial service period, employees are assigned to a shift based on operational needs and seniority within the team, in accordance with the SEIU Collective Bargaining Agreement. Long‑term schedules will most likely be the swing or graveyard shift and will include weekend coverage.

Guidelines and Special Requirements

This position must comply with federal, state, local, and University of Oregon rules and regulations, including permit maintenance, regulatory compliance, and safe operation of duties.

Special Requirement: The incumbent must qualify for and maintain UO driver’s certification eligibility, which requires maintaining an Oregon driver’s license throughout employment.

Minimum Requirements

• Completed Boiler and Turbine Operator apprenticeship or equivalent education and experience, including knowledge of turbine generators, centrifugal absorption chillers, high‑pressure boilers, and related technical systems involving electrical, steam, and refrigeration.
• Valid Oregon driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

Professional Competencies

• Ability to perform duties in a way that advances and supports the mission of the department and university.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a diverse team and foster positive relationships for problem solving.
• Skilled in taking initiative and proactively addressing tasks that need to be done.
• Proficient in paying close attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain a safe and safety‑conscious workplace.
• Ability to maintain a respectful workplace and model a positive and proactive attitude.
• Skilled in modeling and upholding the highest ethical standards.
• Proficient in delivering superior customer service.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating high‑pressure boilers (100+ PSI), industrial chillers (1,000+ tons), steam turbines, and working safely around high‑voltage equipment and lines.
• Knowledge and hands‑on background with gas turbines, heat‑recovery boilers, and utility distribution systems, including steam and chilled water.
• Working knowledge of maintenance and operation of boilers, chillers, air compressors, DA tanks, RO units, pumps, and valves.
• Experience using industrial and facility software systems such as FactoryTalk, Siemens, PME, Milestone Cameras, and CMMS platforms including AiM.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, and Zoom for documentation, communication, and reporting.

FLSA Exempt: No

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

The University of Oregon is an equal‑opportunity institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call 541‑346‑5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited. For information on equal opportunity and complaint procedures, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access. Related policies and complaint procedures are listed here.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online.