Utility Plant Operator

Detroit Institute of Arts; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Life and disability insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid time off

10 federal holidays

Additional paid time off option

Job summary

Cordia is seeking a Utility Plant Operator to ensure safe, reliable operation of boiler, chiller, and generator systems in a 12-hour shift environment in Harrisburg. You will follow SOPs, support maintenance, and maintain water chemistry and logbooks with strong safety discipline.

The role requires physical capability to lift up to 75 lbs, operate from a control room, and work overtime as needed. A High School diploma and PA driver’s license are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of High School diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work in hot and cold locations, on ladders, lift up to 75 pounds, and stand for several hours.
• Valid PA driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control the operation of all plant machinery and equipment under the direction of the Senior Operator.
• Monitor and be responsible for the effect on plant operations of all activities in the plant and on the distribution system.
• Monitor and record plant operating parameters; maintain required logbooks.
• Operate boilers, chillers, diesel generators, pumps, valves, etc. safely and efficiently.
• Monitor water chemistry and adjust chemical feed systems as required.
• Perform tests of operating equipment as directed; perform scheduled and unscheduled tasks.
• Follow SOP, JSA, LOTO and assist in continual improvement.
• Assist Maintenance with preventative and corrective maintenance.
• Maintain facility appearance and housekeeping standards.
• Upgrade skills and knowledge of plant systems and components as directed.

Skills

Plant operations

Safety procedures

Mechanical aptitude

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma

Tools

CMMS

MS Office

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Cordia

Cordia is a comprehensive energy solutions provider delivering safe, reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy to communities across the United States. We partner with hospitals, universities, businesses, government organizations, and other critical institutions to design, develop, build, own, operate, and maintain energy systems that keep communities running. Our solutions include district energy, combined heat and power, microgrids, energy performance services, and other innovative approaches that help customers improve reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. Through long-term customer partnerships and deep energy expertise, Cordia helps organizations navigate complex energy challenges while supporting the transition toward a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

Job Summary

The Utility Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all utility plant equipment, including boilers, chillers, reciprocating engine generators, and auxiliary equipment, in accordance with written plant procedures and under the direction of the Senior Operator and Plant Manager. The Utility Plant Operator may also be assigned to assist the Maintenance Department with corrective and preventive maintenance on plant machinery and equipment. In the absence of specific orders or directives, the Utility Plant Operator exercises initiative, uses experience and sound judgment in plant operations, and complies with all policies, including those related to safety and the environment.

Essential Functions

• Monitor and control the operation of all plant machinery and equipment under the direction of the Senior Operator.
• Monitor and be responsible for the effect on plant operations of all activities occurring in the plant and on the distribution system.
• Monitor and record plant operating parameters. Maintain logbooks as required,
• Operate as directed by the Senior Operator – start, run, maintain, and stop – plant machinery and equipment in a safe and efficient manner, including but not limited to: Boilers, Chillers, Diesel Generators, pumps, valves, etc.
• Monitor water chemistry in the various plant water systems and adjust chemical feed systems as required.
• Perform tests of operating equipment as directed.
• Perform scheduled and unscheduled job assignments.
• Operate following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) and assist in continual improvement.
• Assist Maintenance Department with preventative and corrective maintenance on plant machinery and equipment.
• Maintain the facility’s appearance and housekeeping standards.
• Upgrade skills and knowledge of plant systems, equipment, and components as directed or required.
• Have or work to obtain knowledge and/or skill sets held by Senior Operator.
• Required to learn and comply with company policies and procedures with respect to Safety and Environmental.
• Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts and overtime as necessary.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of High School diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work in hot and cold locations, work on ladders, lift up to 75 pounds, and stand for several consecutive hours.
• Valid PA driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Universal EPA 608 certification.
• Minimum of one-year operating experience in a physical plant.
• Previous experience operating high pressure boilers, large electrical driven chillers, large cooling towers, and diesel engines preferred.

Preferred qualifications are additional skills or experience that may enhance success in this role but are not required for consideration. If you meet the required qualifications and are interested in joining Cordia, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification.

Knowledge & Skills

• Ability to not only learn complex systems and work under direction, but also to react to emergencies using judgment and intuitive skills
• Computer proficiency required in CMMS applications, MS Office, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Knowledgeable and experienced in the operation of digital and pneumatic controls.

Working Conditions

This position primarily works in the control room of a thermal plant and requires regular access to plant areas by stairs and ladders, including difficult-to-reach spaces. Working conditions may include heights, high and low temperatures, limited lighting, and high humidity. Operators normally work 10-hour shifts but may be assigned 12-hour shifts by the Operations Supervisor to maintain required plant staffing and comply with City of Harrisburg boiler operating codes. Overtime may be required on short notice to meet operational and regulatory requirements.

Compensation & Benefits

The expected compensation range for this position is $35.00–$40.00 per hour, plus overtime eligibility and annual bonus potential. Cordia also offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) plan with company match; company-paid life and disability insurance; paid parental leave; paid time off; 10 observed federal holidays; and the option to purchase additional paid time off. Eligibility and plan terms apply.

Why Cordia / Culture

At Cordia, our people are the power behind what we do. We believe meaningful work starts with talented people who care about their customers, their communities, and each other. Our culture is built around eight Key Beliefs: Safety, Talent, Value, Collaboration, Accountability, Customers, Sustainability, and Serve. We don't just talk about these values; we strive to put them into practice every day. We empower our people to bring their expertise, solve problems, collaborate across teams, and take ownership of the work they do. At Cordia, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside talented people who are passionate about what they do, contribute to projects that have a tangible impact on the communities we serve, and grow your career while helping shape the future of energy. Your work at Cordia powers more than facilities. It helps power communities, advance sustainability, and build a stronger energy future.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Cordia is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Physical Requirements

Regularly Frequently Occasionally Rarely/Never

• Sitting – Regularly, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely/Never
• Standing – Regularly, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely/Never
• Walking – Regularly, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely/Never
• Climbing/Balancing – Regularly, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely/Never
• Reaching – with Arms and Hands – Regularly, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely/Never
• Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling – Regularly, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely/Never
• Lifting – 1-25 lbs – Regularly, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely/Never
• Lifting – 25-50 lbs – Regularly, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely/Never
• Lifting – 50+ lbs – Regularly, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely/Never
• Talking – Regularly, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely/Never
• Hearing – Regularly, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely/Never
• Feeling/Touching – Regularly, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely/Never
• Vision – Close, Peripheral, Depth, Ability to Adjust Focus – Regularly, Frequently, Occasionally, Rarely/Never