Utility Plant Operator I

University of Colorado System; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 59,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefit

Paid time off

ECO Pass

Job summary

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is seeking a Utility Plant Operator I to manage operations and maintenance within the Central Utility Plant. This on-site role supports steam and chilled water production for campus buildings, with responsibilities across daily plant operations and system monitoring.

Candidates should have extensive experience with high‑pressure boilers and chiller equipment, and be prepared to obtain the City and County of Denver Stationary Engineer certificate

Qualifications

• Experience operating high-pressure boiler systems and centrifugal chillers.
• Ability to read and interpret technical blueprints.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate CUP production and ancillary equipment to meet campus load.
• Monitor performance with digital control systems and log readings.
• Support maintenance tasks including preventive and corrective activities.

Skills

Boiler operation

Chiller operation

Electrical distribution

Troubleshooting

Reading blueprints

Physical stamina

Multi-tasking

Communication skills

Job description

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Department: Facilities

Job Title: Utility Plant Operator I

Position #: 00846273 – Requisition #:39375

Job Summary:

The Central Utility Plant (CUP) produces and distributes thermalenergy (steam & chilled water) to buildings at the CU AnschutzMedical Campus, including university buildings, UC-Health, andChildren's Hospital of Colorado. As part of the FacilitiesManagement department, the CUP supports the university mission ofhealthcare education and research, and patient care at twohospitals. Steam and chilled water service is provided 24 hours,7-day per week basis, used for comfort air conditioning andheating, and service processes. CUP staff are assigned to bothoperations and maintenance functions. As a Utility Plant Operator, complete CUP operations andmaintenance assignments working any assigned shift. Independentlyoperate, monitor, service, and repair steam and chilled waterequipment, including ancillary systems. Participate in all requiredtraining programs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plant Operations –Serve as point-of-contact to operate CUPproduction and ancillary equipment. Adjust production capacity tomeet campus load. Use digital control systems to monitorperformance and to stage on/off equipment.
• Plant Operations – Complete plant walk-through tasks includingequipment observation and inspection, log readings ofheating/cooling equipment status, input/confirm record keepingdetails.
• Plant Maintenance - Maintenance includes Preventative andCorrective Maintenance.

Work Location:

Onsite – this role is expected to work onsite and is located inAurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

Apply today to be part of a team, where the focus is supporting theUniversity's mission of educating the next generation by doing thejob right, not on maximizing profit. Working at the Central UtilityPlant has endless opportunities for growing your skills whilebuilding a lasting career. We are looking for someone with a solidbackground in the industry. Someone with a good attitude, who workswell with others, and has the desire to learn more. You will be set up for success. We will provide you with thetraining necessary to become proficient in the operation andmaintenance of the equipment in a large campus central utilityplant. There are opportunities for paid external training, inaddition to beneficial technical and professional developmentcourses. All the hand and specialty tools you need we provide foryou. We offer a robust training program for anyone interested ingrowing their career options. From direct work with journey leveltechnicians and online self-paced technical training, to tradescertifications and CU employee tuition assistance, CU Anschutz canbe the place to boost your career trajectory. Come to a place whereyou can develop a career, not just another job. For moreinformation about the University of Colorado Anschutz Medicalcampus please visit: www.ucdenver.edu.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday,vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers anexcellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options
• Dental: Multiple plan options
• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision
• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your grosspay
• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year
• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)
• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)
• Holiday Days: 10/year
• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on allCU campuses
• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four years of progressively responsible utility-plantoperations experience including high-pressure boiler and chilleroperating experience.
  • Note: Must be willing and able to obtain a City andCounty of Denver Stationary Engineer certificate within 6 months of hire. If the license is not obtained within 6 months of hire, the employee may be subject to termination. Specific licensingrequirements for this certificate are outlined on the City ofDenver's website.
  • Substitution: One year of the required experience may be substituted with the successful completion of a formalizedapprenticeship program or higher-level course work from anaccredited, non-correspondence, vocational or trades schoolappropriate to the work assignment.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• City and County of Denver Stationary Engineer certificate

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of utility plant operations including the operationof high-pressure boilers, centrifugal chillers, medium voltageelectrical distribution, and associated ancillary equipment.
• Attention to detail.
• Troubleshooting and problem solving skills.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints.
• Mechanical Ability.
• Physical Ability
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent oral communication skills with the ability to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written form, which includes the ability to check for typographical, grammatical and spelling errors.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective workingrelationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be willing and able to obtain a City and County of Denver Stationary Engineer certificate within 6 months of hire. If the license is not obtained within 6 months of hire, the employee may be subject to termination. Specific licensing requirements for this certificate are outlined on the City of Denver website.
• Must be willing and able to stand and walk on a constant basis with or without accommodation.
• Must be willing and able to bend and reach above shoulders on a frequent basis with or without accommodation.
• Must be willing and able to lift and carry up to 10 pounds on a constant basis with or without accommodation.
• Must be willing and able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds on a frequent basis with or without accommodation.
• Must be willing and able to push and pull on a frequent basis with or without accommodation.
• Must be willing and able to use manual dexterity, eye/handcoordination and near vision on a constant basis.
• Must be willing and able to use far vision, hearing and verbal communication on a frequent basis.
• Must be willing and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions including snow, rain, heat, and cold.
• Must be willing and able to work with chemicals/solvents.
• Must be willing and able to work in areas where you exposure to hazardous chemicals or infectious materials may be present.
• Must be willing and able to operate moving equipment and workaround machinery or moving equipment.
• Must be willing and able to work around noise/vibrations.
• Must be willing and able to work alone, above ground and in small confined spaces.
• Must be willing and able to walk on uneven surfaces and climb on scaffolds/ladders.

NOTE:

This position has been designated as essential personnel, "Subject to call 24 hours per day, seven days per week" and may be required to carry a pager. Position may also be required to "Stay over late" or "Come in early" to "Cover" shifts, as needed and may be required to respond to any emergencies as needed. If hired, you will be required to provide effective off-hours phone contact info for emergency call-in purposes.

Anticipated Pay Range:

• $4,906- $5,690 monthly

This position may be eligible for a one time non-base buildingsign-on bonus up to $2,000. Details of this recruitment incentive program will be provided during the interview process. The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [e-mail].

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.