Utility Plant Operator I

University of Colorado; Aurora (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited accrual)

Vacation Days: 22/year

Holiday Days: 10/year

Tuition Benefit for CU campuses

Job summary

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is seeking a Utility Plant Operator I to operate and maintain the Central Utility Plant (CUP) that provides steam and chilled water to campus buildings, 24/7. The role covers operating production equipment, monitoring performance via digital controls, and performing required maintenance tasks across shifts at the Aurora, CO campus.

The position emphasizes hands-on learning, safety, and progression through training programs.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of utility plant operations and equipment.
• Attention to detail.
• Troubleshooting and problem solving.
• Reading and interpreting blueprints.
• Mechanical ability.
• Effective written and spoken communication.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish relationships across the institution.

Responsibilities

• Operate CUP production and ancillary equipment and adjust capacity to campus load.
• Perform plant walk-throughs, log readings, and maintain records.
• Maintain and repair steam and chilled water systems and related equipment.

Skills

High-pressure boiler operation

Chiller operation

Troubleshooting

Reading blueprints

Written communication

Oral communication

Independent work

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Mechanical ability

Job description

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

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 thermal energy (steam & chilled water) to buildings at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, including university buildings, UC-Health, and Children’s Hospital of Colorado. As part of the Facilities Management department, the CUP supports the university mission of healthcare education and research, and patient care at two hospitals. Steam and chilled water service is provided 24 hours, 7-day per week basis, used for comfort air conditioning and heating, and service processes. CUP staff are assigned to both operations and maintenance functions.

As a Utility Plant Operator, complete CUP operations and maintenance assignments working any assigned shift. Independently operate, monitor, service, and repair steam and chilled water equipment, including ancillary systems. Participate in all required training programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Plant Operations –Serve as point-of-contact to operate CUP production and ancillary equipment. Adjust production capacity to meet campus load. Use digital control systems to monitor performance and to stage on/off equipment.
• Plant Operations – Complete plant walk-through tasks including equipment observation and inspection, log readings of heating/cooling equipment status, input/confirm record keeping details.
• Plant Maintenance - Maintenance includes Preventative and Corrective Maintenance.

Work Location

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

Why Join Us

Apply today to be part of a team, where the focus is supporting the University’s mission of educating the next generation by doing the job right, not on maximizing profit. Working at the Central Utility Plant has endless opportunities for growing your skills while building a lasting career. We are looking for someone with a solid background in the industry. Someone with a good attitude, who works well with others, and has the desire to learn more.

You will be set up for success. We will provide you with the training necessary to become proficient in the operation and maintenance of the equipment in a large campus central utility plant. There are opportunities for paid external training, in addition to beneficial technical and professional development courses. All the hand and specialty tools you need we provide for you. We offer a robust training program for anyone interested in growing their career options. From direct work with journey level technicians and online self-paced technical training, to trades certifications and CU employee tuition assistance, CU Anschutz can be the place to boost your career trajectory. Come to a place where you can develop a career, not just another job. For more information about the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus 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 an excellent 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 gross pay
• 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 all CU 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-plant operations experience including high-pressure boiler and chiller operating experience.
• Note: 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’s website.
• Substitution: One year of the required experience may be substituted with the successful completion of a formalized apprenticeship program or higher-level course work from an accredited, non-correspondence, vocational or trades school appropriate 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 operation of high-pressure boilers, centrifugal chillers, medium voltage electrical 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 working relationships 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’s 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/hand coordination 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 work around 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

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