Utility Production Maintenance Specialist I

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 30,307 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Paid time off

Educational fee discounts

Job summary

The University of Missouri-Columbia is seeking a Utility Production Maintenance I to perform entry-level maintenance and repair of critical equipment in our energy management operations. This role involves routine inspections, working with utility production tools, and ensuring safety compliance to support campus operations.

Ideal candidates will possess a high school diploma and have experience in a heavy industrial environment. Opportunities for promotions to higher specialist roles are available, along with a competitive hourly rate and comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years experience in general mechanical work, preferably in utility production.
• Valid driver's license for legal operation in Missouri.

Responsibilities

• Assist in repair and maintenance of utility production equipment.
• Complete routine inspections and maintenance.
• Safely coordinate work with operations to maintain equipment reliability.

Skills

General mechanical work

Heavy industrial experience

Maintenance tools usage

Safety practices

Physical ability to lift heavy objects

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Grinders

Drills

Band and disk cutters

Propane torch

Forklifts

Job description

Powering Mizzou's Future

At MU Energy Management, we power the future! We are responsible for producing, purchasing, and delivering vital utility services across the University of Missouri campus. Our advanced district energy system, centered around the state‑of‑the‑art Combined Cooling, Heating, and Power Plant (CCHP), generates steam, chilled water, and electricity to heat, cool, and energize over 17 million square feet of academic, research, athletic, and healthcare buildings.

Beyond powering the campus, we also install and manage cutting‑edge building automation systems that optimize energy consumption across the university. Our mission is to provide cost‑effective, reliable, and resilient utility services that empower the University to excel in its academic and research goals.

If you're passionate about energy, innovation, and resiliency, this is your chance to be part of a team that keeps Mizzou running and thriving!

Position: Utility Production Maintenance I

Nature and Level of Work

Perform entry level general maintenance specially oriented to the repair and maintenance of equipment in the power and chilled water plants, such as boilers, turbines, chillers, cooling towers, fuel handling systems, bag houses, ash handling equipment, pumps, piping systems, and all associated equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in repair and maintenance of bag house, ash systems, filter bags, checking and repairing hydraulic cylinders, replacing access and door gaskets, check dampers and fans, repair and replace ash piping and fittings, repair ash separating and unloading equipment, repair of cooling towers, strainers, water boxes, meters and valves.
• Complete routine equipment inspections, testing, and maintenance of utility production equipment to assure plant reliability. Notify supervisor(s) of potential problems discovered during routine inspections and maintenance.
• Complete maintenance work in areas of limited access or constraints such as bag house compartments, boiler fireboxes, boiler drums and cooling towers. Requires working in heights, in heat or cold, around fly ash, biomass and fuel and noise. Safely use and maintain the following list of tools and equipment: grinders, drills, band and disk cutters, propane torch, grit blasters, various hand tools, etc.
• Complete rigging and lifting of various materials utilizing and operating chain/cable hoists, engine hoists, pallet jacks, and forklifts.
• Safely coordinate work with utility production Operations to maintain reliability of plant equipment. Follow all plant safety practices including, but not limited to, the wearing of personal protective equipment as required, following all lockout and tag out procedures, following all confined space procedures, and attending safety meetings and training sessions.
• Complete all requirements of the Utility Production Maintenance Specialist Training Program in a timely manner. Attend and participate in additional training as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

Administrative supervision is received from the utility production supervisors, typically receiving oral and written directions from a supervisor and other maintenance personnel. Work assignments are typically task oriented.

Advancement

This position has opportunities to advance to Utility Production Maintenance II & III.

Why This Role Matters

This is more than a maintenance position; it's a chance to be part of a mission‑driven team that efficiently powers the MU campus. This work directly supports students, faculty, and staff, by creating comfortable and productive environments for learning, research and innovation.

Shift

M-F, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities can be acquired.
• Two years of experience in general mechanical work in a heavy industrial environment, with preference given to utility production experience.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, which will allow legal operation of a motor vehicle in the state of Missouri.
• Automatic promotion to Utility Production Maintenance Specialist II title following successful completion of a detailed training program, skill assessment, and a minimum time in position.
• Skill assessment will be determined by demonstrating various tasks and skills during the training period as identified in the maintenance practical training guide. Verification will be by the utility production supervision.
• Minimum time in the Utility Production Maintenance Specialist I title: two calendar years.
• Maximum amount of time in the Utility Production Maintenance Specialist I title: three calendar years.
• If unable to successfully complete the training within three years, progressive discipline, with appropriate time extensions, will be initiated.
• Ability on a daily basis to grasp, lift, maneuver, rotate, and otherwise use small to large trade tools and equipment; grasp, lift, carry, and set down heavy (50-75 lbs.) objects; grasp, turn, twist, pull, push, lift, and otherwise move equipment, controls, parts, etc.; visually assess maintenance, construction, and repair needs; climb and work from ladders, stairs, and scaffolding; enter common boiler and baghouse access doors and work in close quarters, such as steam tunnels; work in areas where high levels of heat, moisture, dust, and noise are present.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous maintenance experience in industrial, manufacturing, and construction industries is preferred. Preference given to experience in the following areas: chillers, boilers, turbines, cooling towers, material handling, bag house, pumps, compressed air, steam, and piping systems.
• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Missouri driver's license or a valid out‑of‑state driver's license with the understanding that a Missouri driver's license must be obtained within the first six months of employment.

Anticipated Hiring Range

• Salary Range: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour
• Grade: GGS‑E
• University Title: Utility Production Maintenance Specialist I

Benefits Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short‑ and long‑term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.

For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.