Power Plant Operator II

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, United States

Updated: about 19 hours ago
Location: La Crosse, WISCONSIN
Deadline: ;

Posting Details 
Position Information


Recruitment Number 1496
Number of Vacancies 1
Working Title Power Plant Operator II
Classification Title Power Plant Operator II
Proposed Salary to be Offered $23.00
Appointment Percentage (Budget) 100
Position Summary
Under the general supervision of the Power Plant Superintendent, the Power Plant Operator will perform a full range of heating plant duties on their shift in a large, complex heating plant that is operated on a year-round basis. There are four high pressure steam boilers, with an operating pressure of 100psig. Two of the four are Bros. water tube boilers which are fueled by natural gas, and #2 ultra-low sulfur oil. The two newest are Vapor Power Circulatic packaged boilers that are fueled with natural gas and #2 ultra-low sulfur oil. Because of the complexities of these boilers, ongoing decisions must be made which may include the startup and shut down of equipment as well as identifying emergency situations and implementing corrective measures. These decisions must be made to prevent damage to heating plant equipment and other campus buildings, as well as preventing the disruption of classes and research experiments. The Power Plant Operator Senior will also maintain shift records and relay this information onto the relieving shift operator and /or other plant personnel. Other duties may include general to complex maintenance on all heating plant equipment, as well as general housekeeping duties. The boiler operations at the heating plant are covered utilizing a rotating shift schedule. This job summary is not meant to be all inclusive and will be periodically updated to reflect current facility operating standards.
Position Type Staff/Administrative
Pay Basis Hourly
FLSA Non-Exempt
Contingent Upon Funding No
Is this position eligible for employment sponsorship, (H1B or PERM)? No
Required Qualifications
  • Knowledge of essential job functions and the ability to safely perform the duties with minimal supervision
  • Analytical skills necessary to diagnose and correct the cause and of both common and infrequent failures in equipment and systems using schematics or blueprints as necessary.
  • Knowledge or ability to learn relevant software and/or computer languages in order to operate preventive maintenance, work order, time reporting and inventory control programs.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally or in writing, using the English language, in various situations, i.e. face to face, via telephone or two-way radio, correspondence, editing or writing reports, taking messages, etc.
  • Knowledge of mathematical skills necessary to perform job duties.
  • Ability to comply with all University of Wisconsin Systems Work Rules, including safe work practices.
  • Maintain current field related skills and knowledge and its associated codes by attending training programs, conferences and subscription or membership of professional organizations.
  • Knowledge of the maintenance and repair procedures necessary to ensure the proper safe working operation of all mechanical and power equipment; typical tasks include welding, brazing, soldering, cutting, grinding, drilling, bolting and many other involved specialized skills.
  • Working knowledge of specialized power equipment including skid steer.
  • Physically able to work in various environments for prolonged periods of time without adverse physical reaction, e.g.: in confined spaces: within extreme temperature ranges: in hot, noisy, dirty or dust-filled areas; at heights above 30 feet, etc.
  • Physically able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job function.
  • Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment or supplies, up to 75 pounds on a regular basis.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment, (i.e.) respirator, air supplied breathing apparatus, hearing or eye protection, fall prevention harness, safety rated footwear, chemical gloves and splash guard goggles/face shield, and burn guard protective equipment etc.
  • Hold and maintain a valid driver’s license, meeting the criteria for driving a state vehicle.
Preferred Qualifications
  • High pressure boiler licensure or certification preferred.
  • Graduate of Building Utility Maintenance related program with related working experience.
Physical Demands
  • Physically be able to work in various positions, i.e. with arms above your head for periods of time; bending, twisting, crawling, squatting, climbing, stooping or kneeling; on scaffolding, ladders or stairs; standing, sitting or walking, while continuously performing job functions.
  • Ability to grasp, lift and/or carry tools, equipment or supplies, up to 75 pounds on a regular basis


Reasonable Accommodations
UWL provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact [email protected] or 608.785.8013. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
All position descriptions are required to provide physical demands and working condition/environment and may not be published in the job announcement. For information on the physical demands and/or working conditions/environment for this position, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 608.785.8013.
Working conditions and environment
  • Physically be able to work in various environments without adverse physical reaction, e.g.; in confined spaces: within extreme temperature ranges; in hot, noisy, dirty or dust filled areas: at heights above 30 feet.
Miscellaneous Information
INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR BENEFITS
Your benefits add an additional 40%+ to the overall financial package from the university.
Highlights include:
  • paid vacation for 12-month positions.
  • excellent flexible health insurance with low co-pays and good coverage.
  • paid holidays and sick days. after 5 years of employment, you become vested in our retirement system which ensures income post-career.
  • benefits at UWL are highly competitive with local industry and some of the strongest in state and nation.


Benefit eligibility is determined at the point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.
Information about UWL and the Surrounding Region
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UW–La Crosse) provides a challenging, dynamic, and diverse learning environment in which the entire university community is fully engaged in supporting student success. Grounded in the liberal arts, UW-La Crosse fosters curiosity and life-long learning through collaboration, innovation, and the discovery and dissemination of new knowledge. Acknowledging and respecting the contributions of all, UW-La Crosse is a regional academic and cultural center that prepares students to take their place in a constantly changing world community.
For more than a decade UW-La Crosse has been named one of Kiplinger’s 100 Best Values in Public Universities and has appeared prominently on the U.S. News & World Report list of “America’s Best Colleges” for more than 15 years, and is ranked #4 on its list of the Best Regional Public Universities in the Midwest.
With a student population of roughly 10,500, the university offers 91 undergraduate programs, 21 graduate programs, and 2 doctoral programs through the following three colleges, the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, the College of Business Administration, and the College of Science and Health, as well as the School of Education. There are over 600 full-time faculty and instructional academic staff, 75 percent of whom hold terminal degrees. UW-La Crosse boasts a retention rate (freshmen returning as sophomores) of 84 percent, graduation rate (degree within six years) of 70 percent, and is among only 12 institutions cited nationally by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities for its success in linking campus culture and university leadership to outstanding graduation rates.
UW-La Crosse’s strategic plan Sustaining Excellence continues to move our community forward through its four pillars: increasing community engagement, achieving excellence through equity and diversity, investing in our people, and advancing transformational education. More information about the ongoing work of Sustaining Excellence is available at www.uwlax.edu/info/strategic-plan .
The UW-La Crosse campus is in southwestern Wisconsin, nestled in a residential area of the City of La Crosse and positioned as part of a larger metro area with a population close to 140,000. The area, known as the 7 Rivers Region, is famous for its exceptional natural beauty which includes the Mississippi River on one side, majestic bluffs on the other, and views of rolling farmland and forested valleys in between. Abundant water, woodlands and varying terrain provide ample opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation. Only a couple of hours from Minneapolis or Madison, La Crosse enjoys the affordability and charm of small town living with larger city benefits. Three colleges, two world-class medical institutions, the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra, a restored nineteenth century downtown business district, and a number of galleries and art centers have made La Crosse a regional center for culture, entertainment, medical care, shopping, sports and recreation. More information about the La Crosse metro area can be found here: Choose La Crosse .
Learn more about UW-La Crosse here: https://www.uwlax.edu/human-resources/services/talent-acquisition-and-employment/finalist-welcome/
AA/EO Statement
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. We strongly encourage women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans to apply. UWL, in compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, or protected veteran status.
DEI Statement
UW-La Crosse’s diversity and inclusion efforts are guided by our adherence to Inclusive Excellence. We define Inclusive Excellence as “… our active, intentional and ongoing commitment to bridge differences with understanding and respect so all can thrive." The goals of Inclusive Excellence are to increase the retention of diverse faculty, staff and students while encouraging a campus climate that is inviting and welcoming to all. UW-La Crosse strives to promote acceptance of all facets of diversity from racial/ethnic diversity to diversity of thought and experience. UW-La Crosse ranks 6th nationally among the Top LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges for 2018-19 by AffordableCollegesOnline.org (ACO).
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWL Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see https://www.uwlax.edu/police/annual-security-report/ or contact the University Police Department at 608.785.9000.
Redbook Position Yes
Division/College Administration and Finance Division
Description of College / Department / Program / Division / Unit
The Division of Administration and Finance is committed to providing quality campus services to faculty, staff, students, and external constituencies to support the university’s mission of teaching, research, and public service. The division includes Facilities Planning & Management, Budget, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and Police & Parking Services.

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