Utility Plant Operator I | Iowa State University Job at Iowa State University, Ames, IA

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  • Iowa State University
  • Ames, IA

Job Description

Position Title:

Utility Plant Operator I

Job Group:

Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Must have a high school diploma or GED. Two years experience in an industrial plant, process plant or power plant, operating boilers, pumps, fans, conveyors, or other similar equipment, or Graduation from a two-year industrial technology program.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in an industrial setting utilizing DCS and PLCs to control and operate large industrial machines safely and efficiently.
Licensed Boiler Operator with the State of Minnesota or similar.

Job Description:

The Utilities Department is seeking a Utility Plant Operator I to join the team! Under general supervision, the Utility Plant Operator I assists in operating power plant auxiliary systems, supporting Utility Plant Operator II personnel, and performing maintenance duties. This position requires working rotating shifts in a 24/7 operation. The Iowa State University Utilities Department provides reliable, economical, and sustainable energy to campus. Operating a state-of-the-art Power Plant, the department ensures uninterrupted heating, cooling, and electricity for over 30,000 students, faculty, and staff daily. Through cogeneration, the Power Plant maximizes energy production while minimizing costs and environmental impact. With a history dating back to 1906, the department continues to innovate and maintain operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in operating gas/oil-fired boilers and auxiliary equipment (fans, valves, desuperheaters, etc.).
  • Perform Lockout/Tagout procedures as required.
  • Conduct equipment rounds, record readings, and report issues.
  • Operate and assist with water plant equipment, turbine generators, cooling systems, and condensate return tanks.
  • Support maintenance tasks and general facility upkeep.

What We Are Looking For

  • Strong commitment to safety and operational procedures.
  • Team-oriented with excellent communication skills.
  • Detail-oriented with mechanical aptitude.
  • Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Clean and paint assigned work areas.

Assist maintenance staff as assigned.

Make rounds of plant equipment.

Record equipment readings onto paper logsheets and/or computer spreadsheets and files.

Alert appropriate staff of changes needed to equipment.

Compressed air system including air compressors and dryers.

Complete site specific power plant training program for Utility Plant Operator I, within assigned time period.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of power plant equipment, in particular auxiliary systems.

Knowledge of tools and methods necessary to maintain power plant equipment and building.

Knowledge of OSHA regulations and the ability to comply with OSHA procedures.

Ability to interpret and record machinery and equipment readings.

Ability to prepare material samples for analysis.

Ability to read and understand blueprints and operating manuals.

Ability to perform basic math computations.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Physical requirements: Must be able to move and lift at least 50 lbs.

Must be able to climb stairs and work in an industrial environment.

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

5467a

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on Apply and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:

March 24, 2025

Posting Close Date:

April 7, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R16674

About Iowa State University

Iowa State University is a student-centric leading land grant university known worldwide for excellence in science and technology, discovery, and innovation. Operating with the conviction that higher education should be accessible to all, Iowa State offers more than 100 undergraduate, over 110 graduate, and nearly 85 doctoral programs, and is established as an R1: Doctoral University with world-class scholars tackling challenges with innovate research and solutions. Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state ... law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against.

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Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Worldwide, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Rotating shift,

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