Power Plant Operator II - Facilities Planning and Management - 21009
INTRODUCTION:
The Department of Facilities Planning and Management at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater seeks a Power Plant Operator II (Heating/Cooling Plant Operator II, FP099).
The plant will be staffed 24 hours a day with rotating shift schedules. Position work schedule may change based upon operational needs.
JOB DUTIES:
This position operates and maintains UW-Whitewater's central utility plant, as well as the related campus' steam and chilled water distribution and utilization systems. It maintains plant high-pressure boilers and centrifugal chillers along with associated auxiliary systems. The position will assist steamfitters in the maintenance of the campus' underground steam systems, as well as the building equipment utilizing those utilities. Position reports directly to Power Plant Superintendent.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications:
- Knowledge in the operation of steam production equipment (Boilers, chillers, chemical testing, and controls, water treatment equipment, pumps, and fans)
- Possess high mechanical aptitude
- Physically able to perform work in various positions such as overhead, standing on ladders and scaffolding, or while bending, kneeling, crawling, twisting or lying flat
- Must possess a valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications:
- Willingness and adaptability to work under unpleasant conditions such as extreme noise, dusty or dirty areas, extreme heat and cold, wet areas, and confined spaces
- Skilled in the operation of various power tools, hand tools, and testing equipment
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to wear respirators
- Physically able to lift and carry 50 pounds
- Ability to become certified in CPR and basic first aid
- Be an active participant in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills
- Willingness and ability to be an active participant in the following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training drills
- Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds
RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. Operate and maintain the central utility plant in a safe and effective mode.
1. Safely and efficiently operate up to three high-pressure, dual-fuel boilers. Monitor instrument and control systems. Make needed changes in fuel and air systems to achieve high efficiencies while maintaining acceptable emission levels.
2. Monitor the operation of all equipment and/or systems such as pumps, compressors, fans, motors and emergency generators. Make regular checks and necessary adjustments to insure proper, efficient and safe operation.
3. Perform regularly scheduled preventive maintenance and lubrication of all Boilers and auxiliary equipment.
4. Effectively communicate steam system corrective maintenance needs with other plant team members.
5. Assist in repairing, maintaining, and installing major plant equipment such as boilers, turbines, pumps, fans, electric motors, controls, air compressors, valves, and piping.
6. Assist in cleaning and preparing boilers for inspection and service.
7. Conduct regular shift and Custodial duties per the procedure manual.
8. Follow applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.
9. Record initial and final meter readings when producing steam to ensure accurate billing figures are gathered.
10. Assure that all required record-keeping is complete and accurate.
11. Notify the superintendent and others affected of the interruption and emergency actions.
B. Operate and maintain the campus chilled water system.
1. Safely and efficiently operate the University's Chilled Water Plant. Monitor instrument and control systems. Make needed changes to axillary equipment to achieve greater efficiencies while maintaining cooling standards
2. Perform regularly scheduled routine preventive maintenance of the chillers, as well as the condenser cooling tower system.
3. Effectively communicate the chilled water system operation and corrective maintenance needs with other plant team members.
4. Assist in repairing and installing major chilled water equipment such as absorbers, turbines, pumps, fans, electric motors, towers, controls, valves and air compressors.
5. Assist in cleaning and preparing chiller tubes and towers for seasonal lay-up and operation.
6. Record initial and final meter readings when producing steam to ensure accurate billing
7. figures are gathered.
8. Assure that all required record keeping is complete and accurate.
9. Notify the superintendent and others affected of the interruption and emergency actions.
C. Perform all steam, condensate, chilled water and condenser water analysis and treatment as required to ensure safe and efficient system operation.
1. Perform tests on boiler water, feedwater, make-up water and condensate return to determine needed treatment action.
2. Perform tests on, chilled water and condenser cooling water to determine needed treatment.
3. Adjust chemical doses, feed rates and blow downs to ensure that water chemistry is kept within recommended limits.
4. Monitor salt, water softeners and R.O. Systems.
5. Log test results.
D. Assist steamfitters with the general maintenance of the campus underground steam distribution systems and building equipment using those utilities.
1. Assist with regular steam pit inspections and preventive and corrective maintenance activities including trap and valve repair.
2. When applicable and practical, serve as an attendant for steam pit maintenance activities and activities in other confined spaces.
3. Assist with the seasonal draining and filling of chilled water mains and building coils. Assist with the restoration/warm-up of steam mains after interruptions.
4. Assist with the maintenance of building steam and chilled water utilization equipment such as pumps, condensate receivers, valves, and coils.
5. Assist with the insulation of steam, condensate, and chilled water piping.
6. Assist with steam trap testing and repair.
CAMPUS INFORMATION:
UW-Whitewater is a thriving public university located in southeastern Wisconsin. It leads the way in providing world-class, affordable higher education programs to more students than neighboring regional comprehensives in the University of Wisconsin System. A collaborative team of 1,300 faculty and staff are devoted to the success of the university's 11,500 students at its main and Rock County campuses. The team provides high-impact practices and academic programs - online and in person - from associate to doctoral levels. Recognized nationally for affordability, inclusion, and career development, UWW serves approximately one-third first-generation students and boasts strength in many areas, especially business and education. The campus and community embrace the Warhawk Family spirit, supporting the university's arts and nationally recognized NCAA Division-III level championship athletics. As a proud institution of access, more than 10 percent of undergraduate students use the acclaimed Center for Students with Disabilities - a priority mission since the 1970s.
UW-Whitewater's campuses are located centrally near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, offering easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas. Near both Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin Dells, the area attracts numerous visitors from across the country. Whitewater is a vibrant college community near the Kettle Moraine State Forest offering area residents seasonal outdoor enjoyment. The nearby Rock County campus is located in Janesville, a town of 60,000 located on the Rock River and known as Wisconsin's Park Place.
Belonging and mattering are central to the university's culture, and UW-Whitewater strives to maintain an environment where individual and collective efforts are valued and celebrated. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and actively seeks and encourages applications from women, people of color, persons with disabilities, and veterans.
ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is part of the 13-campus University of Wisconsin System (https://www.wisconsin.edu).
Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(b) provides that applicants may indicate in writing that their identity should be kept confidential. In response to a public records request, the University will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful final candidate will be released. See Wisconsin Statute 19.36(7)(a).
Per Regent Policy Document 20-19, University of Wisconsin System Criminal Background Check Policy and UW System Administrative Policy 1275 Recruitment Policies, UW-Whitewater requires criminal background checks as a contingency to employment. A criminal background check will be conducted prior to an offer of employment. All final candidates must be asked, prior to hire, whether they have been found to have engaged in, are currently under investigation for, or left employment during an active investigation in which they were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment. When obtaining employment reference checks, these same sexual violence or sexual harassment questions must also be asked.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater requires that all employees be active participants in following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills.
For UW-Whitewater Campus safety information and crime statistics/annual Security Report, see Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. If you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Well-qualified candidates can expect a minimum starting wage of $28/hr.
UW System employees receive an excellent benefit package. To learn more about the UW System's comprehensive benefit package, review the UW System Employee Benefits Brochure.
CONDITIONS OF APPOINMENT:
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Human Resources. UW-Whitewater is not an e-verify employer, therefore STEM extensions are not options for work authorization.
TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION:
Applications received by July 14, 2024 are ensured full consideration. Applications received after that date may be given consideration at the discretion of the search committee. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process.
If you have questions regarding this recruitment or if you are unable to complete the application online due to a disability or system problem, please contact us at (262) 472-1024 or hr@uww.edu
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Paul Walton
Power Plant Superintendent
262-472-6728
waltonp@uww.edu
HOW TO APPLY:
Only complete application packages will be considered. This includes online submission of the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume
- Name and contact information for three professional references
This Job ID is 21009.
A potential applicant who is NOT currently employed by the University of Wisconsin System, click here:
UW-Whitewater External Applicants
A current employee of the University of Wisconsin System, click here:
UW-Whitewater Internal Applicants
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