Employment

Power Plant Operator Senior - Facilities, Planning and Management -17087

This posting is no longer available.

INTRODUCTION:

The Department of Facilities, Planning & Management at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater seeks a Power Plant Operator - Senior (POWER PLNT OPER - SENR).

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.

The plant will be staffed 24 hours a day with rotating shift schedules. Position work schedule may change based upon operational needs.

45% 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
30% 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 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 figures are gathered.
  7. Assure that all required record keeping is complete and accurate.
  8. Notify the superintendent and others affected of the interruption and emergency actions
15% D. 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
10% E. 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.
QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Possess a valid driver’s license
  • Physically able to work in conditions above 100 degrees and below 40 degrees
  • Experience in the operation of various power tools, hand tools, and testing equipment
  • Physically able to lift and carry 50 pounds
  • Physically able to perform work in various positions such as overhead, standing on ladders and scaffolding, or while bending, kneeling, crawling, twisting or laying flat
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Possess high mechanical aptitude.
  • Knowledge in the operation of steam driven equipment. (Boilers, absorption chillers, turbines, steam pressure reducing stations, pumps and fans)
  • 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
  • Ability to wear respirators
  • 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 following applicable safety rules and regulations including necessary training and drills
  • Ability to interact respectfully with people from diverse socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds
CAMPUS INFORMATION:

Founded in 1868, UW–Whitewater is one of eleven comprehensive universities in a public higher education system that also includes two doctoral institutions and a statewide Extension. In the fall of 2018, as a result of the University of Wisconsin System’s restructuring of the state’s 13 two-year campuses formerly known as UW Colleges, UW–Rock County began operating as a branch campus of UW–Whitewater under the new name of University of Wisconsin–Whitewater at Rock County. Together, these campuses form a preeminent academic institution driven by the pursuit of knowledge, powered by a spirit of innovation, and focused on transforming lives. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Main Campus and Rock County Campus are located conveniently near Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago, and thus offers the advantage of beautiful small-town environments with easy access to the cultural and commercial opportunities of major metropolitan areas.

The Warhawk family — led by caring faculty and staff — is devoted to student success within a broad range of academic programs. UW-Whitewater has a special mission within the UW System to serve students with disabilities and, as such, embraces the principles of universal design and is one of the most accessible campuses in the state. The campuses have more than 200 student organizations and UW-Whitewater is a Division III NCAA university. UW-Whitewater is committed to seeking and sustaining a culturally and ethnically diverse campus environment, building a diverse faculty and staff with expertise and interest in serving students with diverse needs, backgrounds, ethnicities, abilities and other distinct characteristics in respectful, sensitive and understanding ways. 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 http://www.uww.edu/asfr. If you would like a paper copy of the report please contact the UW-Whitewater Police at 262-472-4660.

To learn more about UW-Whitewater's competitive benefits packages go to our: ALEX webpage, which is our interactive benefits decision support tool.

SPECIAL NOTES:

UW-Whitewater embraces AAC&U’s LEAP principles (http://www.uww.edu/leap) and emphasizes student, staff and faculty participation in High-Impact Practices (https://www.aacu.org/resources/high-impact-practices). The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (http://www.uww.edu/orsp) provides support for faculty scholarly and creative activities as well as other opportunities to apply for reassigned time and/or other resources to support research activities. UW-Whitewater faculty and staff also have access to technology transfer and research resources provided by WiSys (https://www.wisys.org).

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT:

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.

The University of Wisconsin System is engaged in a Title and Total Compensation (TTC) project to redesign job titles and compensation structures. As a result of the TTC project, official job titles on current job postings is targeted to be implemented mid-2021. Job duties and responsibilities will remain the same. For more information please visit: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/title-and-total-compensation-study/

The University of Wisconsin - Whitewater has the authority to implement temporary workforce reduction and cost saving measures to address financial challenges resulting from the COVID-19 Crisis, consistent with Wisconsin law and Board of Regents, UW System, and UW-Whitewater policy and procedure.

TO ENSURE CONSIDERATION:

This position is open until filled. 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) 472-1072 or hrstudent@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 17087.

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