Power Plant Operator Senior

Posting Details

Recruitment Number

1085

Working Title

Power Plant Operator Senior

Position Type

Staff/Administrative

Appointment Percentage

100%

Division/College

Administration and Finance Division

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Power Plant Superintendent, the Power Plant Operator Senior 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.

NOTE : Please indicate % of time associated with essential and additional duties. Total combined must equal 100%.

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.

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

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

• You will periodically be required to extend your work hours or modify your work schedule including scheduled days off, to provide shift coverage due to vacations, illness, training, emergencies, or a shortage of staff.
• Must comply with all University of Wisconsin Systems Work Rules, including safe work practices.

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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.
Learn more at: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/download/univstaff21.pdf
Benefit eligibility is determined at point of hire. This information is provided for illustrative purposes only. Benefits are also pro-rated based on the appointment percentage.

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The University of Wisconsin System and the University of Wisconsin–Madison are engaged in a redesign of job title and compensation structures. The Title and Total Compensation Project will result in relevant and market-informed titles to help us keep and grow our outstanding workforce. If you are the successful candidate, your title is subject to change in November 2021. For more information, visit: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/title-and-total-compensation-study/

Duties/Responsibilities

These are the job duties required for the position.

Responsibility Statement

The safe and efficient operation of the boilers and all associated equipment.

Duties to Support Responsibility

• Utilize proper firing techniques and safe operating procedures in the generation of steam.
• Adjust boiler controls and monitor combustion gases to obtain the maximum amount of efficiency while at the same time complying with the air permit pollution and emission limits.
• Make proper decisions regarding emergency repairs while working alone.
• Start and shut down boilers sequentially following defined multi step procedures that are unique to the type of fuel being fired.
• Start and stop boilers and auxiliary equipment as required by the campus load.
• Monitor the online boilers and auxiliary equipment ensuring conditions are within established operating parameters.
• Follow posted procedures for testing makeup water, feed water, reverse osmosis water, condensate, and boiler water.
• Determine the proper chemical dosages based on the above water test results. Record the results of test and chemical additions on the water test logs.
• Operate auxiliary equipment in the heating plant which includes air compressors, fans, pumps, variable speed drives, fuel burner controls, and oil transfer equipment, soot blowers, emergency power generator and electrical switch gear, electrical breakers, and electrical disconnects.
• Perform required and assigned operator shift duties to maintain a clean, organized and presentable central heating plant.
• Take hourly readings on operating equipment and record on the boiler shift log. Respond to any abnormal conditions detected while taking the readings.

Percentage Of Time

75

Essential

Yes

Responsibility Statement

Performance of general to complex maintenance of heating plant equipment

Duties to Support Responsibility

Perform or assist in overhauls and auxiliary equipment repairs.
• Assist in the preparation of boilers and auxiliary equipment for annual inspections.
• Perform maintenance on equipment which may require cutting, grinding, drilling, and bolting while wearing the proper personal protective equipment.
• Perform required maintenance on boilers, auxiliary equipment and distribution systems for steam and condensate. This work can include boiler overhauls, pressure vessel cleaning and internal inspections, steam trap replacement, valve replacement and breeching cleaning.
• Replace pressure gauges and blow down transmitters as required.

Percentage Of Time

20

Essential

Yes

Responsibility Statement

Function as a lead worker

Duties to Support Responsibility

• Coordinate and direct work activities of others on project and emergency maintenance.
• Communicate the heating plant condition and operation with the oncoming shift operator or other pertinent personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Percentage Of Time

5

Essential

No

Posting Detail Information

Special Instructions

Posting Date

07/27/2021

Close Date

Continuous Recruitment

Yes

Continuous Recruitment First Review Date

08/13/2021

Position Contact Name

Timothy F. Merrell

Position Contact Email

tmerrell@uwlax.edu
Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
3. Reference Contact Information

Optional DocumentsSupplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identities of finalists must be revealed upon request. See Wis. Stat. §. 19.36(7).
   • I wish for my name to remain confidential until the university is no longer able to do so.
   • I waive my right to keep my name confidential through the application process.
2. Are you currently under investigation or have ever left employment during an active investigation in which you were accused of sexual violence or sexual harassment? (Required under UW System Administrative Policy 1275)
   • Yes
   • No
3. Were you ever found to have engaged in any sexual violence or sexual harassment in a previous work assignment? (Required under UW System Administrative Policy 1275)
   • Yes
   • No
4. Are you an alum of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
   • Yes
   • No
5. How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
   • Chronicle of Higher Education Web Site
   • Discipline-Specific Publication/Web Site
   • HERC Web Site
   • HigherEdJobs.com Web Site
   • Job Center of Wisconsin Web Site
   • Minority Publication/Web Site
   • University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Social Media (i.e. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
   • University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Web Site
   • La Crosse Tribune
   • Personal Referral
6. After you retire from a Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) employer, you may return to work with a WRS employer as a rehired annuitant, provided certain requirements are met. There are no restrictions on what type of position a rehired annuitant can hold. Under the WRS, there is no limit to how much you may earn as a rehired annuitant. (Learn more: https://www.wisconsin.edu/ohrwd/benefits/life-events/empcha/ra/). Are you currently collecting an annuity from the Wisconsin Retirement System, (WRS)?
   • Yes
   • No
7. Are you currently employed by or have you been employed by a UW System institution or a State of Wisconsin agency during the last seven (7) years? Please answer yes or no. If yes, provide the institution or agency name, your supervisor and contact information, including phone number and email address.
   • Yes
   • No
8. Please provide your most recent employer, supervisor name and contact information, including phone number and email address. (Pursuant to UW System Administrative Policy 1275, UW System requires reference checks related to sexual harassment and sexual violence to be conducted at a minimum with a final candidate’s most recent employer and with all previous UW System institution and State of Wisconsin agency employers from the past seven years. UW-L will notify you prior to contacting your supervisor).
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   
9. Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship for employment at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse? (UW-L and UW System institutions pay for some or all of the sponsorship costs. Some candidates may require an H1B or another form of employment sponsorship to work in the US. This question is asked so that if you are the successful candidate, Human Resources can work with your work unit to begin the process of obtaining this visa).
   • Yes, I will require sponsorship prior to employment.
   • Yes, I will require sponsorship for continued employment if hired.
   • No, I do not require sponsorship and am eligible to work in the US.
10. Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?
    • Yes
    • No