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 Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf 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

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming 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 (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-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. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .

If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.