Utility Plant Operator I

Job Summary Utility and Energy Services at CU Boulder encourages applications for a Utility Plant Operator! This role operates District Energy Plant and Satellite Plant systems for heating, cooling, and power generation at an advanced level; oversees and operates the Utility Distribution (DIST) Systems; monitors equipment and maintains records of equipment operational status for turnover reports to Lead Operator; and trains lower-level Utility Plant Operator positions and new employees. CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Who We Are Utility and Energy Services is responsible for the design, operation, maintenance, and repair of the campus’s energy generation and distribution infrastructure for steam (heating), chilled water (cooling), and electricity. We provide the campus community with reliable utility services in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner and offer measurement, line locating, performance engineering, regulatory and data management services. What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be Operate Heating, Cooling, and Power Generation Equipment • Operate and configure plant equipment to maintain utilities supplied to campus in a safe, reliable and efficient manner by following procedures, policies and accepted engineering practices and being knowledgeable on plant equipment and operating methods. Plan, problem-solve, and take corrective actions for off-normal conditions that could jeopardize equipment, supplied utilities, or the health and safety of personnel or campus assets. District Energy and Satellite Plant Systems to operate include: Combined Heat & Power (CHP) system (aka cogeneration system) consisting of dual fuel combustion gas turbine generators (CTG), Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG), Steam Turbine Generator (STG), dual fuel boilers, electric driven centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, and related auxiliary equipment. Monitor and Make Adjustments to Plant Equipment and Processes • Conduct routine inspections and log equipment parameters at multiple sites, ensuring plant systems are being operated properly. Perform chemical analysis (including adding chemicals to water used in the heating, cooling, and power generation systems) and make adjustments as necessary. Follow applicable permits, contractual agreements, operating procedures, policies, and safety practices. • Oversee operation of DIST systems including load management of university 15kV MicroGrid, Chilled Water (CHW) loop, and Steam Distribution system. • Monitor and assist in observation of building metered demands and consumption. • May need to operate a university vehicle to complete duties. Maintain and Repair Equipment • Perform troubleshooting and initial Root Cause Analysis (RCA) of equipment failures and operational upsets. Complete minor repairs and preventative maintenance. Plant Safety and Security • Administer and control lock-outs/tag-outs (LOTO) of equipment with maintenance personnel and Contractors. • Control physical access in and around the plant. Monitor process and supervisory control network activity. Make proper notifications when plant physical or control network security is compromised. • Attend safety trainings and meetings as scheduled Maintain Plant Cleanliness • Ensure plant and equipment is free of dirt, clutter and debris. Paint plant components where required. What You Should Know • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. • This is shift work and requires working evenings, weekends, holidays, and high-volume overtime schedules and is subject to the on-call policy. This is an essential services position, and is required to respond after hours during emergencies and report to work for regular assigned shift during emergency campus closures. • The incumbent can enhance their number of days off by working 12-hour shifts. • These positions typically work 14-16 days or nights per month. • This position is eligible for our Facilities Management Employee Referral Program . What We Can Offer • The salary rate for this role is $73,000 annually. Candidates are eligible to receive up to two 5% increases in base pay once required system-specific certifications are completed. There is a 14% night shift differential, a 20% weekend shift differential, and 1.5 time pay for working holidays. • Relocation assistance is available per department guidelines. Benefits At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. In fact, CU Boulder has been named one of Forbes' America's Best Large Employers , ranking #4 among large employers in Colorado and #28 among universities nationwide. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program. Be Statements Be effective. Be supported. Be Boulder. What We Require • 4 years experience in District Energy or Central Plant steam and chilled water operations. At least 1 year must have been hands-on experience with any two of the following: • Electrical Generation. • Electrical Distribution. • Steam Generation. • Steam Distribution. • Chilled Water Generation. • Chilled Water Distribution. • Distributed Control Systems such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). Substitution: Successful completion of a formalized apprenticeship program or higher-level course work from an accredited, non-correspondence, vocational, or trades school in Utility Plant Operation may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. • Necessary Special Qualifications: • Must have a valid Driver's License. • Successfully pass the CU-Boulder "Boiler & Chiller Operator Training Program" to become Control Room Board Qualified within 1 year of hire date or within 3 board tests. • Successfully pass the CU-Boulder "Combined Heat & Power (CHP) Operator Training Program" to become CHP Control Room Board Qualified. • Candidates are required to maintain qualifications for the remainder of their career with Utility Services. What You Will Need • Ability to work independently and in a team setting. • Strong ability to tackle problems. • An ability to take initiative and display self-motivation. • Able to remain level-headed should an emergency arise. • Possess the ability to perform the physical aspects of this role, including balancing, climbing stairs and ladders, crawling, exposure to weather, and kneeling. What We Would Like You to Have • Experience operating Combustion Gas Turbines, HRSGs, Electric Chillers and Steam Boilers. Experience operating high voltage distribution switchgear. • Experience operating Chilled water distribution systems. • Qualified DCS operator. • Qualified Boiler operator. • Some formal education in Power plant operations/maintenance. Preferred qualifications may be used to further reduce the pool of applicants to those who are most highly qualified. Special Instructions To apply, please submit the following materials: • A current resume. • Optional: A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position. We may request references at a later time. Please apply by October 25, 2026 for consideration. Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs . In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. Essential Services This position is designated “essential services.” The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event) and report to work for his / her regularly assigned shift during emergency campus closures. Posting Contact Information Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu