UConn Careers

Salary Range: $74,846.00-$97,813.00 Yearly – Individuals new to state service start at the minimum of the pay plan

Link to Power Plant Operator 2: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=9322FM&R1=&R3=

INTRODUCTION

UConn’s Facilities Operations Department, Storrs Campus, has nine job openings for Power Plant Operator 2 positions. The Co-Generation Plant produces high-pressure superheated steam, electrical power, and chilled water to supply energy to the Storrs campus. The plant has three 7 MW Solar combustion turbines as well as a 5 MW steam turbine and associated support equipment. In addition, a new Supplemental Utility Plant has been brought online this year.  

These positions are permanent, full-time positions working rotating days/shifts; five (5) teams of three (3) persons rotate working eight (8) hour weekdays and twelve (12) hour weekends. This is often called the “8 Plus 12 Plan”. These positions are categorized as Emergency Support Services/Essential Staff. Must be willing and able to work during emergency closures/delayed openings due to inclement weather or for significant events that effect campus operations. Applicants must also be willing to respond to emergencies on overtime (nights, weekends, or holidays). Applicants must possess and retain a current motor vehicle operator license. Applicants must be lawfully permitted to work in the United States. 

Please note that Facilities Operations NP-2 employees may also be required to perform job duties as assigned at any of the Regional Campuses.

These positions are categorized as “Open to the Public”.

Current qualified UConn NP-2 employees will be given preference in the hiring process and are required to submit an application in order to be considered for a PPO-2 position, including, but not limited to, a lateral transfer (crew change), promotion, demotion, etc. This job search will be utilized to backfill any vacancies that are created by PPO-2 internal lateral transfers that occur. Current UConn NP-2 PPO-2 employees that may be interested in a lateral transfer to a new work schedule/crew assignment at the CUP or SUP, are required to apply to this job search to be considered for the positions that are currently available AND for any backfill vacancies that may become available as a result of lateral transfers.    

A full benefits package including medical and dental insurance is available. These positions may be eligible for weekend and shift differential. 

UConn offers the following benefits for NP-2 employees:

• Excellent and affordable healthcare options
• Full benefits package including medical and dental insurance. For more information, please visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/employee-benefits-overview/
• Employee retirement benefits (SERS Retirement plan). For more information, please visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/retirement/

The University offers a competitive salary, outstanding benefits, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/.

SELECTION PLAN

To Apply:

• In order to be considered for these job openings, you must meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify your qualifications on your application. PageUp applications will be evaluated to ensure that the Knowledge, Skill and Ability, Minimum Qualifications, and Special Requirements sections of the position have been met. Please also be sure to demonstrate how you meet any of the Preferred Qualifications that you may have.
• Ensure that your PageUp Application is complete and detailed before submitting it. You will not be able to make revisions once your application is submitted to the PageUp system.
• If applicable, applicants are strongly encouraged to indicate on their application (under the Job-Related Academic, Technical or Vocational Training section of the application) the name(s) of any Educational Institution(s) attended in trade related subjects, particularly in Electrical, Plumbing and Heating or HVACR, and to indicate the title(s) of the in person and/or online course(s) studied,  Address, City, State where the Educational Institution(s) are located, the years attended and the number of Credits earned or Diploma Earned.
• If applicable, applicants are strongly encouraged to indicate on their application (under the Licenses and Professional Certification section of the application) any current trade license(s) held, along with the issuing agency, license number, date issued, and expiration date.
• Although it is not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional, work-related references along with their contact information.

Important Next Steps Information:

• At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be contacted via email and provided an opportunity to submit additional documentation which supports their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring department. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and special requirements, as indicated, to apply for this position.
• If selected for an interview, you will be asked to supply the names, titles, and phone numbers of three, professional, work-related references. In addition, current State of Connecticut employees at UConn or other State Agencies may be asked to provide copies of their last two (2) performance appraisals and CORE attendance records. Employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination, including drug testing, as well as a criminal background check.
• Please regularly check the email provided on your application for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES 

Performs highly skilled duties to ensure safe operation and production of high pressure superheated steam, electrical power and chilled water to meet energy needs; utilizes a distributed control system to monitor performance of cogeneration power plant's equipment and systems such as gas and steam turbine engines, boilers, duct burners, feed water and condensate systems, water chemistry, fuel system, ammonia and emissions monitoring systems, blow down system, cooling tower and chilled water distribution; makes necessary production process control and performance adjustments within defined ranges set by state and federal regulations and manufacturer guidelines; detects faulty or erratic equipment operation through improper reads on display screens or system generated reports; notifies Power Plant Operator 1 to make manual adjustments and/or shut down or startup of equipment or plant; monitors hours of run for all equipment to ensure balanced usage and mixes to influence energy spending rate; mathematically calculates conversion tables to determine steam pressure, water flow and temperatures; determines proper course of action for remediation and advises proper authority; prepares work orders for faulty equipment; reports and responds to chemical, fuel, oil leaks or spills in accordance with plant emergency response plans; prepares daily logs and reports; attends safety meetings; may perform work outside of control room; may perform routine and/or scheduled maintenance and repairs on rotating shift; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY 

Knowledge of theory and application of operation of large condensing extracting steam turboelectric generating equipment and related auxiliaries; knowledge of theory and application of large high-pressure boilers equipped with super heaters; knowledge of industrial instrumentation and control systems; knowledge of arithmetic functions including algebra and geometry; knowledge of fire and accident prevention techniques and methods of responding to fires; interpersonal skills; oral and written communications skills; ability to use technical manuals; ability to read and interpret schematic diagrams such as piping and instruments, electrical one-line, logic, etc.; ability to apply some principles of physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow, and combustion; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE 

Three (3) years of experience in a power plant or industrial setting including the operation, maintenance, and repair of steam boilers, generators, or other mechanical equipment.

Note: Based on an individual’s technical experience, the length of credited service will be determined at the discretion of facility management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE 

One (1) year of the General Experience must have included work performed at a cogeneration power plant or an equivalent industrial plant capable of producing high-pressure superheated steam, electrical power, and chilled water to meet energy needs.

Note:  For State employees, this is interpreted at the level of Power Plant Operator 1.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED 

1. Graduation from a vocational or technical school with a diploma in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.
2. College training in mechanical engineering or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience up to one (1) year.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

1. State of Connecticut Trades License preferably in one or more of the following specific trades: Heating, Piping and Cooling, Electrical, Plumbing and Heating, and/or an OE2 License (Heating, Piping, and Cooling Operating Engineer Journeyperson). 
2. Knowledge and experience working with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) preferably AiM.
3. Demonstrated supervisory and leadership ability.
4. Experience operating 7MW Solar combustion turbines.
5. Experience operating industrial boilers over 50KPPH capacity.
6. Experience operating industrial steam turbines.
7. Experience operating gas, electric, and steam driven chillers.
8. Understanding of an electrical high voltage 69 kV / 13.8 kV distribution power grid.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 

1. Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate current licenses, permits, and/or certifications.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain specific education and/or experience to meet various certification requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

1. Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility, and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.
2. A physical examination may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift moderate to heavy weights, use protective equipment such as respirators and safety goggles, and may be exposed to significant levels of noise, dust, heat, and risk of injury from equipment and/or environmental conditions.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS 

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Openings, Search #497258. Although it is not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional, work-related references along with their contact information.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on September 30, 2023. 

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp

Information concerning the University’s policies regarding the Cleary Act Statement, Non-Discrimination Policy, Accommodations for Applicants with Disabilities and Recruiting Veterans can be found on UConn’s Job page at:  https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce.  The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner.  This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all.  We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same.  All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.