UConn Careers

Lead Power Plant Operator

University of Connecticut, Facilities Operations, Storrs Campus

Salary Range: $94,874.00-$123,136.00 Yearly – Individuals new to state service start at the minimum of the pay plan.

Link to Lead Power Plant Operator: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/specs/classspecdisplay.asp?ClassNumber=9323FM&R1=&R3=

INTRODUCTION

UConn’s Facilities Operations Department, Storrs Campus, has four job openings for Lead Power Plant Operator positions. The Co-Generation Plant produces high-pressure superheated steam, electrical power and chilled water to supply energy to its 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 and four chillers are operational within the facility, and one boiler will be going through commissioning soon. Operators will also be responsible for performing tasks at the South Campus Geothermal System and Chiller Plant that is currently under construction and expected to be operating in late 2027. 

These positions are permanent, full time positions working rotating days/shifts; ten (10) teams of four (4) 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 affect campus operations.  Applicants must also be willing to respond to emergencies on overtime (nights, weekends or holidays). Applicants must possess 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 Lead PPO position.

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, and 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 into 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 support 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 your 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

Plans shift workflow and determines priorities; schedules, assigns, oversees, and reviews work; establishes and maintains shift procedures; provides staff training and technical direction to Power Plant Operators to ensure economical dispatch of major equipment such as combustion and steam turbines, emergency generators, boilers, chillers and ancillary equipment through use of distributed control system; conducts or assists in conducting performance evaluations; authorizes specific equipment shut-down and start-up; may make recommendations on policies or standards; may prepare reports and correspondence; may perform duties of Power Plant Operator 2 as necessary; may perform routine and scheduled maintenance and repair duties on a rotating shift; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY

Knowledge of cogeneration power plant operations; knowledge of theory and application of operation of large steam turboelectric generating equipment and large high-pressure boilers equipped with super heaters; knowledge of regulatory and reporting requirements; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize computer software; some supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Four (4) years of experience in a cogeneration power plant which includes the operation, maintenance and repair of combustion turbines, heat recovery steam generators, steam turbines, emergency generators, boilers, chillers, distributed control systems and ancillary 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 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 2.

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.
3. Applicants must have a current motor vehicle operator license.

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.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to drive and operate motor vehicles, including, but not limited to vans, box trucks, and pick-up trucks ranging in size from compact, midsize, full-size, and heavy-duty, some of which are equipped with lift gates.
4. Incumbents must have adequate physical strength and agility to walk up and down stairs frequently and climb ladders independently. Must be able lift, carry and push material weighing up to 75 lbs. Must have the ability to utilize ladders, scaffolding, high-lifts and enter confined spaces. Must be able to inspect, troubleshoot and repair equipment that is part of a wide range of electrical and mechanical systems.   Incumbents must possess the ability to utilize tools, perform the required duties set forth above and will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.

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.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check and a pre-employment physical.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, go to Staff Openings and search #497260. 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 October 1, 2024. 

CONCLUSION

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.