H&C Power Plant Operator - Entry

Job Details

Salary:
Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

Job Category:University Staff

Employment Type:Regular

Job Profile:Heat/Cool Plant Operator I

Job Summary:

The H&C Plant Operator is a part of our Physical Plant: Heating and Cooling Plant Department within the Division of Facilities Planning & Management at UW-Madison. The H&C Plant Operator – Entry position is an entry-level role offering comprehensive on-site training; no experience is required. Candidates with backgrounds in facility engineering, industrial mechanics, or skilled trades—particularly those experienced with large-scale HVAC, refrigeration, or water treatment systems—bring highly transferable skills that make them strong fits for this role. This position also offers excellent opportunities for career growth and advancement within our organization.

The H&C Plant Operator – Entry position assists in the operation, maintenance, and repair of boilers and chillers or varying types and capacities, and all associated equipment along with general operations and miscellaneous work duties. This position plays a vital role in a collaborative environment with a team of 4 to 6 Operators where success is driven by strong communication, mutual support, and shared goals. This role requires the ability to perform physically demanding tasks in an industrial environment. Candidates must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 50 pounds, operate and turn large valve handles, and work comfortably in high‑temperature conditions. The position involves standing and performing job duties for extended periods of time and requires effective collaboration as part of a small, close‑knit team.

Ongoing/Renewable

Full-time 100% FTE

Hours are scheduled on site, rotating between days and nights on a 12 hour shift with a modified DuPont rotation. Nights, weekends, and holidays are required for this position.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Maintains forms, logs, or reports
• Starts, stops, and adjusts equipment settings to maintain operational requirements
• Cleans and maintains work areas and equipment
• Makes regular inspections of plant equipment and prepares equipment malfunction reports
• Communicates to/with plant personnel to ensure operational and safety objectives are met
• Ensures the safe and efficient operation of the plant and its associated equipment
• Works under direct supervision while on shift operations
• Complies with environmental protection protocols and procedures
• Adheres to safety protocols and procedures
• Assists with preventative and corrective maintenance as needed

Department:

Division of Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M), Heating & Cooling Power Plant

About the Division of Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M):
The Division of Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M) is a full-spectrum service organization that builds, maintains, and operates the physical environment of UW-Madison in the university's education, research, and outreach activities.

Find out more about our Division: https://inside.fpm.wisc.edu/about-fpm/

Compensation:

$33.86 hourly minimum

The minimum rate for this position is $33.86.
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including generous paid time off, competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax-ad vantaged savings accounts, and participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

For a summary of benefits, please see below for more information:
University Staff Benefits Summary

Required Qualifications:

• Drivers License Required - Valid and Meets UW Risk Management Standards

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic working knowledge of boiler operations, valves, pumps, compressors, fans and piping systems and a mechanical aptitude including the common hand tools

Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent -Preferred

How to Apply:

To begin the application process, click the "Apply" button.

Please note, there is only one attachment field. You must upload all of your documents in the attachment field, either as one combined document, or separate documents.

We are eager to learn more about how your experience may align with this position.

The following is required for your application to be considered complete:

• A cover letter describing how your experience relates to the listed required and preferred job qualifications.
• A resume detailing your educational and professional background.

The search committee will review all application materials after the posted deadline.

We will notify selected applicants to participate further in the selection process directly. References will be requested of final candidates. All applicants will be notified after the search is complete and a candidate has been selected.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.