Lead Plant Operator
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to preventing and eliminating discrimination against employees and prospective employees based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. The University of Nebraska at Omaha does not condone or tolerate discrimination. In support of this policy, the University has implemented employment programs to recruit, employ, and promote qualified individuals based solely on their knowledge, skills, abilities and talents. These factors, along with our commitment to recruit, assess and select all candidates/employees using job-related criteria, ensure fairness, equal evaluation, and treatment in our selection decisions and processes.

Requisiton Details

To create a Posting, first complete the information on this screen, then click the Next button or select the page in the left hand navigation menu. Proceed through all sections completing all necessary information. To submit the Posting, you must go to the Posting Summary Page by clicking on the Next button until you reach the Posting Summary Page or select Posting Summary Page from the left navigation menu. Once a summary page appears, hover your mouse over the orange Action button for a list of possible approval step options.

GENERAL REQUISITION INFORMATION

EEO Statement:

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.

Job Title
Lead Plant Operator

Job Grade
FP18H

Division
Business and Finance

College/Dept
Facilities Management and Planning

Department
Maintenance, Operations and Utilities

Requisition Number
2026-00279

FTE (full-time equivalency)
100.00

Work Schedule
Sunday - Thursday 7am-3pm

Does the position provide the opportunity to work Remotely/Telecommuting?
No remote/telecommute opportunity

Appointment Term
12- 12/12 months

Is this position essential personnel according to the inclement weather policy?

Pay Information
$60,700-$75,000

Pay Schedule
Hourly

FLSA Designation
Non-Exempt

Position Summary

Supervise, mentor/coach, assign, coordinate, and inspect work performed by Plant Operators. Operate, monitor, and maintain all equipment in the University’s Central Utility Plant ( CUP ) and other buildings on campus in a safe and efficient manner. Requires knowledge of building systems and maintenance relating to commercial boilers, chillers, HVAC, cooling tower, chemical treatment and refrigeration systems, and all codes and supporting documentation that apply to each. Must be able to interpret schematics, one-line diagrams, and construction drawings. Make rounds and complete operating logs, monitor campus equipment through the energy management system, note deficiencies, and take corrective action. Perform preventive maintenance tasks as well as determine the need for equipment maintenance, diagnosing causes of wear & tear and recommending solutions to problems found. Requires knowledge of commercial HVAC automatic control systems, building electrical systems, and all related components. Conduct routine utility systems inspections and respond to emergency calls in other buildings and grounds on UNO campus during evening, weekend and holiday hours.

Job Duties

Responsibility Area:
Operate & Monitor Equipment

Duties:

Operate, monitor, and maintain all equipment located within the CUP and other buildings on campus. Components include but not limited to chillers, boilers, cooling towers, air handling units, pumps, air compressors, emergency generators, water softeners, chemical test equipment, etc. Interpret and use schematics, one- line diagrams, and construction drawings to troubleshoot and repair systems and equipment in a commercial setting. Ensure compliance with regulations including all applicable building, boiler, electrical and fire codes, university and departmental standards and guidelines.

Percentage Of Time
55

Essential Function:
Yes

Responsibility Area:
Preventative Maintenance & Minor Repairs

Duties:

Supervise, mentor/coach, assign, coordinate, and inspect work performed by Plant Operators. Coordinate equipment and supply purchases for the CUP . Prepare performance evaluations, conduct training, and assign work orders to Plant Operators as required. Ensure that staff have the supplies, tools and equipment required to complete their work successfully.

Percentage Of Time
20

Essential Function:
Yes

Responsibility Area:
Complete Paperwork

Duties:

Assign, review, and close-out completed preventive maintenance and service work order requests from staff using the TMA work order system. Approve weekly timecards submitted by your staff. Review and file all inspection reports, log sheets, leave requests, and other required paperwork.

Percentage Of Time
10

Essential Function:
Yes

Responsibility Area:
General Housekeeping Duties

Duties:

Maintain, perform preventative maintenance, and complete repairs on all equipment within the CUP as required. Must be able to use basic hand tools, tube cleaning equipment, lifts, stack gas analyzer, chemical test equipment, volt/ohm/amp meters, and other specialized tools and equipment related to the trade.

Percentage Of Time
10

Essential Function:
Yes

Responsibility Area:
Supervision & Coordination

Duties:

Respond to trouble calls received outside of normal university hours and take the appropriate course of action based on conditions of the situation.

Percentage Of Time
5

Essential Function:
Yes

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Required Experience

• Five years’ experience with large commercial HVAC equipment and building mechanical systems.
• Three years’ experience in hands-on boiler and chiller operation.
• One year of experience with computerized energy management systems.

Required License/Certification

• City of Omaha Third Grade Stationary Engineers License – must be obtained within 6 months of hire date.
• Valid Driver’s License

Required Additional Qualifications:

NA

Preferred Education

Associates degree in Stationary Engineering or equivalent.

Preferred Experience

Preferred License/Certification

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

Compliance Requirements

Credit Check
No

Motor Vehicle Licensing Validity Check
Yes

Pre-employment Physical Request and Assessment
Yes

Drug Screen
Yes

Supplemental Question

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have at least five years’ experience with large commercial HVAC equipment and building mechanical systems?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have a valid driver's license?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter

Lead Plant Operator
Please see Special Instructions for more details.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to preventing and eliminating discrimination against employees and prospective employees based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. The University of Nebraska at Omaha does not condone or tolerate discrimination. In support of this policy, the University has implemented employment programs to recruit, employ, and promote qualified individuals based solely on their knowledge, skills, abilities and talents. These factors, along with our commitment to recruit, assess and select all candidates/employees using job-related criteria, ensure fairness, equal evaluation, and treatment in our selection decisions and processes.

Requisiton Details

To create a Posting, first complete the information on this screen, then click the Next button or select the page in the left hand navigation menu. Proceed through all sections completing all necessary information. To submit the Posting, you must go to the Posting Summary Page by clicking on the Next button until you reach the Posting Summary Page or select Posting Summary Page from the left navigation menu. Once a summary page appears, hover your mouse over the orange Action button for a list of possible approval step options.

GENERAL REQUISITION INFORMATION

EEO Statement:

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.

Job Title
Lead Plant Operator

Job Grade
FP18H

Division
Business and Finance

College/Dept
Facilities Management and Planning

Department
Maintenance, Operations and Utilities

Requisition Number
2026-00279

FTE (full-time equivalency)
100.00

Work Schedule
Sunday - Thursday 7am-3pm

Does the position provide the opportunity to work Remotely/Telecommuting?
No remote/telecommute opportunity

Appointment Term
12- 12/12 months

Is this position essential personnel according to the inclement weather policy?

Pay Information
$60,700-$75,000

Pay Schedule
Hourly

FLSA Designation
Non-Exempt

Position Summary

Supervise, mentor/coach, assign, coordinate, and inspect work performed by Plant Operators. Operate, monitor, and maintain all equipment in the University’s Central Utility Plant ( CUP ) and other buildings on campus in a safe and efficient manner. Requires knowledge of building systems and maintenance relating to commercial boilers, chillers, HVAC, cooling tower, chemical treatment and refrigeration systems, and all codes and supporting documentation that apply to each. Must be able to interpret schematics, one-line diagrams, and construction drawings. Make rounds and complete operating logs, monitor campus equipment through the energy management system, note deficiencies, and take corrective action. Perform preventive maintenance tasks as well as determine the need for equipment maintenance, diagnosing causes of wear & tear and recommending solutions to problems found. Requires knowledge of commercial HVAC automatic control systems, building electrical systems, and all related components. Conduct routine utility systems inspections and respond to emergency calls in other buildings and grounds on UNO campus during evening, weekend and holiday hours.

Job Duties

Responsibility Area:
Operate & Monitor Equipment

Duties:

Operate, monitor, and maintain all equipment located within the CUP and other buildings on campus. Components include but not limited to chillers, boilers, cooling towers, air handling units, pumps, air compressors, emergency generators, water softeners, chemical test equipment, etc. Interpret and use schematics, one- line diagrams, and construction drawings to troubleshoot and repair systems and equipment in a commercial setting. Ensure compliance with regulations including all applicable building, boiler, electrical and fire codes, university and departmental standards and guidelines.

Percentage Of Time
55

Essential Function:
Yes

Responsibility Area:
Preventative Maintenance & Minor Repairs

Duties:

Supervise, mentor/coach, assign, coordinate, and inspect work performed by Plant Operators. Coordinate equipment and supply purchases for the CUP . Prepare performance evaluations, conduct training, and assign work orders to Plant Operators as required. Ensure that staff have the supplies, tools and equipment required to complete their work successfully.

Percentage Of Time
20

Essential Function:
Yes

Responsibility Area:
Complete Paperwork

Duties:

Assign, review, and close-out completed preventive maintenance and service work order requests from staff using the TMA work order system. Approve weekly timecards submitted by your staff. Review and file all inspection reports, log sheets, leave requests, and other required paperwork.

Percentage Of Time
10

Essential Function:
Yes

Responsibility Area:
General Housekeeping Duties

Duties:

Maintain, perform preventative maintenance, and complete repairs on all equipment within the CUP as required. Must be able to use basic hand tools, tube cleaning equipment, lifts, stack gas analyzer, chemical test equipment, volt/ohm/amp meters, and other specialized tools and equipment related to the trade.

Percentage Of Time
10

Essential Function:
Yes

Responsibility Area:
Supervision & Coordination

Duties:

Respond to trouble calls received outside of normal university hours and take the appropriate course of action based on conditions of the situation.

Percentage Of Time
5

Essential Function:
Yes

Required and Preferred Qualifications

Required Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Required Experience

• Five years’ experience with large commercial HVAC equipment and building mechanical systems.
• Three years’ experience in hands-on boiler and chiller operation.
• One year of experience with computerized energy management systems.

Required License/Certification

• City of Omaha Third Grade Stationary Engineers License – must be obtained within 6 months of hire date.
• Valid Driver’s License

Required Additional Qualifications:

NA

Preferred Education

Associates degree in Stationary Engineering or equivalent.

Preferred Experience

Preferred License/Certification

Preferred Additional Qualifications:

Compliance Requirements

Credit Check
No

Motor Vehicle Licensing Validity Check
Yes

Pre-employment Physical Request and Assessment
Yes

Drug Screen
Yes

Supplemental Question

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * Do you have at least five years’ experience with large commercial HVAC equipment and building mechanical systems?
   • Yes
   • No
2. * Do you have a valid driver's license?
   • Yes
   • No

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter