"Plant Operator"

Plant Operator

Company: Virginia Tech

Job Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Category: Maintenance and Trades

Type: Full-Time

Job Description

Operates coal, gas, oil fired boilers, and related plant equipment. Operates air pollution control equipment. Performs preventative maintenance on plant equipment including lubrication as required. Performs water handling and testing including regeneration of demineralizers, condensate polishers, and domestic softeners. Operates loader and coal delivery/storage systems as required. Operates steam turbine generator and auxiliary equipment; performs routine cleaning/housekeeping duties.

Required Qualifications

• Previous power plant and/or boiler experience.
• Strong mechanical experience with ability to perform preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Ability to perform water analysis and softener regeneration procedures.
• American Society of Power Engineers Power Plant 2nd Class (PO2) or equivalent, or must obtain within 18 months of employment into position.
• Ability to work shift work.
• Ability to safely, frequently and independently move and handle (including pushing/pulling) items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb steps and ladders up to four stories.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, in extreme heat and dusty environments.
• Though work is performed primarily indoors, must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Work may require bending, crouching and/or kneeling, standing, sitting and walking for up to one-hour duration at a time.
• Ability to interpret instructions and complete assignments as part of a team.
• Ability to key and record data.
• Ability to operate bucket loader.
• Ability to operate coal storage and delivery systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Turbine operation experience.
• American Society of Power Engineers Power Plant 2nd Class (PO2) or equivalent.

Pay Band 3

Overtime Status Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type Regular

Salary Information $53,000 - $58,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week 40

Review Date March 25, 2026

Additional Information

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

This position has been designated by the university as essential to university operations. As emergency personnel, you will be required to report to work during emergency situations and authorized closings.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

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