Power Plant Operator / Mechanic
Working Title: Power Plant Operator / Mechanic
State Role Title: Trades Technician III
Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)
Position Status: Full-Time
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime
College/Division: Business Services
Department: 100264 - Power Plant E&G
Pay Rate: Pay Range
Specify Range or Amount: $44,000 - $50,500
Beginning Review Date: 11/26/2025
The Facilities Management Department at James Madison University is currently seeking a qualified applicant for the position of Power Plant Operator / Mechanic. Applicants must be available to work all shifts.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Installs, modifies, overhauls, repairs, and maintains boilers and associated auxiliary equipment, steam distribution, and condensate return lines throughout the university.
- Prepares accurate, complete, and up-to-date records of actions taken and assures documentation is properly signed and coordinated in a timely manner.
- Troubleshoots problem areas and inspects for defective equipment and faulty components. Tests system operation and detects component malfunctions.
- Operates boilers and auxiliary equipment within designed parameters to ensure proper operation, efficiency, and safety of the plant.
- Utilizes safe practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations.
- Trains and teaches other employees about proper procedures, repair techniques, and safety issues.
The employee in this role will be required to work a variety of shift schedules as a primary operator/maintenance mechanic within a centralized steam generation/chiller plant production facility. JMU will provide all training required to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform duties and responsibilities.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of applicable safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Working skills include the use of hand and power tools, welding, and cutting equipment.
- Mechanical abilities including:
- maintaining and repairing power plant and related equipment;
- troubleshooting and diagnosing a variety of mechanical problems;
- ability to read and interpret gauges, recorders, and monitoring equipment.
- Ability to perform simple record-keeping tasks.
- Valid driver's license.
Additional Considerations:
- A current Facilities Operator Engineer certification (1st, 2nd, or 3rd class) or the willingness to obtain the certification.
- Competitive candidates should possess knowledge of all aspects of operation, repair, and maintenance procedures to power plant equipment: boilers, pumps, valves, chillers, cooling towers, controls, 3-phase electric motors, and steam distribution systems.