"Steam Power Plant Operator I"

Job Details

Hiring Department

Energy Management

The internal union bid period for this position ended on 7/30/2025. All qualified internal and external candidates are now welcome to apply.

In order to be considered as a Union Bidder for this position you must:

• complete ALL sections of the application (including all work experience - incomplete applications will not be considered)
• complete six months of regular service at the University
• apply within the published, five-day posting period
• meet the minimum qualifications for the vacancy

Your qualifications for this position will be evaluated based on the information you provide on your job application. Once the job posting period is closed, there will be no opportunity to submit additional information regarding your qualifications. Therefore, you need to ensure that your application materials are complete when submitted.

Union Bid Period: 7/24/2025 – 7/30/2025

Job Description

Join the Team Powering Innovation at MU!

At MU Energy Management, we don't just keep the lights on—we power the future of innovation, education, and research. As the energy backbone of the University of Missouri, we produce, purchase, and deliver essential utility services that keep the campus running efficiently and sustainably.

Our operations revolve around one of the most advanced district energy systems in the nation, anchored by the cutting-edge Combined Cooling, Heating, and Power Plant (CCHP). This facility produces steam, chilled water, and electricity that heat, cool, and energize more than 17 million square feet of academic, research, athletic, and healthcare space across campus.

Nature and Level of Work:

Under direct supervision, train for and perform tasks in the operation of the potable water system, steam production equipment, fuel and ash handling systems, and various auxiliary systems in the power plant.

Key Responsibilities:

• Routinely check and operate potable water pumping stations and associated equipment to maintain proper system water pressure.
• Routinely check, test and adjust as required the chlorination systems to maintain proper disinfection levels at all times. Report problems as they arise. Perform minor maintenance and housekeeping as required. Investigate and report problems.
• Assist the Steam Plant Operator II with the following tasks: general boiler plant operation, including boiler draft and combustion control, feed water, steam systems, auxiliary equipment monitoring and operation, blowing soot in the boilers, blowing down the boiler headers/water columns, and maintaining proper boiler water chemistry. Perform minor maintenance as required; investigate and report problems.
• Assist in the operation of power plant material handlings systems, including coal and biomass conveyor equipment. Remove ashes from the boilers and baghouse and operate ash conveyor equipment. Assist in the unloading of fuel delivery and loading ash trucks. Perform minor maintenance as required; investigate and report problems.
• Assist in the operation of all power plant auxiliary equipment and become familiar with safe operating procedures. Perform general housekeeping, routine maintenance, lubrication and minor maintenance as required; investigate and report problems.
• Complete all requirements of the Steam Plant Operator I Training Program. Attend and participate in additional operator training as required.
• Advancement opportunities: Steam Plant Operator II, Power Plant Operator I, Power Plant Operator II, Lead Power Plant Operator.
• Safely coordinate work with power plant control room operators and maintenance personnel to prevent upset and/or trip of the plant or plant systems. Complete all required department environmental and safety training, and follow all related department policies and procedures. Attend and participate in all required safety meetings, programs and training sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Shift

Rotating Shift

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school graduate or an equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities can be acquired is necessary.
• One year of industrial and/or mechanical plant experience, or equivalent experience where machine operation has been emphasized. Prior boiler plant experience is desired.
• Ability to work safely in a heavy industrial environment containing high temperature boilers, high pressure steam systems, high voltage electric systems and large rotating machinery.
• Ability to read, write and comprehend at minimum accepted levels; must be able to follow and carry-out written and verbal instructions, follow safety instructions, understand operating procedures, and must be able to communicate effectively with power plant staff and supervision.
• Ability to demonstrate mechanical aptitude at minimum accepted levels and perform minor, routine mechanical maintenance.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license which will allow legal operation of a motor vehicle in the State of Missouri.
• Persons in this classification must satisfactorily complete all of the training requirements for the Steam Plant Operator I within 6 months or their employment will be terminated.
• Persons in this classification must satisfactorily complete all of the training requirements for the Steam Plant Operator II within two years or their employment will be terminated.
• Persons in this classification must comply with all department safety, health and environmental policies and procedures.
• A person working in this classification must, on a regular basis, be able to:
  • Grasp, lift, carry and set down moderately heavy objects (50lbs.).
  • Climb and work from heights on ladders, scaffolding and elevated platforms.
  • Work in an environment containing dust, heat and high humidity.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts to cover a 24 hours per day, 7 day per week operation.

POST-OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT TEST

Persons hired or transferred into this position will be required to pass an industrial reading test which will demonstrate the applicant’s ability to read and comprehend basic technical instructions. For the purposes of this position, a score of 60% or greater is a passing score. Applicants scoring between 50-60% may be re-tested within one week. A second score less than 60% or an initial score less than 50% will result in the applicant being ineligible for this position.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $17.52 - $29.48 per hour

Grade: GGS-E

University Title: Steam Plant Opertator I

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

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