Central Plant Operator I

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Position Title:

Central Plant Operator I

Job Category:

University Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Heat/Cool Plant Operator I

Job Duties:

Monitors, operates, adjusts, maintains, and repairs a variety of technical equipment including but not limited to high-pressure boilers and large tonnage chillers for the campus Central Heating and Cooling plant. Inspect, operate, and maintain heating and cooling equipment at campus satellite facilities.  Perform all duties in accordance with policy and procedures while utilizing required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Employees in this position are designated as essential employees and may be required to report to work during emergencies or campus closures in accordance with University policy.

Employees are required to perform all essential job duties on-site, including at campus satellite locations. This position is not eligible for hybrid or remote work.

Key Job Responsibilities:

45% - Perform emergency, routine, and preventative maintenance under the direction of the central plant leadership or designee following proper procedures and practices.

• Repair failed equipment as directed
• In emergency situations be able to self-direct to repair failed equipment
• If equipment is not able to be repaired during the current shift, complete and submit a maintenance report prior to shift end to the central plant leadership or designee.
• Complete preventative maintenance work orders assigned
• Communicate respectfully with all co-workers and customers to ensure smooth plant operations.
• Document and communicate measures taken to repair equipment to central plant leadership or designee (for example: parts replaced, work done, etc.).
• Inspect and test equipment to ensure proper functionality.

40% - Assist under the direction of the central plant leadership or designee in the operation of the main campus and off campus central plant boilers, chillers and auxiliary equipment following proper procedures and practices.

• Assist in the startup and shut down of boilers and fuel changeovers and the startup and shut down of auxiliary equipment 
• Monitor and adjust control systems as directed by the central plant leadership or designee
• Conduct inspection tours of assigned equipment on the half hour 
• Establish communications with preceding and succeeding shift operators to discuss problems and plant status to ensure a smooth transition between shifts 
• Record information on logs and data sheets per Heat Plant operating procedures and practices 
• Perform water testing and analysis and related activities using guidelines set forth in the Heat Plant procedures  

10% - Address urgent or unplanned operations needs by completing tasks assigned by the central plant leadership or designee under close guidance.

• Rebooting all systems and equipment
• Monitor water flow to ensure operational needs are met
• Janitorial duties
• General maintenance

5% - Other duties as assigned

Department:

Facilities, Planning and Management is committed to promoting respect and civility in the workplace. Our staff serves as role models by practicing exemplary behaviors when working with customers, fellow faculty and staff members, students, and visitors. The mission of the department is to provide a safe, sustainable, and accessible physical environment that supports learning, research, working, living, and recreation. The organization supports the academic and strategic objectives of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with commitment and pride in everything they do.

Compensation:

$26.50 - $29.50 an hour (Salary will be determined by finalist's experience, training, education, and equity-based factors.)

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of six months of maintenance experience (A combination of education, training, and coursework may be considered in lieu of experience.)

• Ability to lift weights up to 50 pounds unassisted.

• Ability to work at heights up to 35 feet while using fall protection or ladders.

• Ability and willingness to wear required PPE according to UWM policies, procedures, and practices.

• Ability to work in confined spaces.

• Required to be able to work overtime and all shifts including weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience managing boiler and/or chiller water treatment and water chemistry management programs.

• Demonstrated experience with courteous customer service and professional communication within the team.

• Evidence of previous work experience as a lead worker, team leader or supervisor over a staff charged with operations and maintenance of equipment. 

• Demonstrated experience with standard office computer programs.

• Prior work experience in a central plant, process plant, or equivalent.

• Possession of a Boiler Operator License administered by a recognized national certification organization or equivalent work experience.

• Possession of a valid Wisconsin Driver’s license (or other such valid operator’s permit recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation) and be able to meet or exceed the minimum requirements for driving on state business as detailed here: https://uwm.edu/risk-management/drivers/

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are required to apply online and provide a cover letter and resume addressing your professional level work experience as it relates to all required and preferred qualifications.  

Note: Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application.

In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from the candidates' application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications. Additional documents submitted aside from a cover letter and resume will not be reviewed. 

This position does not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. 

Finance & Administrative Affairs is required to conduct Post-Offer Pre-Employment screenings on the selected candidate for this role. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening. 

Finalist candidate(s) being considered for hire will be required to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified

This is a continuous recruitment with an initial review date of 08/03/2026. To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted by 08/02/2026. Applications submitted after 08/03/2026 may not be reviewed. 

Contact Information:

Questions regarding this position can be directed to Emily Jensen ([email protected])

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact [email protected] or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.