Utility Plant Operator Trainee: Under direct supervision, receives work experience and related training instruction to develop the knowledge and skill necessary to perform at the journey level upon completion of the training program to operate power plant auxiliary systems and assist in all aspects of plant operations. Participates in training that is required to progress to eligibility for the Utility Plant Operator I classification.

Utility Plant Operator I: Under general supervision, is responsible for operation of power plant auxiliary systems and assisting Utility Plant Operator II personnel, and other employees, in all aspects of plant operations; as well as coal and yard operations and limited maintenance activities.

Utility Plant Operator II: Under general supervision, operate all plant auxiliary equipment and systems. Operate solid fuel boilers. Make rounds and record readings, throughout the plant, to monitor all plant equipment.

Utility Plant Operator III: Under general supervision, operates boilers, operates turbine driven generators, chilled water production equipment, and associated auxiliaries; and coordinates power plant equipment operations with Utility Plant Operator II and Utility Plant Operator I personnel.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

Utility Plant Operator Trainee: Ability to read, write, and follow instructions. Upon completion of the training program, must be able to meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the Utility Plant Operator I classification.

Utility Plant Operator I: Must have a high school diploma or GED; and two years of experience in an industrial plant, process plant or power plant, operating boilers, pumps, fans, conveyors or other similar equipment.

Utility Plant Operator II: Must have a high school diploma or GED, and three years experience in an industrial plant, process plant or power plant, operating boilers, pumps, fans, conveyors or other similar equipment including a minimum of one year experience in the operation of coal and/or gas/oil fired water tube boilers and related plant equipment including pumps, fans, conveyors and other similar equipment; and possession of a license similar to the National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE) or State of Minnesota Second Class Engineer license or ability to become licensed within 6 months.

Utility Plant Operator III: Must have a high school diploma or GED, and four years experience in an industrial plant, process plant or power plant, operating boilers, pumps, fans, conveyors or other similar equipment. A minimum of two years of the experience must be in the operation of coal and/or gas/oil fired water tube boilers, steam turbine generators and related plant equipment including pumps, fans, conveyors and other similar equipment; and possession of a license similar to the National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE) or State of Minnesota First Class-A Engineer license or ability to become licensed within 6 months.

Work Schedule: Varied schedule, to be determined.

Starting Hourly Wage: Utility Plant Operator Trainee: $24.41; Utility Plant Operator I: $26.64; Utility Plant Operator II: $29.09, Utility Plant Operator III: $31.74. This position would also receive an additional $1.25 shift differential.

UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.

The University offers an excellent benefits package including a vacation plan, employer sponsored retirement plans, health and dental insurance, and life and disability insurance. Benefits package details can be viewed at https://careers.uni.edu/benefits. Application materials received by 6/18/2026 will be given first consideration. For more information or to apply, visit https://careers.uni.edu/. Criminal and other relevant background checks required. UNI is a tobacco free campus.