Heat Plant Operator Assistant The University of Virginia is built on a district energy model managed by Energy and Utilities within Facilities Management, with one main heat plant, three combined heating/cooling plants, nine chiller plants, hundreds of miles of piping distribution, and an internal medium voltage electrical distribution grid anchored by three 35kV to 13kV substations. E&U serves over 18 million gross square feet of learning, research, residential, and support space across a geographically dispersed 1175 acres. The University of Virginia's Facilities Management - Energy & Utilities - Heat Plant team has an exciting opening for an Operator Assistant. Operator Assistants support the work of licensed plant operators, seniors, and supervisors while learning on the job. They help ensure the highest quality heating products for the University and Medical Center. They learn a skilled profession through a combination of on-the job training, technical education, and classroom instruction, often through a formal training program. Through their work and education, they become skilled and may become certified in a trade. Training is varied and may consist of rotations throughout the department to provide a broad range of skills. Operator Assistants function in a learning capacity and operate under direct supervision. The Heat Plant Operator Assistant will be supporting a 24/7 operation with off hour shift work required. Shift premium rates are available including $2.00/hour for evening hours, $2.50/hour for night shift, and an additional premium for weekend hours.
Duties Include:
Assist Boiler Operators - monitor, operate, adjust, and perform minor maintenance on coal conveying systems, coal, gas, and oil-fired boilers, water treatment systems, air pollution control equipment, lime systems, and ash handling systems. Construction, equipment repairs, assessing problems, undertaking corrective actions, and site cleanup. Report to assigned shift, work weekends as required and overtime as needed. Respond to emergency calls, including nights and weekends, as needed. Communicate with customers regarding the status of work order, providing additional support and problem solving, as needed. Perform all work in accordance with safety rules and procedures, such as OSHA, federal, state, and local regulations. Develop an increasing familiarity with the skills and best practices of the Heating Plants. Actively participate in classroom and on-the-job training. In addition to the above job responsibilities, other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications:
Education: High school diploma or equivalent Experience: One year of previous maintenance experience and/or equivalent technical training is preferred. Experience operating/maintaining boilers is strongly preferred.
Licensure:
Valid Driver's license. American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE) licensure required within 12 months of hire, with departmental support to achieve credentialing. For this position, the selected candidate will need to complete the required background checks prior to the start date of the position.
Compensation:
The Anticipated Hiring Range for this position is $18.00 - $22.00 ($37,440 - $45,760 Annually). Employees new to UVA are eligible for a sign-on bonus of $1,000 for a one-year commitment. This is a full-time position with UVA benefits. Employee benefits package highlights include:22 days of paid time off, increasing with service; 13+ paid holidays annually; parental and community service leave Health plan options to meet healthcare and financial needs Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities Employee wellness program with incentives of up to $500 annually
Physical Demands:
Requires regular walking, standing, kneeling, crawling, squatting, and climbing ladders or stairs, lifting and carrying of various weights. Repetitive motion for grasping, pulling, pushing, and operating hand and power tools; work may occur in a variety of indoor and outdoor conditions and environments.
