Northern Michigan University Careers

Position Title: Steam Plant Operator/Cont Tch Trainee or Steam Plant Operator/Cont Tch

Department:  Plant Operations

Term of Assignment: Continuing

Term End Date, If Applicable:             

FLSA Status:   Non-Exempt = overtime eligible

Work Schedule: 12 hour shifts; 5:30 am - 5:30 pm or 5:30 pm - 5:30 am.

One position is available and will be filled at the level consistent with the selected applicant's experience.
Levels include: Steam Plant Operator/Cont Technician Trainee or Steam Plant Operator/Cont Technician.

Salary: Steam Plant Operator/Cont Tch Trainee $22.67 starting/$23.81 working; Steam Plant Operator/Cont Tch $24.85 starting/$26.16 working

Travel: No travel

Brief Statement of Duties

Brief Statement of Duties: Perform skilled work in the operation, maintenance and control of high pressure steam boilers, turbine/generator sets, and auxiliary equipment, using both automated and manual controls for the mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, chemical, electrical and electronic equipment/systems.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education: High School Graduation or Equivalent

Discipline/Degree Area: 

Required Specialized Training/Certifications:  Must hold current and valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Required Minimum Work Experience:  Steam Plant Operator/Cont Tch Trainee:
One or more of the following: (a) two years of experience in the operation of a high pressure boiler; (b) a
low pressure boiler operator's registration and one year of experience in the operation of a low pressure
boiler; and/or (c) one year of either a qualified training program, a qualified technical education program
such as Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Technology or an approved apprenticeship program.
Must apply for third-class stationary engineer registration and pass the examination within two months of
becoming eligible to take the test.
Must pursue and obtain a second-class stationary engineer registration within three months of becoming
eligible to take the test to move into Steam Plant Operator position.

Steam Plant Operator/Cont Tch:
Four years of experience in operation and maintenance of high pressure steam boilers or equivalent
combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, or Attributes Required for Satisfactory Performance of the Position Duties: 

Steam Plant Operator/Cont Tch Trainee:
KNOWLEDGE:
General knowledge of materials, methods and tools needed for maintenance related repairs.

SKILLS:
Ability to learn equipment operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, calibration, maintenance, repair.
Excellent critical thinking skills and good judgment; observant and able to effectively analyze situations
and solve problems.
Read and work from drawings, diagrams, and sketches.

ATTRIBUTES:
May be required to successfully complete oral, written or performance tests or attend off-site trainings.

Steam Plant Operator/Cont Tch:
KNOWLEDGE:
Working knowledge of boiler instrumentation and controls as related to operation, troubleshooting and
calibration.
Working knowledge of relevant system installations including, but not limited to, automatic electronic
boiler control systems, with ability to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain the systems.
Working knowledge of materials, methods, and tools involved in operation and maintenance of boilers,
fuel handling, ash handling, turbines/generators and ancillary equipment.
Working knowledge of relevant combined heat plant systems operations, including electronics and
electricity.
Working knowledge of computer applications, i.e. word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, internet, web-based programs.

SKILLS:
Equipment operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.
Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively deal with a broad variety of people and
prepare quality correspondence. Demonstrated ability to follow and/or interpret written and oral
directions.
Excellent critical thinking skills and good judgment; observant and able to effectively analyze situations
and solve problems. Independent decision making abilities.
Effective interpersonal skills; able to establish and maintain effective working relationships and project a
positive image.
Strong organizational skills; able to prioritize, plan work, and handle multiple tasks.
Excellent customer service skills.
Read and work from blueprints, diagrams, and sketches.
Ability to work under pressure situations.

ATTRIBUTES:
May be required to successfully complete oral, written or performance tests.

Steam Plant Operator/Cont Tch Trainee and Steam Plant Operator/Cont Tch:
KNOWLEDGE:
Working knowledge of computer applications, i.e. word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, internet, web-based programs.

SKILLS:
Strong oral and written communication skills to effectively deal with a broad variety of people and
prepare quality correspondence. Demonstrated ability to follow and/or interpret written and oral
directions.
Effective interpersonal skills; able to establish and maintain effective working relationships and project a
positive image.
Strong organizational skills; able to prioritize, plan work, and handle multiple tasks.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to work under pressure situations.

ATTRIBUTES:
Physically capable to perform all of the duties and responsibilities of the position with or without
reasonable accommodations.
Must have mechanical aptitude to accomplish assigned duties.
Conscientious and self-motivated.
High standards of self and others.
Collegial and congenial; works wall with others, is a team player.
Reliable.
Resourceful.
Remains calm in stressful situations.
Polite, courteous, tactful and helpful in dealing with the public and members of the University community.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Additional Desirable Qualifications: 

Experience operating and maintaining wood chip-fired boilers, wood chip fuel handling systems (including hydraulics), ash handling systems, and steam turbine/generators.
Power plant technology degree and/or completion of a steam plant apprenticeship program.
Experience leading, directing and training trades employees.
Experience in the plumbing, steam fitting or electrical trades, including basic knowledge of pumps, compressors, pneumatics and electricity.
Demonstrated self-initiative associated with the willingness to improve personal skills and keep abreast of current technology.
Boiler Operator License or equivalent.
Associates Degree in Mechanical and/or Electrical Systems or a related field.

Other

Special Instructions to Applicants: Submit application, cover letter, resume and references

Contact Information:  Brenda Bickler, Employment Specialist, 906-227-2114

NMU is an equal opportunity employer.