Steam & Power Plant II - Facilities & Services

Job Summary

This role will cyclically rotate between the Energy Management Control Center (EMCC) operations and the Steam Distribution campus operations. The primary function of the EMCC is to monitor and respond to BAS alarms and address customer concerns efficiently. The EMCC operations include: control and monitoring the campus energy equipment (i.e.; boilers, turbines, piping, and their auxiliary devices). Operate and maintain utility production, distribution, and HVAC equipment across campus. Ensure safe work practices and procedures are being always followed. The Steam Distribution campus operations include: servicing and operation of steam and chilled water distribution system equipment including valving, piping, traps, pumps, meters, fans, and PRVs. Inspection of steam tunnels, distribution piping systems, and mechanical rooms. Identification and reporting of system abnormalities. Utility meter reading data collection.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Steam Distribution Campus Operations
  1. Perform daily rounds to observe steam tunnels, building steam entrances, condensate pumping stations, etc. During their rounds they look for abnormal situations such as falling insulation, burned out light fixtures, steam tunnel damage, wet floors, venting steam, pests/animals, etc.
  2. Perform campus exterior surveys to detect building electrical power outages, domestic water and chilled water leaks, sink holes from failed storm and sanitary sewer systems, venting steam system vaults to detect steam/condensate leaks, flooded vaults and manholes indictive of failed sump pumps.
  3. Conduct JULIE Locate services on UD systems as needed.
  4. Perform utility meter reading rounds to collect data.
  5. Perform shut-down and re-starting of steam and chilled water distribution systems.
  6. Conduct watch and protect assignments on UD systems as needed.
  7. Periodically inspect chilled water and domestic water service entrances for system deficiencies.
• Energy Management Control Center Operations
  1. Operates and maintains mechanical equipment through automation systems and local manual control (such as boilers, pumps, HVAC, and any other associated equipment). Adjusts manual controls or overrides automatic controls to bring equipment into recommended or prescribed operating ranges, switch to backup equipment or systems, or shut down equipment.
  2. Monitors equipment for alarms, takes appropriate actions to address the issue, and maintains logs of all operation and maintenance.
  3. Serve as On-Duty Point of contact for campus customers and Facilities and Services groups/divisions.
     • Answer phone lines and electronic messaging methods regarding F&S trouble calls.
     • Determine priorities on mechanical equipment issues.
     • Request work orders.
     • Provide support to crafts and trades, DDC Specialist, campus personnel, and other groups within Facilities and Services.
  4. Communicates and explains equipment problems to the appropriate maintenance personnel.
  5. Adjust setpoints and schedules on mechanical systems within campus buildings to assure efficient and reliable operation of university energy asset.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. One (1) year (12 months) of work experience in a position comparable to the Steam and Power Plant I.

**Operator Qualification (OQ) is a requirement for this role. A candidate must obtain OQ Qualification within six months of date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

**Technical certification or associate degree in mechanical, electrical, or HVAC systems preferred.
**A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in utility and building mechanical systems operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Working knowledge of mechanical equipment (such as boilers, pumps, HVAC and any other associated equipment).
2. Working knowledge of building automation system (BAS) graphics and operational concepts.
3. Ability to understand start-up procedures and operating standards set by manufacturers.
4. Ability to understand technical drawings.
5. Working knowledge of specific building automation systems (BAS) including Siemens Desigo, Siemens Insight, Niagara G3, Schneider Electric EBO, and Tridium R2.
6. Working knowledge of additional unsupported BAS including Andover Continuum, Ultivist, and Johnson Metasys.
7. Working knowledge of F&S AiM Work Order tracking system.
8. Understanding and knowledge of the JULIE Locating process.

Additional Physical Demands

ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

A. Physical Requirements

• Generally good health.
• The job duties require employees to bend, stoop, reach, lift 50 lbs. bags, and include extended periods of standing and walking on concrete floors in both cold and hot/humid environments.
• Climbing stairs, ladders and moderate labor where stamina and perseverance are needed.
• Able to move rapidly in emergency situations.
• Assignments will include working on any of five levels of the Power Plant which may include high work in harnesses, on scaffolding, or in a confined space.
• Must be able to enter and work in the steam drum, water drum, mechanical dust collectors, penthouse casing, economizer section and all connecting ductwork of all boilers.
• Physical stamina and strength required.
• The job duties may require the employee to move heavy objects.
• Respirators may be required while performing the duties described.
• Mental stress is a factor in this job.

Constant is defined as performing a task 500+/day or 67-100% of the work day Frequent is defined as performing a task 101-500x/day or 34-66% of the work day Occasional is defined as performing a task 1-100x/day or 1-33% of the work day

• Sit – Occasional - in control room while monitoring equipment
• Standing - Frequent – while monitoring equipment
• Walking – Frequent - around the power plant to perform routine daily tasks
• Climbing – Occasional - to take readings from gauges, perform work on equipment within power plant building
• Balancing – Occasional – while walking in tight spaces to get readings, perform work
• Bending/Stooping – Occasional - to open/close low-level valves and to get readings on low level valves.
• Squatting – Occasional – to open/close low-level valves and to get readings on low level valves.
• Kneeling – Occasional
• Forward Reaching – Occasional – to open/close valves
• Above Shoulder Reaching – Occasional - to open/close elevated valves and to get readings on elevated valves
• Material Handling – Occasional – use of hand tools, cheater bar to open hard to open valves
• Bilateral Pushing – Occasional –
• Bilateral Pulling – Occasional – up to 89lbs to open valve, hands at waist to chest height, common pull forces range from 10-35lbs, hands 6” off ground to 74’ high to open, close valves during start-ups/shut-downs

Based on the two-hand occasional 2 hand pull of 89 lbs, the Operating Engineer functions at the HEAVY Physical Demand Level.

B. Work Environment

• Work area can be hot, humid, noisy and dusty.
• Exposure to high temperature steam and water, high pressure steam and water, and high voltage electricity.
• Certain hazards may be present in the form of radiation, asbestos, insulation, chemicals, high temperatures, high noise levels, severe weather, dust, etc.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4991 - Steam and Power Plant II position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 8/4/2025. The wage for this position is $37.56 per hour.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on 7/27/2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Bryan Fijalkovich at fijalkov@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

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The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

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Requisition ID: 1031571
Job Category: Crafts & Trades
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu