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Inside Higher Ed

Power Plant Operator 2, Rotating Days & Shifts, 8 Hr Weekdays/12 Hr Weekends (3

Inside Higher Ed, Storrs, Connecticut, United States

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Power Plant Operator 2

University of Connecticut, Facilities Operations, Storrs Campus

Search #:

497258

Work type:

Full-time

Location:

Storrs Campus

Salary Range:

$86,289.00-$112,465.00 Yearly – Individuals new to state service start at the minimum of the pay plan.

Introduction:

UConn’s Facilities Operations Department, Storrs Campus, has three open positions for Power Plant Operator 2. The Co‑Generation Plant produces high‑pressure superheated steam, electrical power, and chilled water. It houses three 7‑MW solar combustion turbines, a 5‑MW steam turbine, and associated support equipment. A new supplemental utility plant and four chillers are operational; a boiler will be commissioned soon. Operators also support the South Campus Geothermal System and Chiller Plant under construction, expected to operate in late 2027.

The positions are permanent, full‑time, rotating days/shifts, part of the “8 + 12 Plan.” They are classified as Emergency Support Services/Essential Staff and require willingness to work during emergencies, overtime, and to serve as emergency‑closure staff. A current motor vehicle operator license is required. Availability to work at other Regional Campuses is possible.

Benefits:

Excellent and affordable healthcare options

Full benefits package including medical and dental insurance. For more information, visit

UConn Employee Benefits Overview

Employee retirement benefits (SERS Retirement plan). For more information, visit

UConn Retirement

Weekend and shift differential may apply. For additional information regarding benefits, visit

UConn Benefits Beyond Pay .

Responsibilities:

Operate and monitor high‑pressure steam turbines, boilers, combustion turbines, chillers, and associated systems using a distributed control system.

Adjust production controls and performance within defined regulatory and manufacturer limits.

Identify equipment faults or abnormal readings; notify Power Plant Operator 1 for manual interventions or plant shutdown/restart.

Track equipment hours to maintain balanced usage and energy efficiency.

Calculate conversion tables for steam pressure, water flow, and temperature management.

Prepare work orders for faulty equipment and report leaks or spills according to plant emergency response plans.

Maintain daily logs and reports; attend safety meetings.

Perform routine or scheduled maintenance and repairs on rotating shift; perform related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:

Knowledge of large condensing turboelectric generating equipment and auxiliaries; high‑pressure boiler operation with super heaters; industrial instrumentation and control systems; arithmetic functions, including algebra and geometry; fire prevention techniques; interpersonal, oral, and written communication; use of technical manuals; reading schematic and one‑line diagrams; application of physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, combustion; use of computer software.

Minimum Qualifications – General Experience:

Three (3) years experience in a power plant or industrial setting, including operation, maintenance, and repair of steam boilers, generators, or similar mechanical equipment.

Minimum Qualifications – Special Experience:

One (1) year of that experience must involve a cogeneration power plant or an equivalent high‑pressure plant capable of producing superheated steam, electrical power, and chilled water.

Minimum Qualifications – Substitutions Allowed:

Graduation from a vocational or technical school with a diploma in a related field may substitute for one (1) year of General Experience.

College training in mechanical engineering or a related field may substitute for the experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one‑half (1/2) year of experience up to one (1) year.

Preferred Qualifications:

State of Connecticut Trades License in Heating, Piping and Cooling, Electrical, Plumbing and Heating, or an OE2 License.

Experience with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), preferably AIM.

Demonstrated supervisory and leadership ability.

Experience operating 7 MW solar combustion turbines.

Experience operating industrial boilers over 50 KPPH.

Experience operating industrial steam turbines.

Experience operating gas, electric, and steam‑driven chillers.

Understanding of a 69 kV / 13.8 kV high‑voltage distribution grid.

Special Requirements:

Incumbents may need appropriate current licenses, permits, and certifications.

Incumbents may need specific education or experience for certification requirements.

Applicants must have a current motor vehicle operator license.

Physical Requirements:

Adequate physical strength, stamina, agility, and visual and auditory acuity; maintain fitness to perform duties.

Physical examination may be required.

Capability to drive and operate various motor vehicles, including vans, box trucks, and pickup trucks of various sizes.

Ability to walk up and down stairs, climb ladders independently, lift and carry up to 75 lbs, use ladders, scaffolding, and high‑lifts, and enter confined spaces.

Ability to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair equipment across electrical and mechanical systems; use tools and wear PPE as required.

Working Conditions:

May lift moderate to heavy weights; use protective equipment such as respirators and safety goggles; exposure to noise, dust, heat, and risk of injury from equipment or environmental conditions.

Terms and Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon a successful pre‑employment criminal background check and a pre‑employment physical.

Application Instructions:

Please apply online at

https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs , go to Staff Openings, and search #497258. Although not required, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references.

Applications close: Nov 30 2025.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics:

CT Ethics Website .

Information concerning the University’s policies regarding the Cleary Act Statement, Non‑Discrimination Policy, Accommodations for Applicants with Disabilities, and Recruiting Veterans can be found on UConn’s Job page at:

UConn Job Page .

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community.

The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

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