Job Description

Posting number: GLA - JR109032 - 07/26

Department: Colorado School of Mines

Job classification: Utility Plant Operator I

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Building & Safety, Building Maintenance, Engineering, Facility Management, Trades, Miscellaneous, Utilities, Electronics, Higher Education, Construction Trades

Would you like to work in a beautiful small campus environment? Colorado School of Mines is located in Golden, Colorado at the gateway of the Rocky Mountains, 13 miles west of downtown Denver and 21 miles south of Boulder. For more information visit us at: www.mines.edu

We offer a comprehensive portfolio of benefits to our classified workforce, including
medical, dental, life, short and long-term disability plans, dependent tuition benefit, and retirement plans. Benefits begin the first of the month following your start date.

Other perks include:

• 13 paid holidays per year
• Paid vacation and sick leave which starts accruing your first month!
• Set work schedule
• Small crews (8-13)
• Free access to Mines varsity sporting events for you and 3 guests!

Examples of duties

Are you an experienced boiler plant or utility plant professional looking for a role where your work directly impacts an entire campus community? Join our Facilities Management team as a Utility Plant Operator I, where you'll play a critical role in maintaining the systems that provide heating, steam, and domestic hot water to campus facilities.

This position combines hands-on mechanical and plumbing maintenance with utility plant operations. Working under the direction of Utility Operators and Plant Supervisors, you'll help ensure the reliable operation of steam boilers, piping systems, pumps, pressure regulators, and associated plant equipment while supporting preventative maintenance programs that keep campus operations running safely and efficiently.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with boiler plant experience who enjoys troubleshooting mechanical systems, working independently, and contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Why Join Us?

• Play a vital role in supporting campus operations and infrastructure
• Gain valuable experience operating and maintaining central utility plant systems
• Work alongside experienced utility plant professionals
• Opportunities to develop advanced utility plant and boiler operations expertise
• Stable, full-time position with a collaborative team environment

What You'll Do

Utility Plant Maintenance & Pipe Trades (60%)

• Perform preventative maintenance on steam, water, and piping systems
• Repair pipe leaks, drips, and other mechanical system deficiencies
• Assist Utility Operators with maintenance and repair of utility plant equipment
• Inspect equipment and identify abnormal conditions such as leaks, unusual noises, excessive temperatures, and worn components
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, inventory information, work orders, and labor documentation
• Update preventative maintenance task sheets and assist in maintaining maintenance programs
• Maintain clean and safe mechanical rooms and equipment spaces
• Utilize computer systems including Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation and recordkeeping

Utility Plant Operations (30%)

• Operate, monitor, service, and assist in the repair of steam boilers and associated equipment
• Monitor temperatures, pressures, flow rates, and plant performance
• Generate operational logs, maintenance schedules, and preventative maintenance records
• Assist with water treatment and chemical treatment programs
• Test, analyze, and record steam and water system chemistry
• Troubleshoot alarms and equipment failures and support corrective actions
• Maintain plant operations during equipment, utility, or fuel supply disruptions

General Maintenance & Campus Support (10%)

• Perform corrective maintenance activities in campus buildings
• Test steam traps and verify operation of safety devices
• Inspect piping systems for leaks and operational issues
• Drive university vehicles to transport tools, supplies, and equipment
• Respond to service calls and assist with emergency maintenance situations
• Perform other duties as assigned

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

Successful Utility Plant Operators demonstrate:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• A proactive, team-oriented mindset
• Attention to detail and thorough documentation practices
• Willingness to ask questions and continue learning
• Dependability and flexibility to support plant operations when needed
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities

Working Environment

This position works primarily in utility plant, mechanical room, and campus facility environments. Work may involve exposure to heat, mechanical equipment, steam systems, chemicals used in water treatment, and other industrial maintenance conditions. The role requires physical activity including standing, walking, climbing, lifting, and working around operating mechanical systems.

Please note: this position reports to Campus for the following shifts:
- Wednesday 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM; Thursday-Friday 2:00 PM - 12:00 AM; Saturday 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Join a team whose work is essential to keeping campus buildings operational, comfortable, and safe. If you have utility plant experience and enjoy solving complex mechanical challenges, we encourage you to apply!

Qualifications

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

Class Code & Classification Description:

D6E1XX Utility Plant Operator I

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

Four (4) years of boiler plant, utility plant, or closely related industrial mechanical experience, which included:

• Working knowledge of steam boilers and steam distribution systems
• Ability to inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical and piping systems
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one as required for university vehicle operation
• Ability to work assigned shift schedule and respond to operational needs

Or
Education and Experience:

A combination of related education, formalized apprenticeship program, and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years (Transcripts must be attached for educational credit).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Boiler Operator Certificate or equivalent boiler operations certification
• Formal training related to boiler plant operations, utilities, plumbing, or mechanical systems
• Experience operating steam boilers, pumps, pressure regulators, and water treatment systems
• Experience working with preventative maintenance programs and computerized maintenance systems
• Knowledge of applicable mechanical, plumbing, fire protection, and safety codes

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Background check
• Pre-employment physical
• Pre-employment drug screen
• Motor Vehicle Record check

Appeal Rights:

As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. Email address: dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov

Supplemental information

Colorado School of Mines is committed to equal opportunity for all persons. Mines does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), ancestry, creed, marital status, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status or current military service. Further, Mines does not retaliate against community members for filing complaints regarding or implicating any of these protected statuses.

Mines’ commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and equal access is reflected in the administration of its policies, procedures, programs and activities and in its efforts to achieve a talented student body and workforce.

Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequality or concerns for safety.

Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a rich and vibrant diverse and inclusive community, where our different perspectives and experiences enrich the educational and work experience?

Look to Mines.