Steam Power Plant Operator I

The University of Missouri - Columbia is hiring a Steam Power Plant Operator I to operate and maintain various systems in the power plant under direct supervision. Responsibilities include checking water systems, assisting with boiler operations, and performing minor maintenance. Applicants must complete a full application and have six months of service at the university. The position requires participation in training programs and adherence to safety protocols.
Hiring Department

Energy Management

In order to be considered as a Union Bidder for this position
you must:

• complete ALL sections of the application

(including all work experience - incomplete applications will not
be considered)

• complete six months of regular service at the University

• apply within the published, five-day posting period

• meet the minimum qualifications for the vacancy

Your qualifications for this position will be evaluated based on
the information you provide on your job application. Once the job
posting period is closed, there will be no opportunity to submit
additional information regarding your qualifications. Therefore,
you need to ensure that your application materials are complete
when submitted.

Union Bid Period: 3/11/2025 – 3/17/2025

Job Description

Nature and Level of Work:

Under direct supervision, train for and perform tasks in the
operation of the potable water system, steam production equipment,
fuel and ash handling systems, and various auxiliary systems in the
power plant.

Key Responsibilities:

Routinely check and operate potable water pumping stations and
associated equipment to maintain proper system water pressure.
Routinely check, test and adjust as required the chlorination
systems to maintain proper disinfection levels at all times. Report
problems as they arise. Perform minor maintenance and housekeeping
as required. Investigate and report problems.

Assist the Steam Plant Operator II with the following tasks:
general boiler plant operation, including boiler draft and
combustion control, feed water, steam systems, auxiliary equipment
monitoring and operation, blowing soot in the boilers, blowing down
the boiler headers/water columns, and maintaining proper boiler
water chemistry. Perform minor maintenance as required; investigate
and report problems.

Assist in the operation of power plant material handlings systems,
including coal and biomass conveyor equipment. Remove ashes from
the boilers and baghouse and operate ash conveyor equipment. Assist
in the unloading of fuel delivery and loading ash trucks. Perform
minor maintenance as required; investigate and report
problems.

Assist in the operation of all power plant auxiliary equipment and
become familiar with safe operating procedures. Perform general
housekeeping, routine maintenance, lubrication and minor
maintenance as required; investigate and report problems.

Complete all requirements of the Steam Plant Operator I Training
Program and the Steam Plant Operator II Training Program in a
timely manner. Attend and participate in additional operator
training as required.

Safely coordinate work with power plant control room operators and
maintenance personnel to prevent upset and/or trip of the plant or
plant systems. Complete all required department environmental and
safety training, and follow all related department policies and
procedures. Attend and participate in all required safety meetings,
programs and training sessions.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received:

Functional and administrative supervision is received from a
designate supervisor.

Supervision Exercised:

No supervision is exercised.

Shift

Rotating shift

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school graduate or an equivalent combination of experience
and education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities
can be acquired is necessary.

• One year of industrial and/or mechanical plant experience, or
equivalent experience where machine operation has been emphasized.
Prior boiler plant experience is desired.

• Ability to work safely in a heavy industrial environment
containing high temperature boilers, high pressure steam systems,
high voltage electric systems and large rotating machinery.

• Ability to read, write and comprehend at minimum accepted levels;
must be able to follow and carry-out written and verbal
instructions, follow safety instructions, understand operating
procedures, and must be able to communicate effectively with power
plant staff and supervision.

• Ability to demonstrate mechanical aptitude at minimum accepted
levels and perform minor, routine mechanical maintenance.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license which will allow legal
operation of a motor vehicle in the State of Missouri.

• Persons in this classification must satisfactorily complete all
of the training requirements for the Steam Plant Operator I within
6 months or their employment will be terminated.

• Persons in this classification must satisfactorily complete all
of the training requirements for the Steam Plant Operator II within
two years or their employment will be terminated.

• Persons in this classification must comply with all department
safety, health and environmental policies and procedures.

• A person working in this classification must, on a regular basis,
be able to:

- Grasp, lift, carry and set down moderately heavy objects
(50lbs.).

- Climb and work from heights on ladders, scaffolding and elevated
platforms.

- Work in an environment containing dust, heat and high
humidity.

• Must be able to work rotating shifts to cover a 24 hours per day,
7 day per week operation.

POST-OFFER PRE-EMPLOYMENT TEST

Persons hired or transferred into this position will be required to
pass an industrial reading test which will demonstrate the
applicant’s ability to read and comprehend basic technical
instructions. For the purposes of this position, a score of 60% or
greater is a passing score. Applicants scoring between 50-60% may
be re-tested within one week. A second score less than 60% or an
initial score less than 50% will result in the applicant being
ineligible for this position.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Grade: GGS E

University Title: STEAM PLANT OPERATOR I

Internal applicants can determine their university title by
accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Other Information

Energy Management is responsible for producing, purchasing, and
delivering utility services for the University of Missouri Columbia
campus. The complex district energy system begins at the combined
cooling heating and power plant (CCHP) that produces steam, chilled
water, and electricity used for heat, cooling, and electrifying
over 17 million gross square feet of academic, research, athletic,
and healthcare buildings. Additionally, Energy Management installs
and manages the building automation systems to control and manage
the campus building’s energy consumption. Energy Management
provides cost effective, reliable, and resilient utility services,
allowing the University to meet its academic and research
missions.

https://operations.missouri.edu/facilities/energy-management

55136