Apprentice Power Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Closing Date:

07/16/2026
Type of Position:Skilled Crafts and TradesNo
Job Type:RegularDay Shift (United States of America)No
Institution Name: University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation's top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.
The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation's strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.
As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.
Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.
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Department:Plant Operations & Maintenance
Summary of Job Duties:The Power Plant Operator is responsible for performing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) functions at Utility Operations Utility Plants, Utility Plant Control Rooms, Utility Distribution locations, Utility Tunnels and Building Utility Rooms. This position can be assigned to a rotating 24-hour shift. An Operator will identify problems when they occur and take the necessary corrective actions. The position performs maintenance activities for equipment and engineering systems to ensure safe and reliable operation. Maintenance of the Utility Distribution Systems includes regular inspections, proactive preventive maintenance, performing repairs, when necessary, replacement of failed or outdated components, and the installation of new equipment/systems. This position will participate in internal training programs to obtain a base level of knowledge/experience and participate in continuing education focused on professional development and performing assigned job duties on complex equipment. This position will also perform other duties as assigned.
Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job function of this job, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.
Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma
• Valid Driver's License in good standing
• Ability to obtain DOT Gas Operator's License and an Arkansas Boiler Operators License within 6 months of employment

AND

Operator I:

• Four (4) years of experience working with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

Operator II:

• Five (5) years of experience working with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

Operator III:

• Seven (7) years of experience working with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

Applicable equivalencies may be considered on the above qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Arkansas Boiler Operator's License
• DOT Gas Operator License
• OSHA certification
• Completion of required education or training along with Journeyman certification in one of the following skilled trades: Electrician, Plumber, or HVAC Mechanic
• Completion of UARK Apprenticeship Training Program
• One (1) Year Experience with working with the FAMIS CMMS System or equivalent
• Experience with leading or managing a team

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to maintain Arkansas Boiler Operator's License
• Ability to maintain DOT Gas Operator License
• Knowledge of methods, best practices, safety procedures, laws, and regulations relating to Utility Plant Operations and Mechanical Code
• Ability to read blueprints, manuals, schematics, building plans, and one-line drawings
• Ability to use power tools, machinery, and hand tools associated with skilled trades
• Able to work varying hours and be able to work for extended periods of time when necessary
• Ability to lift 50lbs, stand for extended periods, open/close valves, reach overhead, and bend at the waist and knees
• Ability to evaluate situations and make good decisions based on sound judgment
• Knowledge and use of a CMMS/Work Order Management system, mobile technology
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office programs e.g., Email and spreadsheets

Additional Information:

Operator I: $56,123
Operator II: $61,735
Operator III: 63,138
All levels are commensurate with education and experienceResumeCover Letter/Letter of Application, License or Certificate (see special instructions for submission instructions), Proof of Veteran StatusTroy Vela, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, tvela1@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check, Sex Offender Registry, Substance Abuse Testing

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:Balancing, Feeling, Grasping, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Talking
Frequent Physical Activity:Lifting, Sitting, Standing, Stooping, Walking
Occasional Physical Activity:Crouching, Kneeling
Benefits Eligible:Yes