Boiler Operator Trainee Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Who We Are
Utilities is a division of Facilities and Operations, made up of 135 dedicated employees responsible for providing utilities services for the university 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Services include campus-wide utilities purchasing, generation, and distribution, as well as metering and billing energy consumption for all university buildings. Distribution includes the operations and maintenance of 300 miles of underground utility systems from outdoor lighting and high voltage circuits to water mains to tunnel piping. The division also provides a wide range of engineering services primarily dedicated to energy management, the operations and maintenance of university facilities, and the utilities infrastructure.
Responsibilities*

• An entry level position designed to train an employee to move into the Powerhouse Operator classification.
• Assists in the maintenance, repair and operation of power plant and facility equipment as directed by supervision, and operating engineers.
• Perform the following duties under the direction of operating engineers:
  • Perform constant visual checks, read gauges and manipulate controls.
  • Clear lines of sediment.
  • Inspect, install and repair steam pipes and insulation, valves, pumps and safety devices.
  • Record various meter readings of pressure and temperature.
  • Perform water conditioning and treatment tests.
  • Start and shut down boilers with assistance.
  • Clean and inspect and perform routine maintenance on equipment including, but not limited to, oiling and greasing, repairing of furnace factories and repacking of leaking packing glands.
  • Assist with annual routine maintenance of equipment.
  • Perform basic machining such as drilling, threading and grinding.
• Observe all University policies and procedures.
• Act in accordance with the Facilities and Operations' guiding principles: collaboration, respect, proactive, solutions-based, and responsibility to the environment.

Required Qualifications*

• Graduation from high school, a trade school equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Willingness to attend and ability to successfully complete related course work.
• Considerable mechanical aptitude.
• Familiarity with hand and power tools.
• Some knowledge of safety standards and procedures.
• Must be able to perform the full range of duties, with or without a reasonable accommodation, in the classification in an environment that has high levels of heat and noise. This position constantly positions self to service and repair powerhouse equipment traversing under and over obstacles, ascends/descends ladders to service and repair powerhouse equipment, and routinely moves powerhouse equipment and materials weighing up to 50lbs.

Why Work at Michigan?
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes .
Additional Information
Supervision Received:

• Close supervision is received from a designated official.
• Receives direction from operating engineers.

Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the International Union of Operating Engineers, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
281078
Working Title
Powerhouse Operator Trainee - Central Power Plant
Job Title
POWERHOUSE OPERATOR TRAINEE
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Utilities
Department
Labor Services - Utilities
Posting Begin/End Date
8/05/2026 - 8/26/2026
Salary
$64,979.20 - $82,430.40
Career Interest
Operating Engineers (IUOE Union)