Cogeneration Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $41,506.00 Annually
Location : Indiana, PA 15701
Job Type: Full Time and Regular
Job Number: 02581
Division: Administration and Finance
Department: Cogeneration Plant
Opening Date: 08/19/2026
Closing Date: 9/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Reference Number: AF 2029-19
Nestled in the scenic foothills of western Pennsylvania, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) offers more than a place to work-it offers a vibrant campus community where innovation, collaboration, and natural beauty come together. Our picturesque campus features tree-lined walkways, historic architecture, and welcoming green spaces that create an inspiring environment for learning, working, and connecting.
At IUP, employees are part of a supportive and engaged community dedicated to student success, academic excellence, and meaningful impact. Located in the charming college town of Indiana, Pennsylvania-just over an hour from Pittsburgh-our campus combines small-town warmth with access to the cultural, professional, and recreational opportunities of a major metropolitan area.
Whether enjoying a walk across the Oak Grove, collaborating with colleagues in dynamic academic spaces, or engaging in the many cultural and community events hosted throughout the year, IUP offers an exceptional place to build a career and make a difference.
Position Summary & Description
THIS POSITION IS POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
AFSCME COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT
SUMMARY:
Indiana University of Pennsylvania is seeking qualified candidates to fill a Utility Plant Operator 2 position at it's S.W. Jack Cogeneration Plant. The plant is a 24 simple cycle cogeneration facility that utilizes reciprocating engines and waste heat recovery boilers for electrical and thermal energy production. The successful candidate must be able to work independently on all shift rotations as well as have the ability to respond to any cogent plant emergency in a manner that assures safe and efficient operation of the plant.
The Utility Plant Operator 2 performs mechanical or lead work in the operation, maintenance, and repair of boilers, generators, engines and related plant equipment. Position is responsible for the start, and operation of Cogen electrical generating equipment. General supervision is received from the Plant Manager or other technical supervisors who review work for compliance with instructions, procedures, and safe operations.
The above duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Carries out sole shift responsibility for utility plant operations.
• Functions as a lead worker over semi-skilled utility plant staff.
• Performs skilled maintenance and repair work, such as repairing or replacing boiler tubes and tube bundles, plates, grates, gaskets, safety and steam valves, stokers, feed water pumps, water softeners, and fuel handling and related boiler equipment.
• Performs skilled maintenance and repair work, such as cleaning and plugging chiller tubes, repairing or replacing chiller barrel gaskets, safety and isolation valves, make-up water pumps, chemical treatment equipment, and related chiller equipment.
• Distributes and interprets work assignments, demonstrates proper work methods, provides assistance, and reviews work of lower-level utility plant staff for adherence to standards.
• Operates, maintains, and repairs boilers, generators, engines, auxiliary equipment in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Reads gauges, meters, chart recorders, data loggers, and other indicators used to monitor boiler and chiller plant systems; and takes needed action to prevent potential problems.
• Records data on plant operations, equipment maintenance, personnel attendance, and meter and gauge readings and reports required information to supervisor.
• Keeps records for an assigned shift of steam, chilled water, or electricity produced, and fuel or water consumed.
• Adjusts and repairs to boilers, chillers, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
• Repairs and re-rolls tubes, and repairs tube bundles.
• Conducts monthly load bank tests on the Emergency Power Supply System (EPSS) to ensure proper operation.
• Replaces pump seals, valves, and fittings.
• Monitors feed and makeup water, tests samples to determine the type and number of inhibitors needed to control impurities, and adds inhibitors as needed.
• Operates and maintains chillers and performs maintenance and repair on cooling towers.
• Communicates critical operating information to utility plant staff assigned to the following shift.
• Performs preventive maintenance and cleans the utility plant equipment and areas in accordance with procedures.
• Conducts safety tests and verifies operation of safety devices.
• Paints, cleans, rebuilds, and replaces all operating parts of boilers for annual inspections.
• Recommends changes in utility plant operating procedures to increase operating efficiency.
• Operates steam or electric motor-driven fans, pumps, and other related equipment.
• Unloads and receives deliveries for the plant and places materials in designated storage areas.
• An employee in this job participates in the performance of other trades' tasks consistent with operational and organizational requirements.
• Performs related work as required.

WORK SCHEDULE:
Three Shift Rotations:

• 6:30AM-2:30PM
• 2:30PM-10:30PM
• 10:30PM-6:30AM

* Rotations include weekends and holidays.
Position Qualifications
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

• One year of experience as a Utility Plant Operator 1 (commonwealth title).

or

• One year of semi-skilled work experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment.

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes six months of semi-skilled work experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must complete and pass a Pennsylvania Class C Underground Storage Tank Operator course

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Candidates must communicate effectively and perform well in the interview(s).
• Candidates must have communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to maximize their effectiveness with diverse groups of students, colleagues, and community members.

The salary for this position is determined by the AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement.
This position is considered an essential employee as defined by the AFSCME Council 13 Master Agreement, Appendix R. Essential employees are personnel specifically designated by Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) whose presence at work is mandatory to maintain critical operations, safety, care, or facility protection during emergency situations, severe weather events, or official office closings.
IUP is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants and employees with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application or interview process or to perform the essential functions of a position.
Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, consistent with the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity.
Applicants who require an accommodation during the recruitment process are encouraged to contact
All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of earned degrees through the receipt of official transcripts, confirmation of work eligibility, and satisfactory completion of background checks.
For an overview of IUP benefit information available for AFSCME employees, please click on the link below:
01
Do you have one year of experience as a Utility Plant Operator 1 (commonwealth title) or one year of semi-skilled work experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment or an equivalent combination of experience and training that includes six months of semi-skilled work experience in the operation, maintenance, or repair of industrial, commercial, or institutional utility plant systems and related equipment?

• Yes
• No

Required Question