Power Plant Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Full Consideration Date:

Job Description:

Utility Plant Operator Trainee: Under direct supervision, receives work experience and related training instruction to develop the knowledge and skill necessary to perform at the journey level upon completion of the training program to operate power plant auxiliary systems and assist in all aspects of plant operations. Participates in training that is required to progress to eligibility for the Utility Plant Operator I classification.

Utility Plant Operator I: Under general supervision, is responsible for operation of power plant auxiliary systems and assisting Utility Plant Operator II personnel, and other employees, in all aspects of plant operations; as well as coal and yard operations and limited maintenance activities.

Utility Plant Operator II: Under general supervision, operate all plant auxiliary equipment and systems. Operate solid fuel boilers. Make rounds and record readings, throughout the plant, to monitor all plant equipment.

Utility Plant Operator III: Under general supervision, operates boilers, operates turbine driven generators, chilled water production equipment, and associated auxiliaries; and coordinates power plant equipment operations with Utility Plant Operator II and Utility Plant Operator I personnel.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

Utility Plant Operator Trainee: Ability to read, write, and follow instructions. Upon completion of the training program, must be able to meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the Utility Plant Operator I classification.

Utility Plant Operator I: Must have a high school diploma or GED; and two years of experience in an industrial plant, process plant or power plant, operating boilers, pumps, fans, conveyors or other similar equipment.

Utility Plant Operator II: Must have a high school diploma or GED, and three years experience in an industrial plant, process plant or power plant, operating boilers, pumps, fans, conveyors or other similar equipment including a minimum of one year experience in the operation of coal and/or gas/oil fired water tube boilers and related plant equipment including pumps, fans, conveyors and other similar equipment; and possession of a license similar to the National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE) or State of Minnesota Second Class Engineer license or ability to become licensed within 6 months.

Utility Plant Operator III: Must have a high school diploma or GED, and four years experience in an industrial plant, process plant or power plant, operating boilers, pumps, fans, conveyors or other similar equipment. A minimum of two years of the experience must be in the operation of coal and/or gas/oil fired water tube boilers, steam turbine generators and related plant equipment including pumps, fans, conveyors and other similar equipment; and possession of a license similar to the National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE) or State of Minnesota First Class-A Engineer license or ability to become licensed within 6 months.

Position Details:

Job Category: Merit

Service Schedule: Calendar Year

Shift: Second Shift

Work Schedule: Varied schedule, to be determined.

Pay Grade: Utility Plant Operator I: 11/6, Utility Plant Operator II: 13/6, Utility Plant Operator III: 15/6
Starting Hourly Wage: Utility Plant Operator Trainee: $24.90; Utility Plant Operator I: $27.17; Utility Plant Operator II: $29.67, Utility Plant Operator III: $32.38. This position would also receive an additional $1.25 shift differential.

Application Instructions:

All application materials received by June 18, 2026, will be given full consideration. To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. A resume and cover letter are not required for this position but can be attached when applying. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email careers-support@uni.edu or call 319-273-2422.

Iowa's cost of living is among the lowest in the nation and the Common Sense Institute ranks Iowa #1 for paycheck stretch. UNI enhances this advantage with an excellent benefits package for eligible non-temporary positions. Visit our Compensation Tools page to explore your estimated total compensation, compare Waterloo-Cedar Falls cost of living to other major cities or review the paycheck stretch ranking details. Learn more about the Cedar Valley at https://livethevalley.com/.

If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at hrs-employment@uni.edu or call (319) 273-2422.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.

Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the UNI Annual Security and Fire Report. A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.

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