Power System Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Steam and Power Plant IV - Facilities & Services
Utilities & Energy Services
Job Summary
To supervise all operators on that shift and to direct the safe and effective operation of all Power Plant equipment and systems.Duties & Responsibilities

• Supervises and assigns duties to shifts of Power Plant Operating Engineers (Steam and Power Plant I, II, and III).
• Supervises the operation of all mechanical and electrical equipment in, or directly associated with, Abbott Power Plant.
• Supervises the training of all personnel assigned to the shift and assigns employees of any class as needed for training or upgrade purposes.
• Records operational changes in daily log book.
• Makes frequent inspections of all work areas to insure proper operation of all equipment.
• Supervises and assists in cleaning all power plant equipment.
• Responsible for filling vacancies on succeeding shifts as vacancies become known.
• Assists all operators as necessary.
• Communicates and explains equipment problems to appropriate maintenance personnel.
• Hold and conduct monthly safety meetings, follow up to insure that safe work practices and habits are carried out.
• Ensure competent and knowledgeable persons conduct regularly-scheduled shop safety meetings. Follow up to insure that safe work practices and habits learned in the meetings are carried out.
• Promote safe operations, provide safety training, and support departmental safety initiatives and programs.
• Perform routine safety training sessions and hold toolbox talks with crews on job sites. Perform regular jobsite inspections of all crews in order to identify any unsafe work practices and unsafe conditions, documenting the visits and forwarding findings to administrative/management personnel.
• Coordinate supplemental inspections when new equipment, substances or processes are introduced as well as when new or formerly undistinguishable hazards are discovered. Help with the completion of safety planning and hazard investigations.
• Ensure equipment is functioning properly and personnel are well trained on how to use the equipment.
• Monitor personnel to assure safety and security policies are being followed.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Other Work Expectation
Personal Contacts
- Multiple daily contacts with Power Plant employees.
- Some limited radio or phone contact with chilled water, electrical distribution and steam distribution personnel.
- Occasional phone contact with local power provider and emergency response personnel when required.
Work Environment
- Work area can be hot, humid, noisy and dusty.
- Exposure to high temperature steam and water, high pressure steam and water, and high voltage electricity.
- Certain hazards may be present in the form of radiation, asbestos, insulation, chemicals, high temperatures, high noise levels, severe weather, dust, etc.
- Outside work is required in all seasons.
- Required to work occasionally in confined spaces.
- Some jobs require an employee to work in an environment that involves exposure to unpleasant and noxious fumes and odors.Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Four (4) years (48 months ) of work experience in the maintenance and operation of steam and power plant equipment.
• One (1) year (12 months) of work experience in a position comparable to the Steam and Power Plant III.
• Possession of the current/valid licenses and certificates, as required by the employing institution.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of all Power Plant systems and equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, switchgear, and all auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of all electrical distribution systems both incoming from the local power provider and outgoing to Distribution Centers, Load Centers and campus buildings.
• Ability to isolate electrical system from the local power provider during emergency situations.
• Knowledge of steam distribution system, the interaction between different campus steam systems and how to control the same.
• Understanding of all systems (steam, water, air, etc.) connected with equipment operated.
• Ability to understand start-up procedures and operating standards set by manufacturers.
• Ability to understand piping diagrams and blueprints.
• Ability to make decisions quickly.
• Ability to communicate with the operating crew and management.
• Ability to supervise and instruct.
• Ability to successfully complete the training program established for the Steam and Power Plant Level IV position.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4993 - Steam and Power Plant IV position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 9/7/2026. The hourly rate for this position is $57.43/hr.
This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on 8/15/2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Syed A. Arshad at sarshad4@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu.
Requisition ID: 1037645
Job Category: Crafts & Trades
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu