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Third Class Operating Engineer Jobs in Montana (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Engineer Glendive, MT | Full-Time | Monday-Friday | 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Pay Beginning ... State of MT Boiler Operator 3rd Class license or ability to obtain one (with GMC's assistance ...

Maintenance Engineer Glendive, MT | Full-Time | Monday-Friday | 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM | Pay Beginning ... Boiler Operator 3rd Class license (State of Montana) required * Valid driver's license with clean ...

Ensures that equipment is operating safely and within established limits. How You'll Contribute ... Must have or obtain a 3rd Class Boilers License within 6 months of hire. Licenses in other related ...

Ensures that equipment is operating safely and within established limits. How You'll Contribute ... Must have or obtain a 3rd Class Boilers License within 6 months of hire. Licenses in other related ...

Software Engineer

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$72K - $79K/yr

MSU utilizes many hosted applications and third-party applications as well as Ellucian Banner ... Experience using a Linux or Unix based operating system. * Experience working at a higher education ...

Engineer I/II

Billings, MT · On-site

$41.59 - $55.71/hr

... operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Engineer II level are normally filled by advancement from the Engineer I ...

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Third Class Operating Engineer information

What is the difference between Third Class Operating Engineer vs Second Class Operating Engineer?

AspectThird Class Operating EngineerSecond Class Operating Engineer
CredentialsRequires a Third Class license, often with specific experienceRequires a Second Class license, more extensive experience and testing
Work EnvironmentOperates boilers, pumps, and HVAC systems in buildings or facilitiesHandles larger or more complex systems, often in industrial or larger commercial settings
Employer & IndustryCommonly employed in commercial buildings, hospitals, and schoolsFound in industrial plants, large commercial facilities, and power plants

The main difference between a Third Class Operating Engineer and a Second Class Operating Engineer lies in their licensing requirements, scope of work, and the complexity of systems they operate. Second Class licenses permit handling larger and more complex equipment, often in industrial settings, while Third Class licenses are suitable for smaller systems in commercial buildings.

What are popular job titles related to Third Class Operating Engineer jobs in Montana? For Third Class Operating Engineer jobs in Montana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in Montana are hiring for Third Class Operating Engineer jobs? Cities in Montana with the most Third Class Operating Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Third Class Operating Engineer job openings in Montana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

$44.64/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Montana State University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

410th of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Announcement Number
STAFF - VA - 27037
For questions regarding this position, please contact:
Amber Gregg
amber.gregg1@montana.edu
406-994-5454
Classification Title
Operator-in-Training
Working Title
Operator-In-Training
Brief Position Overview
A rare opportunity for on-the-job training to obtain a 1st Class Montana Boiler Operator license and join the team of Stationary Engineers responsible for operating the MSU Bozeman central heating plant. The Operator-In-Training position is responsible for gaining a complete understanding of maintenance and operation requirements of the MSU central heating plant, along with obtaining a 1st Class Boiler license to operate without supervision.
Position Number
4N0553
Department
Facility Services
Division
University Services
Appointment Type
Skilled Craft
Contract Term
Fiscal Year
Semester
If other, specify From date
If other, specify End date
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation
Operating Engineers
FTE
1.0
Benefits Eligible
Eligible
Salary
$44.64 per hour
Contract Type
Skilled Craft
If other, please specify
Recruitment Type
Open
Position Details
General Statement
University Facilities Management provides responsible leadership and systematic guidance to preserve and advance a safe and effective physical environment in support of education, research and community needs. Facilities Management is comprised of the four service management areas of Engineering and Utilities; Facilities Services; Planning, Design and Construction; and Safety and Risk Management, as well as the Business Management and Administrative areas necessary to support the operation. The Operator-In-Training falls under the Engineering and Utilities area.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Under the supervision of the Heating Plant Foreman, provide safe and energy-efficient operation, maintenance and repair of central heating plant equipment to provide a reliable steam supply to meet campus demands and to generate a portion of campus electricity needs.
  • Assist Stationary Engineers with testing and chemical treatment of water, operation of chemical feed equipment.
  • Assist Stationary Engineers with instrument checks and maintenance of operation logs and recorders; check and adjust boiler status and peripheral equipment (pumps, fans, economizers, pneumatic/electric/electronic control systems, deaerators, compressors, etc.).
  • Assist Stationary Engineers with operation of emergency diesel generator and LPG fuel systems; monitoring of emergency fuel reserves; monitoring of natural gas consumption and initiating demand peak-shaving.
  • Assist Stationary Engineers with monitoring and calibration of air quality compliance system; combustion efficiency tests; troubleshooting and repair of controls.
  • Assist Heat Maintenance Technicians as needed with the safe, reliable and efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of approximately 54 outlying heating plants across campus.
  • Assist Heat Maintenance Technicians as needed to operate, maintain and repair medium pressure steam distribution systems in the utility tunnel system. Maintain and repair this system including, expansion joints, valves, steam traps, condensate skids, control devices up to, and including, main pressure regulating valves at building connection.
  • Assist Heat Maintenance Technicians as needed to read utility metering systems.
  • The incumbent will attend and participate in the required training for the use of personal protective equipment and comply with the requirements for the use of employer-provided equipment.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. 2nd Class or 3rd Class Montana Boiler Operator license or equivalent experience as confirmed by State of Montana Boiler Operator Program.
  2. Experience with operation and maintenance of steam boiler systems including chemical treatment programs, emergency diesel-powered generators and emergency fuel systems.
  3. Demonstrated working knowledge of work safety procedures, such as lockout/tagout and chemical safety.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills
  1. Knowledge of the operation of steam turbine generator systems.
  2. Experience with electronic combustion controls, emissions monitoring, and air quality compliance.
  3. Experience working in a university or institutional environment.
  4. Broad knowledge of HVAC and boiler systems, associated controls and equipment.

The Successful Candidate Will
  • Consistently exercise initiative and good judgment.
  • Effectively and safely operate work-related equipment and tools.
  • Work proficiently in the use of a computerized maintenance management system, e-mail, and other computer applications as assigned or required.
  • Accurately follow written and oral instructions and procedures.
  • Communicate effectively with employees and the public, both in person and over the phone
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public.
  • Be a successful team player.
  • Represent the department and MSU to others in a professional and courteous manner.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information
Training Period: The training period for the Operator-In-Training is approximately 12 to 24 months in length or until the individual obtains a 1st Class Montana Boiler Operator license. During the training period, the work shift is expected to be:
  1. The Operator-In-Training is expected to work on a normal work week schedule (typically 7:30AM to 4PM, Monday through Friday) under the supervision of the Heating Plant Foreman and with operating Stationary Engineers.
  2. Operator-In-Training is expected to work on the modified DuPont 12-hour shift schedule during the final training period of (or until obtaining a 1st Class Montana Boiler Operator license) with a 1st Class licensed Stationary Engineer.

Post-Training Period: Once an Operator-In-Training has obtained a 1st Class Montana Boiler Operator license they will be expected to:
  1. Permanently fill a vacant Stationary Engineer position after successful completion of the Human Resources recruitment process. The Stationary Engineer position includes working on the modified DuPont 12-hour shift schedule.
  2. If no vacant Stationary Engineer position is available, the individual will: Temporarily operate the Heating Plant (relief fire) on the modified DuPont 12-hour shift schedule when a Stationary Engineer is unable to work specific shifts due to sick or vacation leave. During other times - provide Heating Plant maintenance on a normal work week schedule or on the modified DuPont 12-hour shift schedule.

For questions regarding a Second- or Third-Class Montana Boiler Operator's License, please contact the State Licensing Board in Helena, MT at (406) 841-2064, or visit www.boileroperator.mt.gov
Must possess a valid driver's license, an acceptable driving record, and meet all State of Montana requirements to operate State/University vehicles. (If successful candidate possesses a valid out-of-state driver's license, must obtain a valid Montana driver's license within 60 days of hire.)
In accordance with MSU policy, hiring will be conditional upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Physical Demands
  • Performing physical tasks associated with the operation of steam boilers and plant equipment, including valve operations, and transporting materials up to 50 lbs.
  • Working under temperature extremes, especially heat.
  • Working from and traversing elevated catwalks, stairs, ladders, manholes and crawlspaces.
  • Working with and around moving equipment such as motors, pumps, fans, turbine-generators, and emergency diesel and liquefied-propane-gas systems.
  • Exposure to and handling water treatment chemicals and reagents.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
This position has supervisory duties?
No
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
Upon completion of a successful search
Position End Date (if temporary)
Open Date
Close Date
Applications will be:
Screening of applications will begin on August 11, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.
Special Instructions
This position is not eligible for sponsorship.
EEO Statement
Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

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