Steam & Power Plant III - Facilities & Services
University of Illinois

Steam & Power Plant III - Facilities & Services
Job SummaryTo operate boilers, steam turbine-generator sets, electrical distribution switchgear and steam control devices for campus supply, as well as all auxiliary systems required to support the operation of these systems. Duties & Responsibilities

• Operates boilers and associated equipment.
• Start-ups and shut-downs steam turbine generator sets and connects or disconnects from electrical distribution system.
• Continuously monitors and records hourly operating condition of turbines, generators and switchgear.
• Operates steam control devices that supply steam to all campus systems.
• Performs all electrical switching on all distribution switchgear.
• Operates auxiliary equipment such as pumps, compressors, pollution control equipment, coal-handling equipment and cooling towers.
• Regenerates water softeners; tests and treats boiler feed water, storage water and cooling water.
• Checks auxiliary equipment related to turbine generators and boilers. Adjusts and records operating temperatures and pressures to maintain equipment in proper operating condition. Records data on log sheets and log books.
• Learns the duties of the Lead Operating Engineer-Steam and Power Plant IV for upgrade and promotional opportunities.
• Assists other operating staff as required.
• Trains and instructs lower level operators in the proper operation of turbines, generators, switchgear and steam to campus control devices, as well as all auxiliary systems required to support the operation of these systems.
• Clean equipment and work area as required.
• Keeps Lead Operating Engineer-Steam and Power Plant IV informed of all changes in operating conditions.
• Communicates and explains equipment problems through the Lead Operating Engineer-Steam and Power Plant IV to appropriate maintenance personnel.
• Maintains all work areas, tools and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Physical DemandsWork 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.
• There is exposure to all types of weather conditions to perform essential duties occurring outside.
• Some jobs require an employee to work in an environment that involves exposure to unpleasant and noxious fumes and odors.

Minimum Qualifications
1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Two (2) years (24 months) of work experience in the maintenance and operation of steam and power plant equipment.

3. One (1) year (12 months) of work experience in a position comparable to the Steam and Power Plant II.

4. Possession of current/valid licenses and certificates, as required by the employing institution.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 1. Working knowledge of boilers, turbines, generators, switchgear, and all auxiliary equipment
• 2. Working knowledge of all electrical distribution systems both incoming from the local power provider and outgoing to Distribution Centers, Load Centers and campus buildings.
• 3. Ability to isolate electrical system from the local power provider during emergency situations.
• 4. Working knowledge of steam distribution system, the interaction between different campus steam systems and how to control the same.
• 5. Must have complete understanding of all systems (steam, water, air, etc.) connected with equipment operated.
• 6. Ability to understand start-up procedures and operating standards set by manufacturers.
• 7. Ability to understand piping diagrams and blueprints.
• 8. Must successfully complete the training program established for the Steam and Power Plant Level III position.

Appointment Information
This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 4992 - Steam and Power Plant III position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 5/11/2026. The budgeted hourly rate for this position is $50.23.

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 April 29, 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 Bryan Fijalkovich at fijalkov@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: 1035731
Job Category: Crafts & Trades
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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