Power Plant Specialist

Department:

FM Applegate Energy Center

-----

Applegate Energy Center

Position Title:

Power Plant Specialist

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

Power Plant Specialists are responsible for the operation and maintenance of equipment and utilities in KUMC's central utility plant, the Applegate Energy Center (AEC). AEC services are provided on a continuous 24/7 schedule. This position requires a basic understanding of boiler systems, chilled water systems, and electrical distribution systems, and works under the guidance of senior plant operators to resolve equipment issues.

Job Description:

Job Duties

Plant Operations & Maintenance

• Monitor and operate equipment essential to normal and emergency operations of the power plant, using Delta V Distributed Control System.
• Maintain all system parameters through a combination of automated and manual controls.
• Identify and troubleshoot systems, equipment, and machinery malfunctions, working with senior plant operators to correct issues.
• Perform routine water testing and maintain proper chemical treatment parameters.
• Perform start-up and shutdown of operating equipment.
• Operate and monitor multiple 40,000 lb.+ steam generating boilers.
• Operate and monitor multiple 1,250-ton centrifugal chillers.
• Monitor and operate medium-voltage electrical distribution systems, including 13.8-kV switchgear and associated protective equipment.
• Operate emergency power generators through both automated and manual methods.
• Perform maintenance and repair boiler/chiller associated equipment, pumps, fans, primary/secondary electrical control systems, and pneumatic valves.
• Maintain and operate domestic water softener system.
• Maintain daily plant records and log relevant shift activities.
• Follow all OSHA, KUMC, and departmental safety policies and procedures.
• Perform Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures before maintenance activities.
• Recognize and report unsafe conditions.
• Participate in emergency response and plant safety drills.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments.

Work Environment

• Onsite position based in KUMC's central utility plant (Applegate Energy Center).
• Operates on a continuous 24/7 schedule; may require rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-in.
• Exposure to boiler systems, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, and electrical distribution equipment.
• Work may involve confined spaces, elevated noise levels, and extreme temperatures.
• Requires use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Lift, carry, push, or pull 20–50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

Required Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Work Experience:

• One (1) year of experience with boilers, chillers, or water chemical treatment.
• Experience with pneumatic/electrical controls.

Preferred Qualifications

Certifications/Licenses:

• Certification in stationary engineering or another discipline associated with high- and low-pressure boiler systems.
• Operating Engineer's License.

Work Experience:

• Experience with computer-based HVAC automated control systems.
• Experience with chiller/boiler plant operations.
• Experience with centrifugal pump operations and maintenance.
• Experience with mechanical/pneumatic controls operations.
• Experience with routine preventive maintenance.
• Water treatment testing experience.
• Basic electrical experience.

Skills

• Microsoft Office

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment. A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available. https://www.kumc.edu/human-resources/benefits.html

Employee Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Rate Type:

Hourly

Compensation Statement:

The pay range listed for this position is determined by our compensation program using market data and salary benchmarking. A combination of factors is considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training, qualifications relative to the requirements of the position, and funding. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a reasonable estimate for the starting pay range will be the minimum to midpoint of the posted range, taking into account the combination of factors listed above.

Pay Range:

$24.71 - $35.82

Minimum

$24.71

Midpoint

$30.29

Maximum

$35.82