UNO is Nebraska's public metropolitan research university - a university with strong academic values, diverse programs and learning opportunities, and significant relationships with our community that facilitate engaged teaching and research.
Lead Plant Operator
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The University of Nebraska at Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to preventing and eliminating discrimination against employees and prospective employees based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. The University of Nebraska at Omaha does not condone or tolerate discrimination. In support of this policy, the University has implemented employment programs to recruit, employ, and promote qualified individuals based solely on their knowledge, skills, abilities and talents. These factors, along with our commitment to recruit, assess and select all candidates/employees using job-related criteria, ensure fairness, equal evaluation, and treatment in our selection decisions and processes.
Requisiton Details
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GENERAL REQUISITION INFORMATION
EEO Statement:
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its education programs or activities, including admissions and employment. The University prohibits any form of retaliation taken against anyone for reporting discrimination, harassment, or retaliation for otherwise engaging in protected activity. Read the full statement.
Job Title
Lead Plant Operator
Job Grade
FP18H
Division
Business and Finance
College/Dept
Facilities Management and Planning
Department
Maintenance, Operations and Utilities
Requisition Number
2026-00279
FTE (full-time equivalency)
100.00
Work Schedule
Sunday - Thursday 7am-3pm
Does the position provide the opportunity to work Remotely/Telecommuting?
No remote/telecommute opportunity
Appointment Term
12- 12/12 months
Is this position essential personnel according to the inclement weather policy?
Pay Information
$60,700-$75,000
Pay Schedule
Hourly
FLSA Designation
Non-Exempt
Position Summary
Supervise, mentor/coach, assign, coordinate, and inspect work performed by Plant Operators. Operate, monitor, and maintain all equipment in the University’s Central Utility Plant ( CUP ) and other buildings on campus in a safe and efficient manner. Requires knowledge of building systems and maintenance relating to commercial boilers, chillers, HVAC, cooling tower, chemical treatment and refrigeration systems, and all codes and supporting documentation that apply to each. Must be able to interpret schematics, one-line diagrams, and construction drawings. Make rounds and complete operating logs, monitor campus equipment through the energy management system, note deficiencies, and take corrective action. Perform preventive maintenance tasks as well as determine the need for equipment maintenance, diagnosing causes of wear & tear and recommending solutions to problems found. Requires knowledge of commercial HVAC automatic control systems, building electrical systems, and all related components. Conduct routine utility systems inspections and respond to emergency calls in other buildings and grounds on UNO campus during evening, weekend and holiday hours.
Job Duties
Responsibility Area:
Operate & Monitor Equipment
Duties:
Operate, monitor, and maintain all equipment located within the CUP and other buildings on campus. Components include but not limited to chillers, boilers, cooling towers, air handling units, pumps, air compressors, emergency generators, water softeners, chemical test equipment, etc. Interpret and use schematics, one- line diagrams, and construction drawings to troubleshoot and repair systems and equipment in a commercial setting. Ensure compliance with regulations including all applicable building, boiler, electrical and fire codes, university and departmental standards and guidelines.
Percentage Of Time
55
Essential Function:
Yes
Responsibility Area:
Preventative Maintenance & Minor Repairs
Duties:
Supervise, mentor/coach, assign, coordinate, and inspect work performed by Plant Operators. Coordinate equipment and supply purchases for the CUP . Prepare performance evaluations, conduct training, and assign work orders to Plant Operators as required. Ensure that staff have the supplies, tools and equipment required to complete their work successfully.
Percentage Of Time
20
Essential Function:
Yes
Responsibility Area:
Complete Paperwork
Duties:
Assign, review, and close-out completed preventive maintenance and service work order requests from staff using the TMA work order system. Approve weekly timecards submitted by your staff. Review and file all inspection reports, log sheets, leave requests, and other required paperwork.
Percentage Of Time
10
Essential Function:
Yes
Responsibility Area:
General Housekeeping Duties
Duties:
Maintain, perform preventative maintenance, and complete repairs on all equipment within the CUP as required. Must be able to use basic hand tools, tube cleaning equipment, lifts, stack gas analyzer, chemical test equipment, volt/ohm/amp meters, and other specialized tools and equipment related to the trade.
Percentage Of Time
10
Essential Function:
Yes
Responsibility Area:
Supervision & Coordination
Duties:
Respond to trouble calls received outside of normal university hours and take the appropriate course of action based on conditions of the situation.
Percentage Of Time
5
Essential Function:
Yes
Required and Preferred Qualifications
Required Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Required Experience
- Five years’ experience with large commercial HVAC equipment and building mechanical systems.
- Three years’ experience in hands-on boiler and chiller operation.
- One year of experience with computerized energy management systems.
Required License/Certification
- City of Omaha Third Grade Stationary Engineers License – must be obtained within 6 months of hire date.
- Valid Driver’s License
Required Additional Qualifications:
NA
Preferred Education
Associates degree in Stationary Engineering or equivalent.
Preferred Experience
Preferred License/Certification
Preferred Additional Qualifications:
Compliance Requirements
Credit Check
No
Motor Vehicle Licensing Validity Check
Yes
Pre-employment Physical Request and Assessment
Yes
Drug Screen
Yes
Supplemental Question
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * Do you have at least five years’ experience with large commercial HVAC equipment and building mechanical systems?
- Yes
- No
- * Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter
