Utility Plant Supervisor (Utility Plant Operator II)
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Salary
$32.76 - $42.00 Hourly
Location
Golden, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
GLA - JR108650 - 05/26
Department
Colorado School of Mines
Opening Date
05/27/2026
Closing Date
6/9/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
1500 Illinois St. Golden, CO 80401
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
Human Resources recruitment@mines.edu 303-273-3250
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
Make a difference in higher education!
Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is an internationally preeminent teaching and research university dedicated to meeting the resource development needs of a rapidly evolving, technology-based society. Mines was selected by the Colorado State Legislature as the state's first "exemplary institution" of public higher education due to our "high degree of responsibility and capability with regard to academic and administrative functions."
Colorado's oldest public university, Mines is located in Golden, Colorado at the gateway of the Rocky Mountains, 13 miles west of downtown Denver and 21 miles south of Boulder.
MINES IS PROUD TO OFFER EXCELLENT BENEFITS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN EXTRAORDINARY TALENT. OUR PERKS INCLUDE:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Generous vacation and sick leave plus 13 paid holidays
State retirement plan (PERA)
Parental Leave
Reduced cost tuition for employee and family members
Life and Disability Insurance
Professional growth and training opportunities
Access to technology and equipment
Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
Access to a world-class recreation center
Interaction with an international population and cultural events
Description of Job
Join a high-performing facilities team supporting a premier research university. This role is responsible for supervising plant operations and staff while ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient steam production across campus. The position blendshands-on plant operations (45%)withpeople leadership and operational oversight (50%), plusfield response and support (5%).
Key Responsibilities1. Plant Operations Leadership & Supervision (50%)
Provide leadership for utility plant operations and a team of 5 operators to ensure uninterrupted steam service.
What You'll Do
Direct daily boiler and plant operations; communicate decisions to operators and leadership
Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff performance, including:
Performance plans and quarterly evaluations
Skill development and cross-training
Create and manage staff schedules to ensure 24/7 plant coverage
Assign and prioritize work based on operational needs, employee skillsets, and development goals
Ensure accurate timekeeping, leave tracking, and compliance with FLSA requirements
Lead monthly safety training and enforce all safety and organizational policies
Participate in hiring processes, including defining role requirements and interviewing candidates
Oversee tools, equipment tracking, and compliance
Develop and manage preventive maintenance programs and quality standards
Decision-Making Impact
Optimize staffing and shift coverage during absences or operational disruptions
Analyze daily logs to detect anomalies and implement corrective actions without impacting service
Allocate personnel and materials during system failures
Establish performance standards for maintenance and documentation
Identify training and safety needs for the team
Typical Challenges
Adjusting schedules due to absences while maintaining continuous operations
Balancing operational needs with staff development and compliance requirements
Identifying and addressing safety or skill gaps across the team
Supervising Plant Operator (45%)
Serve as a lead technical expert responsible for operating and maintaining plant systems.
What You'll Do
Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and repair:
Boilers, steam generators, pumps, compressors, and control systems (SCADA/PLC)
Maintain plant efficiency by adjusting operations based on demand, weather, and system performance
Generate logs, production data, and preventive maintenance schedules
Coordinate annual inspections and ensure regulatory compliance
Order parts and materials based on equipment needs and usage trends
Train operators on:
Equipment operation and calibration
System updates and control procedures
Perform water and chemical testing and adjust treatment processes accordingly
Utilize plant management software to compensate for system or sensor failures
Decision-Making Impact
Determine optimal boiler configurations to meet campus demand efficiently
Respond to system alarms and diagnose mechanical, electrical, or piping issues
Adjust chemical treatment systems based on analysis results
Typical Challenges
Troubleshooting complex equipment failures and determining safe corrective actions
Responding to fuel supply interruptions (e.g., switching from natural gas to fuel oil)
Maintaining plant operations during equipment or control system failures
Facilities Support & Emergency Response (5%)
Support broader campus facilities operations and after-hours response.
What You'll Do
Perform corrective maintenance across campus facilities
Operate university vehicles to transport tools and equipment
Inspect steam systems, piping, traps, meters, and safety devices
Support after-hours emergency response (e.g., leaks, HVAC issues, flooding)
Provide technical guidance to other facilities teams during off-hours
Decision-Making Impact
Assess urgency and determine whether to respond directly or escalate
Diagnose issues such as leaks or system failures and coordinate appropriate repairs
What Success Looks Like
Reliable, uninterrupted steam production across campus
Strong team performance, engagement, and skill development
Safe operations and full compliance with policies and regulations
Effective, timely response to system issues and emergencies
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Educational Requirements:
6+ years of progressively responsible utility plant experience (two of which must have been at the journey level)
2+ years of supervisory experience
ADD-ASOPE or other Nationally recognized Boiler/Stationary Engineer License
Strong communication and customer service skills
Experience with computerized systems (e.g., work orders, plant controls)
Valid Colorado driver's license
Special Requirements:A current Colorado Driver License is required and must be maintained during employment. Must have a clean driving record with no DUI/DWAI convictions within the past five years.(A copy of your current motor vehicle record (MVR) will be required as a condition of hire). Must be physically able to perform strenuous physical labor including lifting 100 pounds.SubstitutionsSuccessful completion of a formalized utility plant operations apprenticeship program or higher level course work from an accredited, non-correspondence, vocational or trades school may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THIS SUBSTITUTION. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Background check
Pre-employment physical
Pre-Employment drug screen
Motor Vehicle Record check
Desired Qualifications
In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will have:
Experience in acentral utility plant or campus/district energy system
Advanced experience operatingdual-fuel boilers (natural gas and fuel oil)
Hands-on experience withSCADA systems, PLCs, and Boiler Plant Manager software
Demonstrated successsupervising union or shift-based teams in a 24/7 operation
Strong background inpreventative maintenance planning and reliability programs
Experience managingwater treatment and chemical dosing programs
Knowledge ofColorado air quality regulations (e.g., APEN reporting)
Ability to lead teams throughemergency response situations and system failures
Experience training or mentoring operators intechnical systems and safety practices
Familiarity withsteam distribution systems, tunnels, traps, and condensate systems
Previous experience in ahigher education, research, or large institutional environment
APPEAL RIGHTS:If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action.For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go tospb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, atspb.colorado.govunder Rules.
ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator atbenefits@mines.eduor call (303) 273-3052.
Supplemental Information
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator atbenefits@mines.edu.
Employer
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clickingthe "Printer" icon located above the job titleLocation varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
https://careers.colorado.gov/
