Power Plant Operator​/Mechanic

Overview

Working Title:
Power Plant Operator / Mechanic

State Role

Title:

Trades Technician III

Position Type: Full-time Staff ( Classified )

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt:
Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Business Services

Department: 100264 - Power Plant E&G

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $44,000 - $50,500

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 9/18/2025

James Madison University is a publicly funded university with a beautiful campus and a supportive community that is committed to preparing students for the future. The university offers excellent comprehensive benefits which include paid vacation, sick, parental, and community service leave in addition to 19 paid holidays a year; affordable health insurance; retirement through the Virginia Retirement System. We also offer a work-life balance and integration program, Balanced Dukes, that is designed to support the overall wellbeing of our employees and a Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.

Visit our Prospective Employee site to learn more about what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

The Facilities Management Department at James Madison University is currently seeking multiple qualified applicants for the position of Power Plant Operator / Mechanic. Applicants must be available to work all shifts.

• Installs, modifies, overhauls, repairs, and maintains boilers and associated auxiliary equipment, steam distribution, and condensate return lines throughout the university.
• Prepares accurate, complete, and up-to-date records of actions taken and assures documentation is properly signed and coordinated in a timely manner.
• Troubleshoots problem areas and inspects for defective equipment and faulty components. Tests system operation and detects component malfunctions.
• Operates boilers and auxiliary equipment within designed parameters to ensure proper operation, efficiency, and safety of the plant.
• Uses safe practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations.
• Trains and teaches other employees about proper procedures, repair techniques, and safety issues.
• The employee in this role will be required to work a variety of shift schedules as a primary operator/maintenance mechanic within a centralized steam generation/chiller plant production facility. JMU will provide all training required to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform duties and responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of applicable safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Working skills include the use of hand and power tools, welding, and cutting equipment.
- Mechanical abilities including:
- maintaining and repairing power plant and related equipment;
- troubleshooting and diagnosing a variety of mechanical problems;
- ability to read and interpret gauges, recorders, and monitoring equipment.
- Ability to perform simple record-keeping tasks.
- Valid driver's license.

Additional Considerations:
- A current Facilities Operator Engineer certification (1st, 2nd, or 3rd class) or the willingness to obtain the certification.
- Competitive candidates should possess knowledge of all aspects of operation, repair, and maintenance procedures to power plant equipment: boilers, pumps, valves, chillers, cooling towers, controls, 3-phase electric motors, and steam distribution systems.

Conditions of Employment:

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and an acceptable MVR.

E-Verify Notice:
After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

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