Heating/Cooling Plant Operator III

Job Title
Heating/Cooling Plant Operator III

Requisition Number
RE54628

Working Title

Department Name
3CU00:Utilities & Energy Management

Work Location
Lexington, KY

Grade Level
41

Salary Range
$15.83-25.30/hour

Type of Position
Staff

Position Time Status
Full-Time

Required Education

HS

Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies

Required Related Experience

5 yrs

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Standing or walking with objects up to 50lbs; Repetitive motion. May be exposed to loud noises, fumes, confined spaces, and/or temperature extremes while reviewing a job-site(s).

Shift

Shifts [7:30am – 4:15pm]. Hours of work may vary dependent upon situational factors and crisis management, requiring some night(s), weekend(s), and/or holiday(s) response.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Utilities Systems Supervisor, this position works as the team leader and is responsible for duties relative to maintenance, installation, and operation of equipment to maintain steam pressure/chilled systems.

Primary duties of this position and the team for which it leads include, but are not limited to:

• focusing on preventative maintenance with all H/C Plant equipment
• assisting in maintenance and safe operation of mechanical and pneumatic equipment at the H/C Plants
• maintaining records of maintenance and repair
• maintaining, installing, and operating equipment at H/C Plants
• maintaining proper steam pressure and chilled water temperatures
• maintaining/operating boilers and associated equipment
• filling and draining boilers
• assisting in training and monitoring of General Maintenance Worker IIs in coal bed/boiler operations
• feeding coal into boilers
• maintaining a uniform coal bed
• removing ashes and emptying coal accumulation
• keeping job site clean
• responding to emergency situations and other duties as assigned

Must be able to work overtime when required. In addition, this position requires frequent climbing to various height levels; crawling into tight places; lifting, pushing, and/or pulling of 50 lbs. or more. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be frequently exposed to extreme temperature conditions (boiler room, steam pits, outdoor weather, etc.), hazardous chemicals, and fumes.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

MS Windows/Office; SAP; KRONOS; Driver’s License. Preferred – Experience with building and equipment maintenance; HVAC troubleshooting and repair experience. Ability to work different shifts and overtime as needed.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No

Preferred Education/Experience

High School + 5 Years

Deadline to Apply
06/16/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.