Heat & Water Plant Operator Trainee

Posting Details

Posting Details

Job Title Heat & Water Plant Operator Trainee Posting Number S01441P Type of Appointment FTF; Full-Time Fixed Posting Category Service/Skilled Crafts

Funding Information

MSU Salary Grade 475 Salary Range for Job Posting 14.27

Recruitment Recommendations

Anticipated Employment Start Date for Position 11/01/2026 Open Date Close Date Open Until Filled Yes

Position details

Advertisement Wording

Heat & Water Plant Operator Trainee

Department: Power Plant

Position Type: Full-Time Staff

Application Deadline: October 27, 2026

Join Morehead State University

Morehead State University is seeking a Heat & Water Plant Operator Trainee to join the Power Plant team. The anticipated start date is November 2, 2026.

The primary responsibility of the Heating and Water Plant Operator Trainee is the production of steam and bacteriologically free and potable water for human consumption in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Incumbent also monitors equipment, performs maintenance and repair in the plant and field and carries out other routine plumbing and electrical tasks.

Why Morehead State?

This gorgeous 700-acre campus, adjacent to downtown, is home to several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded in 1887 as Morehead Normal School, Morehead State University was established to educate and train more teachers for this rural area. This institution underwent numerous name changes until finally becoming Morehead State University in 1966.

Located in Morehead, Kentucky, Morehead State University offers the best of both worlds; a welcoming campus community surrounded by the natural beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest and convenient access to larger cities including Lexington, Louisville, and Cincinnati. Morehead also offers abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, boating, camping, and other activities at nearby Cave Run Lake and throughout the region.

MSU is a comprehensive, regionally focused university serving about 8,500 students with high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs. Our student-focused environment is built on meaningful relationships, small class sizes, dedicated faculty and staff, and a commitment to student success.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent
• At least one year of mechanical experience.
• Must achieve a Water Treatment Plant Operator Class III A Certification within forty-two (42) months from date of employment according to the following schedule: First fifteen months - achieve Class IA Certification; within 30 months -achieve Class IIA Certification; and within 42 months - achieve Class IIIA Certification.
• Valid Kentucky driver's license and good physical condition.

Applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will not be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but are not required:

• Additional education in science and math, additional mechanical and welding experience and heavy equipment operation.

What We Offer

Morehead State University is committed to supporting the success and well-being of our employees. Eligible employees may have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits
• Paid vacation, sick, and holiday leave
• Tuition assistance/education benefits
• Plus, many more voluntary benefits

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and applicable University policies.

Visa Sponsorship

This position is not budgeted for visa sponsorship.

How to Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, complete the MSU Application for Employment and submit the following:

• Resume
• Name and contact information for three professional references

Apply online at:

https://moreheadstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/search

For preferred consideration, please apply by October 27, 2026. Review of applications will begin after the application deadline and continue until the position is filled.

Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Office of Human Resources at (606) 783-2097.

Questions regarding this position may be directed to Darnell Tackett, Search Committee Chair, at b.tackett@moreheadstate.edu.

Morehead State University is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Organizational Relationships

The Heating and Water Plant Operator Trainee reports to the Operations Coordinator and/or a designated Class IIIA Certified Water Plant Operator. This position interacts with other Facilities Management employees.

Physical Requirements Working Conditions

Forty hour work week will be swing shift. Necessary to work on holidays when scheduled or during emergencies. Overtime may be required. Operators work with hazardous and dangerous chemicals, gases, high pressure steam, high noise levels, and dusty conditions. Works in hot, humid, and tight places. Operators work around high voltage switch gears and work in confined spaces.

Special Information/Instructions to Applicants

Reference Requests

Reference Request Details

Accept References No Minimum Requests 0 Maximum Requests

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Do you have at least one year of mechanical experience?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you possess a high school diploma or G.E.D.?

• Yes

• No

• • With regard to employment eligibility, will you now or in the future require employer immigration sponsorship in order to work at Morehead State University?

• Yes

• No

• • Do you have the legal right to work in the United States? Federal law requires that employers hire only individuals who are authorized to be lawfully employed in the United States. In compliance with such laws, MSU will verify the status of every individual offered employment and all offers of employment are subject to verification of the applicant's identity and employment authorization. It will be necessary for you to submit such documents as required by law to verify your identification and employment authorization.

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume Including Names and Contact Information for Three References

Optional Documents

• Letter of Application (Cover Letter)
• Additional Support Document #1