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Full Consideration Date:
06/18/2026
Job Description:
Utility Plant Operator Trainee: Under direct supervision, receives work experience and related training instruction to develop the knowledge and skill necessary to perform at the journey level upon completion of the training program to operate power plant auxiliary systems and assist in all aspects of plant operations. Participates in training that is required to progress to eligibility for the Utility Plant Operator I classification.
Utility Plant Operator I: Under general supervision, is responsible for operation of power plant auxiliary systems and assisting Utility Plant Operator II personnel, and other employees, in all aspects of plant operations; as well as coal and yard operations and limited maintenance activities.
Utility Plant Operator II: Under general supervision, operate all plant auxiliary equipment and systems. Operate solid fuel boilers. Make rounds and record readings, throughout the plant, to monitor all plant equipment.
Utility Plant Operator III: Under general supervision, operates boilers, operates turbine driven generators, chilled water production equipment, and associated auxiliaries; and coordinates power plant equipment operations with Utility Plant Operator II and Utility Plant Operator I personnel.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
Utility Plant Operator Trainee: Ability to read, write, and follow instructions. Upon completion of the training program, must be able to meet the minimum eligibility requirements for the Utility Plant Operator I classification.
Utility Plant Operator I: Must have a high school diploma or GED; and two years of experience in an industrial plant, process plant or power plant, operating boilers, pumps, fans, conveyors or other similar equipment.
Utility Plant Operator II: Must have a high school diploma or GED, and three years experience in an industrial plant, process plant or power plant, operating boilers, pumps, fans, conveyors or other similar equipment including a minimum of one year experience in the operation of coal and/or gas/oil fired water tube boilers and related plant equipment including pumps, fans, conveyors and other similar equipment; and possession of a license similar to the National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE) or State of Minnesota Second Class Engineer license or ability to become licensed within 6 months.
Utility Plant Operator III: Must have a high school diploma or GED, and four years experience in an industrial plant, process plant or power plant, operating boilers, pumps, fans, conveyors or other similar equipment. A minimum of two years of the experience must be in the operation of coal and/or gas/oil fired water tube boilers, steam turbine generators and related plant equipment including pumps, fans, conveyors and other similar equipment; and possession of a license similar to the National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIULPE) or State of Minnesota First Class-A Engineer license or ability to become licensed within 6 months.
Position Details:
Job Category: Merit
Service Schedule: Calendar Year
Shift: Second Shift
Work Schedule: Varied schedule, to be determined.
Pay Grade: Utility Plant Operator I: 11/6, Utility Plant Operator II: 13/6, Utility Plant Operator III: 15/6
Starting Hourly Wage: Utility Plant Operator Trainee: $24.41; Utility Plant Operator I: $26.64; Utility Plant Operator II: $29.09, Utility Plant Operator III: $31.74. This position would also receive an additional $1.25 shift differential.
Application Instructions:
All application materials received by June 18, 2026, will be given full consideration. To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. A resume and cover letter are not required for this position but can be attached when applying. If you have questions regarding this application process, please email careers-support@uni.edu or call 319-273-2422.
Iowa's cost of living is among the lowest in the nation and the Common Sense Institute ranks Iowa #1 for paycheck stretch. UNI enhances this advantage with an excellent benefits package for eligible non-temporary positions. Visit our Compensation Tools page to explore your estimated total compensation, compare Waterloo-Cedar Falls cost of living to other major cities or review the paycheck stretch ranking details. Learn more about the Cedar Valley at https://livethevalley.com/.
If you would like general assistance with the application process or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resource Services at hrs-employment@uni.edu or call (319) 273-2422.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
UNI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.
Campus Security & Crime Statistics, in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, information on crime statistics for recent years, Public Safety personnel and programs, building access, reporting crimes, safety suggestions, and policies, programs, and services regarding alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse, is available in the UNI Annual Security and Fire Report. A paper copy is available from the Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614. Department of Public Safety, 030 Gilchrist Hall, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA 50614.
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Why UNI?
A great place to work.
The University of Northern Iowa provides a high-quality and diverse educational experience, purposefully guiding students to find and develop their strengths and prepare them for success after college. Building on its historic excellence in teacher education, the university has developed outstanding programs in business, natural sciences, humanities and fine arts, and social and behavioral sciences with advanced degrees available in many programs.
One of three state universities, UNI enjoys national recognition for its high educational standards and possesses a distinctive mission of being the comprehensive state university for Iowa. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UNI in the top two among Midwest public universities.
The university’s attractive size, nearly 10,500 students, allows it to offer faculty, facilities and academic choices characteristic of a much larger university while retaining a friendly, small-college atmosphere on a park-like campus.
Experiential learning opportunities such as undergraduate research, internships, student teaching, international study programs, community service and cooperative education create a classroom connection with real-world experience. A rigorous liberal arts curriculum equips students with a broad understanding and knowledge of how to apply and acquire new information throughout life.
Activities on campus are plentiful for both students and the community. The university offers a full calendar of fine and performing arts events offered by music and theatre students, many of which take place in the acoustically outstanding Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center (GBPAC). The GBPAC also hosts numerous national touring acts as part of its artist series. Panther athletics sponsors 17 varsity intercollegiate sports. Fans can see all UNI teams in action in the McLeod Center, UNI-Dome, West Gym and other campus complexes.
For more information, visit www.uni.edu.
A great place to live.
UNI is located in picturesque Cedar Falls, Iowa, a riverfront town with many recreational, cultural and entertainment opportunities. Downtown Cedar Falls was named one of the “30 Most Charming College Town Main Streets of 2019” by Best Value Schools. The metro community of Cedar Falls/Waterloo has a combined population of 170,000 and offers a pleasant residential setting with a strong and growing industrial base. Cedar Falls is a friendly, affordable community located about 300 miles from Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City and Chicago. For more information about our community, visit the Cedar Falls/Waterloo Community webpage.
Employee Benefits
The University of Northern Iowa believes that our employees are our most valuable resource. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the demands of each individual's life at work as well as at home. Employees are encouraged to participate in any or all of our benefit programs.
The University provides a comprehensive benefits package. Our benefits package enables us to be highly competitive within the Cedar Valley—and within the state.