<p>Northern Illinois University is a world-class, research-focused public institution that attracts students from across Illinois, the country and the world. NIU's vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach. Our mission is to empower students through educational excellence and experiential learning as we pursue knowledge, share our research and artistry, and engage communities for the benefit of the region, state, nation and world.</p> <p>The Steam & Power Plant position supports the University's essential utility infrastructure by ensuring the continuous, safe, and efficient production of steam, hot water, heating, and cooling services. As part of a 24/7/365 essential operations unit, this role requires operational flexibility, technical competency, and professionalism in both routine and emergency conditions.</p> <p>Position Summary</p> <p>Under the general supervision of Steam & Power Plant V and direct supervision of Steam & Power Plant IVs, this position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation, monitoring, and maintenance of high-pressure boilers and associated auxiliary equipment. The role ensures uninterrupted utility service to university facilities and supports overall campus operations.</p> <p>Essential Duties and Responsibilities</p> <p>Boiler Operator Duties - 30%</p> <ul> <li>Perform duties to operate high-pressure boilers safely and efficiently </li><li>Check gauges and log the boilers regularly </li><li>Check and adjust continuous and manual blow down valves </li></ul> <p>Record Keeping and Water Testing - 30%</p> <ul> <li>Maintain records and documentation on all water testing and treatment </li><li>Test boiler water, treating the boiler water with needed chemicals always using extreme caution while handling these chemicals as well as following established safety procedures </li><li>Keep chemical tanks filled and make needed adjustments to feed water and chemical pumps </li></ul> <p>Scheduled Preventative Maintenance Task - 10%</p> <ul> <li>Perform maintenance and preventive maintenance on high pressure boilers and auxiliary equipment </li><li>Clean boilers inside and out, including mud and steam drums </li></ul> <p>Maintain Campus Softwater Systems - 10%</p> <ul> <li>Regenerate water softeners as needed and make sure brine tank has proper amount of salt and water </li></ul> <p>Housekeeping - 10%</p> <ul> <li>Keep boiler room clean by sweeping and mopping as often as needed to keep boiler room and the shop area clean </li><li>Keep boiler room safe by picking up and storing all equipment properly </li></ul> <p>Trouble/Comfort Calls - 5%</p> <ul> <li>Answer the telephone and relay messages in a courteous, professional, and timely manner </li></ul> <p>Other Duties as Assigned - 5%</p> <ul> <li>Perform miscellaneous, related duties as assigned </li></ul> <p>Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)</p> <ul> <li>High school diploma or equivalent. </li><li>One (1) year (12 months) of work experience in a position comparable to the Steam and Power Plant I. </li><li>Possession of valid/current licenses and certificates, as required by the employing institution. </li></ul> <p>Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)</p> <ul> <li>Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses repair, and maintenance; power plant equipment, steam-generating equipment, and pollution-control devices. </li><li>Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote the effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions. </li><li>Knowledge of systems such as word processing, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology system software. </li><li>Skill in operation monitoring: watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. </li><li>Ability and willingness to follow both oral and written directions. </li><li>Ability to work with others. </li><li>Ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. </li><li>Ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without fatiguing. </li><li>Ability to listen and understand information presented by others and to communicate information and ideas so others can understand. </li><li>Ability to tell when something is wrong or likely to go wrong. </li></ul> <p>Specialty Factors (Civil Service)</p> <ul> <li>Valid, current driver's license as required by the State of Illinois for the type(s) of motor vehicle(s) to be operated </li></ul> <p>Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)</p> <p>None</p> <p>Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)</p> <p>N/A</p> <p>Additional Requirements (SPS)</p> <p>N/A</p> <p>Preferred Qualifications (SPS)</p> <p>N/A</p> <p>Physical demands/requirements</p> <ul> <li>Ability to lift and maneuver up to 100 pounds, including a vertical lift of at least 30 inches. </li><li>Ability to work at elevations up to 50 feet above floor level. </li><li>Ability to work in tight-fitting, dark, and OSHA-classified confined spaces without experiencing claustrophobia. Must be able to enter elliptical openings as small as 11½ inches by 16 inches. </li><li>Ability to climb ladders and perform work at heights. </li><li>Ability to work in extreme environmental conditions ranging from -60°F wind chill to 160°F while adhering to safe work practices. </li><li>Ability to perform assigned duties while wearing OSHA-required personal protective equipment (PPE), including air filtration/respiratory protection equipment. </li></ul>