Utility Plant Operator Apprentice & Power Plant Operator

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Closing Date:
10/08/2026
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Type of Position:
Skilled Crafts and Trades

Workstudy Position:

No
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Job Type:
Regular

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Work Shift:

Shift Vary (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available:

No
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Institution Name:
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Appli­cants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

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Department:
Central Utility Operations

Department's Website:

https://fama.uark.edu/
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Summary of Job Duties:
Both the Power Plant Operator and the Utility Plant Operator Apprentice positions are responsible for executing comprehensive Operations and Maintenance (O&M) functions across utility plants, control rooms, distribution locations, utility tunnels, and building utility rooms on a rotating 24-hour shift schedule. Personnel in these roles ensure the safe and reliable operation of plant equipment and engineering systems by proactively identifying issues, executing necessary corrective actions, and maintaining utility distribution infrastructure through regular inspections, preventive maintenance, repairs, component replacements, and new system installations.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job function of this job, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.
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Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma

• Valid Driver's License in good standing

• Ability to obtain DOT Gas Operator’s License and an Arkansas Boiler Operators License within 6 months of employment

AND

Apprentice I

• No additional experience required

Apprentice II

• At least one year of experience with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

Apprentice III

• At least two years of experience with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

Apprentice IV

• At least three years of experience with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

Operator I

• Four (4) years of experience working with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

Operator II

• Five (5) years of experience working with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

Operator III

• Seven (7) years of experience working with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

Applicable equivalencies may be considered on the above qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Arkansas Boiler Operator’s License

• DOT Gas Operator License

• OSHA certification

• Completion of required education or training along with Journeyman certification in one of the following skilled trades: Electrician, Plumber, or HVAC Mechanic

• Completion of UARK Apprenticeship Training Program

• One (1) Year Experience with working with the FAMIS CMMS System or equivalent

• Experience with leading or managing a team

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to maintain Arkansas Boiler Operator’s License

• Ability to maintain DOT Gas Operator License

• Knowledge of methods, best practices, safety procedures, laws, and regulations relating to Utility Plant Operations and Mechanical Code

• Ability to read blueprints, manuals, schematics, building plans, and one-line drawings

• Ability to use power tools, machinery, and hand tools associated with skilled trades

• Able to work varying hours and be able to work for extended periods of time when necessary

• Ability to lift 50lbs, stand for extended periods, open/close valves, reach overhead, and bend at the waist and knees

• Ability to evaluate situations and make good decisions based on sound judgment

• Knowledge and use of a CMMS/Work Order Management system, mobile technology

• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office programs e.g., Email and spreadsheets

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Apprentice I: $39,930
Apprentice II: $43,923
Apprentice III: $46,383
Apprentice IV: $51,021
Operator I: $56,123
Operator II: $61,735
Operator III: 63,138

All levels are commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

None

Optional Documents

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, License or Certificate (see special instructions for submission instructions), Proof of Veteran Status, Resume

Recruitment Contact Information:

Troy Vela, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, [email protected]

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site  https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

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Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check, Sex Offender Registry, Substance Abuse Testing

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for appli