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Power Plant Operator – Wade Utility Plant
Purdue University – West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University invites you to bring your technical expertise and dedication to reliable operations as part of the Wade Utility Plant team. As a Power Plant Operator, you will play a vital role in ensuring consistent, efficient, and safe operations that keep our campus running. This position offers opportunities to grow technical skills with advanced systems, gain certifications through structured training, and contribute to an environment committed to service, innovation, and collaboration.

What You’ll Do

• Become proficient in the operation of assigned equipment, including auxiliary equipment, pumps, fans, steam turbines, electric motors, and air compressors
• Operate and monitor water purification systems (Demineralizer and wastewater neutralization)
• Monitor and maintain tank levels, quality control, and deaerator storage systems
• Calculate chemical solutions for boiler water treatment under direction of Quality Control
• Interface with computer control systems to access, log, trend, and interpret data
• Provide insights and recommendations on system performance and equipment operations
• Operate automated ash removal systems and assist in boiler operations
• Support other departments with maintenance, coal crew, and reduced operations activities
• Maintain cleanliness and complete structured training programs (Skills Inventory I, II, III)

Work Schedule

• Wade Utility Plant is a 24/7 operation
• Shifts vary during training and may include nights, weekends, and holidays
• Availability for callback operations and overtime is required

What We’re Looking For

• Strong mechanical and technical aptitude with the ability to learn complex systems
• Ability to calculate and apply equations for water chemistry treatments
• Comfort working with computer-based monitoring and control systems
• Commitment to safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Flexibility to adapt to a rotating schedule and on-demand operations

What We Offer

At Purdue, we don’t just provide an essential service — we invest in people. As part of our team, you will gain:

• Technical training and progression opportunities through our structured Skills Inventory program
• Job security in a critical operations role vital to the university’s mission
• A culture of collaboration where your role directly supports research, teaching, and student life
• Comprehensive benefits including health, retirement, paid time off, tuition discounts, and access to Purdue’s employee development resources
• Join us in powering one of the nation’s leading research universities and take part in meaningful work that supports the success of thousands every day

About Us

The Wade Utilities Department supplies and distributes steam, chilled water and electricity to the West Lafayette campus via the Wade Utility Plant and the Northwest Chiller Plant. This department also manages and maintains the potable water system – pumping, treating and distributing water campus wide. 

When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation. 

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• High School Degree or High School Equivalency (HSE)
• One (1) year experience in the operation of some type of industrial equipment
  • The operation of fans, compressors, pumps, farm machinery, or other relevant types of rotating, stamping, or moving equipment
  • The equipment may be electric, steam, hydraulic or air driven
• Must pass departmental Training Skills Inventory 1 in first 90 days of employment
• Valid Driver’s License required

Skills Needed:

• Proven basic math skills, verbal and written communication skills required
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude required
• Ability to take advanced departmental training to learn other positions in the power plant required
• Must be able to lift and carry 25 lbs. to 50 lbs. frequently and up to 60 lbs. occasionally

Preferred:

• Knowledge of:
  • water treatment systems, including chemical measuring/handling
  • either steam, electric, hydraulic of air powered equipment preferred. 
• Ability to perform basic computer operations required, knowledge and experience entering or retrieving word and or excel documents

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream

Fire, Police, and Skilled Trades 1

• Pay Band S055
• Job Code #20003673

Career pathmaker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

EOE

Purdue University is an EOE employer.