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Posted June 04, 2026

Heating/Cooling Plant Operator III

University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky, United States 40502 Full Time
Reference: 285056756

University of Kentucky

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status.

Posting Details
Posting Details

Job Title Heating/Cooling Plant Operator III
Requisition Number RE54628
Working Title
Department Name 3CU00:Utilities & Energy Management
Work Location Lexington, KY
Grade Level 41
Salary Range $15.83-25.30/hour
Type of Position Staff
Position Time Status Full-Time
Required Education

HS
Click here for more information about equivalencies:
Required Related Experience

5 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Standing or walking with objects up to 50lbs; Repetitive motion. May be exposed to loud noises, fumes, confined spaces, and/or temperature extremes while reviewing a job-site(s).
Shift
Shifts [7:30am – 4:15pm]. Hours of work may vary dependent upon situational factors and crisis management, requiring some night(s), weekend(s), and/or holiday(s) response.
Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Utilities Systems Supervisor, this position works as the team leader and is responsible for duties relative to maintenance, installation, and operation of equipment to maintain steam pressure/chilled systems.

Primary duties of this position and the team for which it leads include, but are not limited to:
  • focusing on preventative maintenance with all H/C Plant equipment
  • assisting in maintenance and safe operation of mechanical and pneumatic equipment at the H/C Plants
  • maintaining records of maintenance and repair
  • maintaining, installing, and operating equipment at H/C Plants
  • maintaining proper steam pressure and chilled water temperatures
  • maintaining/operating boilers and associated equipment
  • filling and draining boilers
  • assisting in training and monitoring of General Maintenance Worker IIs in coal bed/boiler operations
  • feeding coal into boilers
  • maintaining a uniform coal bed
  • removing ashes and emptying coal accumulation
  • keeping job site clean
  • responding to emergency situations and other duties as assigned


Must be able to work overtime when required. In addition, this position requires frequent climbing to various height levels; crawling into tight places; lifting, pushing, and/or pulling of 50 lbs. or more. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be frequently exposed to extreme temperature conditions (boiler room, steam pits, outdoor weather, etc.), hazardous chemicals, and fumes.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
MS Windows/Office; SAP; KRONOS; Driver’s License. Preferred – Experience with building and equipment maintenance; HVAC troubleshooting and repair experience. Ability to work different shifts and overtime as needed.
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
High School + 5 Years
Deadline to Apply 06/16/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.


Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Describe how your skills and experience make you a good fit for this position.

    (Open Ended Question)

  2. * Indicate your amount of paid work experience maintaining mechanical and pneumatic equipment.
    • None
    • More than 0, up through 6 months
    • More than 6 months, up through 1 year
    • More than 1 year, up through 2 years
    • More than 2 years, up through 3 years
    • More than 3 years
  3. * Please indicate the number of years of paid experience you have maintaining and operating chillers, compressors, underground distribution lines, towers, pumps, and auxiliary equipment.
    • None
    • More than 0, up through 1 year
    • More than 1 year, up through 3 years
    • More than 3 years, up through 5 years
    • More than 5 years
  4. * The essential functions of this position require you to work at various height levels; in confined spaces and extreme weather/temperature conditions; be able to identify standard wiring colors, and; push, pull, or lift objects over 50 lbs. Can you meet these requirements with or without reasonable accommodations?
    • Yes
    • No

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
  1. Resume
Optional Documents




    Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

    PI285056756

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