Utility Power Plant Apprentice or Operator

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Closing Date:

11/25/2026

Type of Position:

Skilled Crafts and TradesNo

Job Type:

RegularNo

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.

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

Department:

Plant Operations & Maintenance

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 and on-call status. 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.

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 6 months of experience with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field and certification as a Arkansas Boiler Operator.

Apprentice III:

• At least 18 months of experience with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field OR Successful completion of all academic and practical requirements of the approved Utilities Operator Apprentice Program Level II as determined by the needs of the department.

Apprentice IV:

• At least 30 months of experience with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field or Successful completion of all academic and practical requirements of the approved Utilities Operator Apprentice Program Level III as determined by the needs of the department.

Operator I:

• 42 months of experience working with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field; or completion of approved Utilities Operator Apprentice program Academic and Practical requirements as determined by the needs of the department.

Operator II:

• Five (5) years of experience working with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field or 1 year of experience as a UARK Utilities Operator 1 and a minimum of 600 hours of Board Operator Watch experience

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

Qualification Equivalencies:

Applicable equivalencies may be considered on the qualification listed above.

Additional 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 experienceResumeProof of Veteran StatusNate Bearden, Assistant Director of Utility Operations, [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:

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 applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes