Plant Operator Lead

Reporting to a Power Plant Operator Shift Supervisor, the Plant Operator Lead will assist the supervisor in setting work priorities, assigning work, and overseeing daily operations or special projects. Additionally, the Lead will:
• Provide input to supervisor for evaluation and training of employees.
• Document work performed in the Facilities Work Order System.
• Optimize use of personnel.
• Perform the duties of the Power Plant Shift Supervisor in their absence.
• Operate coal, gas, oil fired boilers, and related plant equipment.
• Operate air pollution control equipment.
• Perform preventative maintenance on plant equipment including lubrication as required.
• Perform water handling and testing including regeneration of demineralizers, condensate polishers, and domestic softeners.
• Operate loader and coal delivery/storage systems as required.
• Operate steam turbine generator and auxiliary equipment.
• Perform routine cleaning/housekeeping duties.

• Considerable experience as a Power Plant or Boiler Operator.
• Strong mechanical experience.
• Experience providing preventative maintenance to plant/boiler or related equipment.
• Experience performing water analysis and softener regeneration procedures.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to plan, schedule and direct the work of others.
• American Society of Power Engineers Power Plant Engineer 1st Class (PO1) or equivalent or the ability to obtain within 18 months.
• Computer proficient to be able to use a computer based work order system.
• Ability to interpret instructions and complete assignments as part of a team.
• Ability to operate bucket loader.
• Ability to operate coal storage and delivery systems.
• Strong communication skills, with a proven record of providing excellent customer service, and the ability to interact with a diverse University Community.
• Ability to safely and frequently move and handle heavy objects weighing 50 pounds or more; climb and work from elevated work stations such as ladders and scaffolds; climb steps and ladders up to four stories; work for long periods of time standing, sitting, walking, reaching, bending, crouching and/or kneeling, pushing/pulling and working in confined spaces, in extreme heat and dusty environments.
• Though work is performed primarily indoors, must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.
• Ability to work shift work.
• This position is designated as “Emergency Personnel.”
• Must be available as situations warrant for response to after hours and weekend calls.
• Ability to report to work within one hour in emergency situations.

• Previous supervisory experience.
• Experience working in higher education or institutional setting.
• Turbine operation experience.
• American Society of Power Engineers Power Plant Chief (PPC) license or equivalent.

3

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Regular

$80,000; commensurate with experience

40

August 14, 2026

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

This position has been designated by the university as essential to university operations. As emergency personnel, you will be required to report to work during emergency situations and authorized closings.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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