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University of Minnesota

Senior Operating Engineer

🇺🇸 Duluth, Minnesota 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $31 per Hour 💻 Operations 🗓️ October 24th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

The University of Minnesota is hiring a Senior Operating Engineer responsible for operating, maintaining, monitoring, and repairing high and low pressure steam boilers and related equipment. The role requires safely managing a high-pressure steam plant, working rotating 24-hour shifts with minimal supervision, and performing both operational and maintenance tasks to ensure facility compliance and safety.

Highlights
  • Operate and maintain high pressure boilers and auxiliaries in accordance with plant regulations and safety standards.
  • Work rotating 24-hour shifts, often alone, and respond to boiler alarms and emergency service calls.
  • Perform maintenance tasks including inspection, repair, and preparation of boilers for yearly inspections.
  • Use computer systems for monitoring equipment and completing daily logs.
  • Hold a First Class Engineer License grade B or higher, with at least three years of steam plant operation and maintenance experience.
  • Physically able to lift 50 pounds and perform tasks requiring crawling, kneeling, and reading instrument panels.
  • Preferred experience with high-pressure steam heating systems operation and maintenance.
  • Earn a starting pay of $30.76 per hour, commensurate with education and experience.
  • Part of the Teamsters Local 320 employee class and eligible for overtime.
  • Benefit package includes competitive wages, paid holidays, medical and dental plans, retirement plans, tuition benefits, and employee support programs.

Senior Operating Engineer Full Description

Senior Operating Engineer
Job ID
376642
Location
Duluth
Job Family
LR-Service/Maintenance/Labor
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Job Code
6044
Employee Class
Teamsters Local 320

About the Job

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.


The Promotional Priority Period for current Teamster applicants begins 10/16/26 and ends 10/23/26.

Position Overview 

The primary purpose of this position is to operate, maintain, monitor, and repair high and low pressure steam boilers and related equipment.
Incumbent is responsible for safe operation of a high pressure steam plant in accordance with regulatory and State licensing requirements.
Incumbent will work a rotating 24 hour, 7-day shift schedule and be on shift alone for much of the rotation.

1.    Operating Shifts: (85%)

  • Required to work rotating shifts with little or no supervision.
  • Must complete Heating Plant specific training program and pass required exams.
  • Safely operate high pressure boilers and their auxiliaries within plant regulations and respond to boiler alarms and problems.
  • Operate and maintain feed water pumps, condensate pumps, compressors, water softeners, and other equipment in the Heating Plant and throughout the Campus.
  • Determine the steam pressure to be maintained and the number of boilers to operate.
  • Regulate steam pressure and water level on boilers and tanks.
  • Test/treat boiler water and condensate.
  • Monitor outlying boilers and equipment using computer monitoring system.
  • Check and change recording charts.
  • Take readings and complete daily log sheets timely and accurately.
  • Clean and adjust fuel oil strainers, tanks, and related equipment.
  • Make basic computer entries using personal computer and complete all required safety training.
  • Keep supervisor informed of potential problems.
  • Respond to emergency service calls during shift or after work hours.

2.  Maintenance Shifts: (15%)

  • Make campus rounds, inspect systems, and fill out log sheets.
  • Make repairs and adjustments to pumps, valves, boilers, compressors, and other equipment in the Heating Plant and throughout the Campus.
  • Dismantle equipment for inspection and repair.
  • Prepare boilers and boiler appliances for yearly inspection.
  • Close valves, drain boilers, remove manhole covers and hand hole plates, scrape drums and clean tubes.
  • Take periodic inventories of stock.
  • Complete work orders as assigned. 
  • Demonstrates courteous behavior to customers, workers, and members of the campus community.
  • Know and follow Safety procedures and policies.
  • Participate in team meetings and decision making within the work unit.
  • Perform other work as assigned by Supervisor.

Work Environment:
In-Person

This position is eligible for overtime and may have consecutive Sunday work. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • High School graduation or equivalent plus three years of experience working in the operation and maintenance at a steam plant and the appropriate licensure for the facility.
  • First Class Engineer License grade B or higher is required as appropriate to the facility.
  • Positions may require the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull 50 pounds or more. Positions may require the ability to crawl, crouch, kneel, stoop, grasp, and read instrument panels.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with the operation and maintenance of high-pressure steam heating systems is preferred.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range:
$30.76 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
  • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • University HSA contributions
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
  • Employee wellbeing program
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
  • Financial counseling services 
  • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.