Utility Plant Operator Apprentice & Power Plant Operator

Location: Fayetteville, AR

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Closing Date

11/09/2026

Type of Position:Skilled Crafts and Trades

Workstudy Position

No

Job Type:Regular

Work Shift

Shift Vary (United States of America)

Sponsorship Available

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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Department:Plant Operations & Maintenance

Department's Website

https://fama.uark.edu/

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. 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 one year of experience with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

Apprentice III

At least two years of experience with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

Apprentice IV

At least three years of experience with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

Operator I

Four (4) years of experience working with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

Operator II

Five (5) years of experience working with troubleshooting and performing corrective maintenance on Industrial and commercial chillers, boilers, turbines; or related field

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: