Job Title: Central Plant Operator

Department: Central Plant

Campus Location: Main Campus

FLSA Status: Nonexempt/ Hourly

Position Type/ Work Schedule

• 2080 Hours per year
• 12 Months per year
• 40 Hours per week (Estimated)

About Us

At Colorado College, 2,300 students learn and live on our beautiful 99-acre campus in downtown Colorado Springs. We attract top students seeking new perspectives with an array of experiential learning opportunities possible only in an immersive learning environment. Here, students take only one class at a time to facilitate deep exploration of a topic. We call this the Block Plan. This unique approach allows members of our campus community to share a rhythm of experience as we work together to fulfill our mission.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for operating and maintaining industrial boilers, chillers, and refrigeration systems within the central heating plant. The role ensures the efficient and safe functioning of all equipment, performing routine servicing and troubleshooting to maintain optimal performance.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and operates high temperature hot water boiler system that provides central heat for campus buildings.
• Operates large chiller system and associated equipment for central air conditioning of campus buildings.
• Operates refrigeration system and associated equipment for ice arena.
• Performs preventive maintenance and completes work orders on boilers, chillers, cooling towers, air compressors, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, high temperature hot water distribution system and associated equipment.
• Ensures reliable, safe and most efficient operation of high temperature hot water boilers, distribution system and central chiller systems.
• Monitors energy management system and inputs adjustments in to the computer to change environmental operations in campus buildings.
• Receives technical service calls from campus, generates work orders in the computer, and coordinates with shops to ensure customer needs are satisfied.
• Responds to mechanical and electrical system alarms.
• Responds to campus facilities emergencies as needed.
• Actively support the college’s commitment to be an antiracist institution by understanding, engaging with, and promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in the college community.
• Promote a culture of safety and environmental protection by working in a safe manner; immediately reporting unsafe situations and accidents; following college procedures; and participating in appropriate safety training.
• Demonstrate environmental sustainability by using college resources wisely and supporting the college’s sustainability initiatives and innovation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduate plus specialized training in boiler and large chiller operations (or equivalent work experience)
• Minimum of three years related experience
• Knowledge of and ability to operate a personal computer, large boiler, chiller, and refrigeration equipment
• Working knowledge of pumps, motors, valves, pneumatic and electrical controls and instrumentation
• Ability to follow written, operational, and maintenance procedures;
• Ability to communicate effectively and develop positive relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds
• Knowledge of potential hazards and safety precautions
• Ability to use wrenches, screwdrivers, drills, grinders, power saws, maintenance tools, instrumentation, radio/paging equipment, computers.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is insurable by Colorado College’s motor vehicle insurance carrier.
• Good vision and hearing essential.
• Ability to work nights and weekends.

Physical requirements: include ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods of time;heavy physical effort to include exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing stairs and ladders, and working in very tight spaces and very high places;

Work Conditions: conditions frequently very noisy and dusty; works on systems where pressures exceed 150 pounds and temperatures exceed 300 degrees Fahrenheit; works around potentially dangerous chemicals such as ammonia and various water treatment chemicals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Building automation controls experience.

Applicants are welcome to apply even if you do not meet the preferred qualifications. We value diverse perspectives and encourage individuals with a genuine interest in the role to submit their applications. 

Other Position Details:

• Does not supervise others
• Position requires driving CC vehicles (drivers must be eligible for coverage under CC's insurance plan)

Application Instructions

• Continuous Recruitment - for full consideration, apply by: 2/24/2026
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.  

In alignment with our commitment to reduce potential bias in hiring, applicants may redact any information that discloses their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance/graduation from educational institutions on resumes, certifications, transcripts, or other application materials. There will be no penalties for the omission of such information.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range:

• $24.89 to $29.87 per hour

What We Offer:

As part of the total compensation for Staff and Faculty roles, we offer a competitive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid vacation and sick time - accrual of 0.085 vacation hours for each hour worked and 0.0462 hours of sick time for each hour worked
• Paid seasonal breaks and holidays
• 403(b) retirement plans where employees contribute 5% of pay and CC contributes 10%
• Tuition benefits for employee and eligible dependents
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Assistance Program
• Wellness benefits include free access to the sports center, swimming pool, arts and crafts, outdoor programs, and financial consultants

Benefits and Wellness Information:

Please refer to our Benefits Page

Accommodation Statement:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Colorado College’s policies, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Colorado College, or if you cannot use the online application system, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (719) 389-6421 or HR@ColoradoCollege.edu

E-Verify Information:

This organization participates in E-Verify. For more information, visit www.e-verify.gov

Leave Information:

Please refer to https://www.coloradocollege.edu/basics/welcome/leadership/policies/vacation-leave-and-accrual.html