- If no date is displayed, applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis; however, this job posting may close at any time after a minimum of 5 days of being posted.
The starting pay rate for this position is $51.05 followed by an increase to $53.60 after completing probation (six months).
This job is eligible for relocation assistance to the Colorado Springs area.
Do you have control room experience in an electric power generating plant? Do you have a passion for optimizing plant operations and troubleshooting equipment problems? Do you enjoy working alongside other Control Room Operators (CRO) and Plant System Operators (PSO)? If so, this is the opportunity for you!
As a Control Room Operator, you'll monitor and operate distributed control systems and related computer systems to perform start-ups and shutdowns of plants and supporting equipment. You'll also be a lockout/tagout system expert with the ability to execute all LOTO program functions. Furthermore, you'll have the opportunity to learn, train, and guide PSO Apprentices, PSOs, CROs, and Step-Up CROs in operating plant assets across multiple plants.
- Monitoring and recording operating data from boilers, turbines, generators, switchboards, transmission lines, and auxiliary equipment
- Interpreting operating data and adjusting electronic and/or pneumatic control devices to start or stop boiler pump feeds, condensate, cooling water and fuel oil pumps, chemical feeders, compressors, cooling fans, and additional plant operating equipment
- Coordinating activities during plant shutdown and start-up procedures
- Identifying operating malfunctions, troubleshooting problems, and initiating work orders
- Adjusting combustion controls and monitoring environmental recorders to minimize plant emissions
- Contacting other system operations centers for readings and instructions regarding load requirements
- Performing tests and checks on unit protective devices to ensure reliability
- Responding to alarm situations, determining the nature of the problem, and taking appropriate action
- Following plant equipment operating procedures, environmental guidelines, and safety procedures
- Experience working in an electric power generating plant
- Completion of a Plant System Operator Apprenticeship program is valued
- Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required - this job requires operating Colorado Springs Utilities vehicles as an essential job function
The following knowledge and skills are highly valued for this position; be sure to highlight your expertise with any of these areas on your resume or application:
Thermal electric generating processes | Boiler and turbine/generator operating procedures | Plant emergency and safety procedures | Environmental guidelines | Electric distribution systems | Operation of combustion control systems | Monitoring and changing of boiler fuels | Troubleshooting plant processes | Synchronizing generators | Operation of circuit breakers | Monitoring and adjusting plant chemistry | Managing of stress during abnormal plant conditions | Reading and understanding technical manuals as well as mechanical and electrical drawings
- Exerts up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a small amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those required for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a small amount, a job should be rated Light Work when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree or when it requires sitting most of the time, but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls and/or when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is small. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding work even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.
- Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions and intense noises.
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.
- Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
- Personal Leave –3 days per year
- Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
- Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
- Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually
Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month
- Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
- Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
- Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
- Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
- Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP
- Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
- Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
- Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
- Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
- Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness
- All positions will be posted for a minimum of 5 calendar days.
- Starting pay will be determined within the posted pay range based on the experience, education, and training of the successful candidate; if there is a single pay rate posted, the job starts at that rate.
- Colorado Springs Utilities does not sponsor work visas of any kind, including H-1B, TN, or F-1 student visas (with or without OPT or STEM work authorization), or any other employment-based visas. All eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States and work authorization must not be based on any work visa.
Colorado Springs Utilities is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Colorado Springs Utilities is committed to the principles of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity in accord with Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act, 38 U.S.C. § 4212, as amended (VEVRAA), and § 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (§ 503). In addition, no person shall be unlawfully discriminated against because of race, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), age, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis protected under state or federal law. Human Resources shall assure Colorado Springs Utilities’ benefits, classification, compensation, employee development, employee relations, and employment programs, conform to current legal and regulatory requirements and the provisions of Colorado Springs Utilities’ Affirmative Action Plan in accordance with VEVRAA and § 503.
Accessibility Accommodations. If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tools to search and apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting us at accessibility@csu.org or by calling 719-668-7500. This option is reserved for individuals who are unable to use or require assistance with the online tools as the result of a disability and is not intended for other purposes.
E-Verify and Right to Work Notice. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Colorado Springs Utilities participates in E-Verify. For more information on your rights and responsibilities as an applicant, please visit: http://coloradospringsutilities.jobs/applicants-rights-and-responsibilities/. If you have a legal right to work in the United States, there are laws to protect you against discrimination in the workplace. You should know that no employer can deny you a job or fire you because of your national origin. Unless mandated by law or government contract, employers cannot require you to be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident or refuse any legally acceptable documents. If any of these things have happened to you, you may have a valid charge of discrimination that can be filed with the OSC. Contact the OSC for assistance in your own language. Call 1-800-255-7688. TDD for the hearing impaired is 1-800-237-2515. In the Washington, D.C., area, please call 202-616-5594, TDD 202-616-5525 Or write to: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Special Counsel NYA 950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20530.
Have a question? If you have a question about a position or need assistance from a recruiter, email us at csurecruiting@csu.org or call 719-668-7500.