Plant Operator

Company Description

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Position Purpose:

The Hospital Central Utility Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and continuous operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the hospital’s central utility plant systems. These systems include low-pressure boilers, chillers, refrigeration equipment, HVAC systems, emergency power generation, and associated mechanical and electrical equipment. The position is critical to ensuring uninterrupted utility services that support patient care and hospital operations in compliance with City of Detroit, State of Michigan, and regulatory standards.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Operate, monitor, and maintain low-pressure boilers, chillers, refrigeration systems, HVAC equipment, pumps, compressors, cooling towers, and related auxiliary systems.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal codes, including City of Detroit ordinances, OSHA regulations, and hospital safety standards.
• Perform routine inspections, testing, and operational adjustments to maintain optimal plant performance and energy efficiency.
• Respond promptly to system alarms, equipment malfunctions, and emergency situations to prevent service interruptions.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and reports of plant operations, maintenance activities, and regulatory inspections.
• Coordinate with maintenance staff, contractors, and supervisors on repairs, shutdowns, and system upgrades.
• Monitor building automation systems (BAS) and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Support emergency power operations, including generators and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems.
• Follow all infection control, safety, and hospital operational procedures.
• Assist with training of junior operators or apprentices as assigned.
• Perform related duties as required.

Work Environment:

• Ability to work in hot, cold, noisy, and industrial environments.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background:

• High School Diploma/GED is required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience operating central utility plant equipment in a hospital, healthcare, or large industrial/institutional setting.
• Experience with energy management systems and sustainability initiatives.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of boiler operations, refrigeration cycles, HVAC systems, electrical fundamentals, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and control diagrams.
• Familiarity with Joint Commission and healthcare regulatory requirements.
• Strong understanding of boiler and refrigeration safety procedures.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical and electrical systems.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to safety and reliability.
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, overtime, and emergency call-ins as needed.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training:

• Technical or trade school training preferred.
• Valid City of Detroit Low Pressure Boiler Operator License.
• Valid City of Detroit 1st Class Refrigeration Operator License.
• Additional trade certifications (electrical, HVAC, or mechanical).
• Must successfully pass background checks, and medical evaluation.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, climb ladders, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Additional Information

Benefits: Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement. Pay and benefits for employees represented by a union are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.