Power Plant Operator

Department: Facilities & Campus Operations

Classification: Utility Plant Specialist 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On-Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 03

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience ($57000)

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check: Yes

About the Department:

George Mason University Facilities ensures a quality physical environment supporting the mission of the university. We will be the technical and business experts of choice with the total trust and confidence of our students, faculty, and staff.

About the Position:

Ready to start the New Year with a new position as a State employee of Virginia?

We have a wonderful opportunity for you. You’ll be a State employee of Virginia, work at our beautiful Fairfax campus with 677 acres of wooded land, and become part of the George Mason University patriot team.

We’ve got the work. Now, we need an additional team member to contribute to our busy environment. We want someone reliable, takes pride in their work, and will make a noticeable contribution to the educational facilities at George Mason. Your manager can trust that you will get the job done.

George Mason’s Facilities & Campus Operations department is committed to providing a safe, functional, and clean community experience at the university. So, what’s in it for you?

Great benefits for you…

• Lots of leave, including paid annual leave, paid holidays, paid sick leave, paid two-week winter break (please note – the break employees often receive during the holiday season is not regularly guaranteed and is subject to annual approval);
• Free tuition, up to 12 credit hours during the academic year, and professional development. Yes, you can earn a college education while earning a salary. 
• Commuter Choice Transit Benefit
• Virginia Retirement System Hybrid Plan; and
• Patriot Perks discounts to restaurants, events, and more!

For you and your family…

• Health/dental/vision benefits; and
• Tuition-dependent benefit (restrictions apply).

Under the supervision of the Power Plant Shift Supervisor, oversees the operation of the Central Heating & Cooling Plant (CHCP) and all satellite plants during the designated shift to ensure smooth operation and provide a service to the George Mason University Community, where there is some feeling of security in the event of a malfunction.

We think it's a great opportunity and can't wait to speak with you. Here's a partial list of the duties.

Responsibilities:

Day-to-Day Plant Operations

• Assists Plant Operators II & III and the Shift Supervisor on duty with the operation of boilers and/or high temperature hot water generators using natural gas or #2 diesel as a fuel;
• Assists Plant Operators II & III and the Shift Supervisor in the operation of the central refrigeration system, including condenser and chilled water system, cooling tower operation, and various pumping systems; and
• Assists Plant Operators II & III and the Shift Supervisor in the operation of various systems such as fuel systems, feedwater, control systems, pumping and expansion tank systems, troubleshooting and correcting problems with boilers, chillers, and other heat/cool related equipment.

Daily Plant Monitoring and Preventive Maintenance

• Monitors gauges and meters in boilers and other related equipment during assigned shifts and initiate immediate action in case of malfunctions or breakdowns;
• Adheres to departmental procedures regarding safety standards;
• Checks and records various temperatures, pressures, water levels, water, and air flows;
• Performs preventive maintenance and fulfill all the needs of the equipment to ensure peak performance;
• Reads and records various in-plant meters and make calculations necessary for plant efficiency reports;
• Assists in the collection of various operating and maintenance records;
• Assists in the operation of various chemical feed systems, including various chemical tests; and
• Cleans all CHCP boilers, chiller tubes, and cooling tower once yearly to ensure peak performance. 

Chemical Treatment

• Assists Plant Operators II & III in the operation of various chemical feed systems, including making various chemical tests in different locations;
• Performs miscellaneous duties such as cleaning and painting the equipment and mechanical essential areas;
• Picks up materials from suppliers when requested. Inspects areas and report to the supervisor;
• Maintains paperwork and electronic communications, including work orders and recording time;
• Orders and includes materials on work orders in an expedient manner;
• Follows established university and departmental policies and procedures;
• Follows established safety procedures and report accidents and problems to the supervisor promptly; and
• Performs assigned progressive on-the-job training tasks to develop skills in the Power Plant Trade. 

Other Related Duties as Assigned

• Related tasks assigned by the supervisor and department head; and
• Performs other related duties as assigned, including snow removal during inclement weather, and essential events 

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Working knowledge of the Principles of Combustion and Power Plant Operator I practices, including operation of large industrial/commercial boilers and chillers; heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and air conditioning; manual and electrical tools and equipment;
• Some knowledge of boiler, chiller, and ancillary equipment operation;
• Skill in Microsoft Office software, including Excel, to develop spreadsheets;
• Demonstrated ability to make repairs and maintain a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment, read and interpret gauges, record and monitor equipment, perform required chemical tests, perform record-keeping tasks, quickly react and make plant operation decisions;
• Ability to read, write, and perform mathematical calculations; 
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and basic computer knowledge; and 
• Valid driver's license: must currently possess an appropriate, active, valid motor vehicle operator’s license that meets all of GMU’s requirements for operating state vehicles and equipment under Mason’s Vehicle Use Policy 1411 https://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/vehicle-use/. The Office of Risk Management reserves the right to review the driver’s licenses and Motor Vehicle Reports (MVRs) of all candidates selected for employment, contingent upon a favorable review.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Low-pressure and high-pressure boiler certification (preferred);
• Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Plant Operation Certification (preferred); and
• One or more years of experience operating boilers, chillers, and ancillary equipment.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Power Plant Operator at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: February 2, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  February 16, 2026

Open Until Filled:  Yes