DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY (DSU) is a regional comprehensive institution within the North Dakota University System, whose primary role is to contribute to intellectual, social, economic, and cultural development, especially to Southwestern North Dakota. The University’s mission is to provide high quality, accessible programs; to promote excellence in teaching and learning; to support scholarly and creative activities; and to provide service relevant to the economy, health, and quality of life for the citizens of the State of North Dakota.
DSU is seeking to hire a Heat Plant Operator. This position maintains boilers; repairs and services equipment used to operate boilers; repairs and services equipment, maintains plumbing systems, air conditioning systems and installs and maintains the ground sprinkler systems in and on the campus property. This position works a swing shift as needed to provide 24/7 coverage when assigned.
This position is designated as Essential Personnel and as such will have varying hours. In the event of a campus emergency, special event, closure to maintain campus safety or building operations, this position will be required to work outside of regularly scheduled hours including assigned weekends. This position reports to the Plant Services Coordinator.
This is a face-to-face position on the Dickinson State University Campus in Dickinson, ND.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:
Directly related work experience or a HS Diploma or GED
Driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one by the start date, Defensive Driving Training will also be required per policy, to operate state fleet vehicles
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES:
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to learn new software programs.
Strong interpersonal/oral/written, customer service, time management, organizational problem solving and project management skills.
Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
Self-motivation and the ability to work without direct supervision, be engaged, active, personable and capable of exercising initiative with good judgment in hectic, urgent circumstances while observing department procedures.
Attention to detail.
Plumbing and/or HVAC experience
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Health and Safety
Observe established safety practices and procedures when working with chemicals, materials and equipment used by the, maintenance staff.
Personal Protective Equipment is provided by the University, and it is your responsibility to use when recommended by product manufacture
Ensure all Material Safety Data Sheet books are current. They are located in plant services D.A. cupboard, and shall be readily noticeable for everyone to see with no obstructions
Labels must always be on all cleaning products.
Heating Plant Operations
Fire boilers and operate boiler feed.
Vacuum circulating pumps, water softeners, and adjust equipment to maintain steam flow.
Make rounds at regular intervals to read gauge and adjust equipment. -Observe operation of all machinery in tunnels, powerhouse and mechanical rooms.
Keep plant services togs, record gauge reading, fuel consumed, maintenance work performed, and similar data, Make and record tests of water used for consumption or generating steam,
Clean and perform a variety of manual tasks in boiler room, tunnels and mechanical rooms.
Shut down, clean, and assist in repair and maintenance of furnace, boiler and auxiliary equipment.
Perform other duties as required or assigned
System Mechanic
Assist in adjusting, servicing, and maintaining: refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, and ventilating equipment and controls.
Operate equipment, tools, and diagnostic devices of the trade. May also perform tasks associated with the operation, repair, or maintenance of plant heating equipment.
Use computer to trouble shoot and override controls to get acceptable results.
Plumbing
Repair, replace, and maintain, pipes, fittings, fixtures for heating, water and drainage systems, steam lines, according to specifications and plumbing codes.
Install sprinkler systems, blow down sprinkler systems.
Requisition materials and supplies for assigned work orders.
Cleaning
Make daily rounds of boiler room, D.A. room, condensate room and shop area.
Vacuum office, blue print area, wash cleaning towels, mops, wash windows, and replace light bulbs.
Dry and wet mop, strip, wax tile floor in the plant area.
Dry mop, wet mop under and tops of boilers.
Remove trash, clean all oil leaks. Clean mechanical rooms and tunnel areas.
Wash all cleaning towels and mops.
Sweep outside area of heat plant and wash down when possible.
Snow removal around the plant to include sidewalks.
Check for leaks around pumps and compressors, clean as necessary.
Clean all mechanical rooms in all building, paint floors when necessary.
When working in all University building you are required to clean the area within the scope of work performed.
COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Salary of $40,000-45,000/annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Comprehensive fringe benefits, including, but not limited to:
100% employer-paid health insurance (family or single coverage)
NDPERS retirement
Tuition waiver benefits, for employee and spouse/dependents
Possible eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program with the US Department of Education.
View https://www.dickinsonstate.edu/about/employment/ for information on the above and other benefits offered.
MAIN OFFICE/WORKING LOCATION: Dickinson, ND
STARTING DATE: As soon as possible
POSITION DETAILS:
DISCLAIMER CLAUSE:
This job announcement is not intended, and should not be construed, to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of those principal job elements essential to making fair pay decisions and determining job performance.
For more information about the position, contact the direct supervisor at 1-800-279-4295 ext. 2148 or Director Trent Myran
PREFERENCE DATE: March 29, 2026
APPLICATION INFORMATION: Applications received by the preference date will receive first consideration; the position will remain open until filled.
Complete the online application at http://www2.dsu.nodak.edu/jobopenings/regular.aspx
upload a resume or complete the work history section of the online application
upload a cover letter addressing the minimum qualifications, required and preferred competencies
provide three (3) references with contact information
Applicants should fully describe qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the qualifications and responsibilities listed above as minimum/required/preferred because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based. Only applicants who appear best qualified based on this review will be contacted for an interview. The submission of all required materials by the preference date is the responsibility of the applicant. (Note: incomplete applications may not be considered).
Unofficial, or copies of official, transcripts are acceptable at the time of inquiry, but official transcripts will be required if hired. If you need to order transcripts you can have them emailed to [email protected], faxed to 701-483-2574, or mailed DSU Human Resources, 291 Campus Drive, Dickinson, ND 58601.
Both internal and external applicants are eligible to apply if they are legally authorized to work in the United States. Federal USCIS I-9 employment certification is required at hire. Employer Sponsorship will not be considered.
ND Veteran’s Preference laws apply to this position. Applicants who are eligible to claim veteran’s preference must provide proof of eligibility by the preference date.
Due to access to restricted information, the successful candidate will be required to complete a satisfactory criminal history record check before beginning employment.
Pursuant to N.D.C.C. 44-04-18.27, applications and any records related to the applications that identify an applicant are confidential, except records related to the finalists of the position, which are open to the public after the search committee has identified the finalists.
As an employer, the State of North Dakota prohibits smoking in all places of state employment in accordance with N.D.C.C. 23-12-10.
Dickinson State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action institution that does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, national origin, age, religion, gender identity, creed, marital status, veteran’s status, political belief or affiliation, information protected by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (“GINA”), or disability in its admissions, student aid, employment practices, educational programs, or other related activities. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Dickinson State University does not discriminate based on sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment opportunities as required by Title IX. Dickinson State University complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act. Dickinson State University encourages applications from diverse candidates and candidates who support diversity. Inquiries concerning Title VI, VII, ADA, ADEA, Title IX, and Section 504 may be referred to either the Title IX Coordinator, Dr. Kathy Geisen, Dickinson State University, 291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 226, Dickinson, ND 58601 (701) 502-2081, [email protected] or to the Affirmative Action Officer, Krissy Kilwein, Dickinson State University, 291 Campus Drive, May Hall, Room 309, Dickinson, ND 58601, (701) 502-4304, [email protected].
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, Dickinson State University publishes an Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. The report includes the University’s policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security, as well as three years of crime statistics for our campus. As a prospective employee, you are entitled to a copy of this report. The report and statistical data can be found here.
For more information about Dickinson State University, please visit https://dickinsonstate.edu/visit. You can also visit this site https://findthegoodlife.com/ for resources and details about North Dakota!
