Power Plant Operator-In Charge

Introduction

The Department of Health Services (DHS), Northern Wisconsin Center (NWC) is recruiting to fill a Power Plant Operator-In Charge position in Chippewa Falls, WI.

This full-time position will work 7:00am-3:00pm with every other weekend off and a rotating day off during the week (rotating schedule every other week).

As an employee of the State of Wisconsin, you'll have access to an amazing benefits package, including:

• 3.5 weeks of vacation, 9 paid holidays and ample sick time; limitations may apply for leave time usage in the first six months.
• Top rated health plan options starting at $45/month for single plans and $111/month for family plans, after 2 months of state service.
• Exceptional pension plan with a 7.2% employer match in 2026 with lifetime retirement payment. Plus, a tax advantaged supplemental retirement savings plan which allows you to save money directly from your paycheck for retirement. Use this Total Rewards Calculator to see the total value of our competitive benefits package!
• Several flex spending accounts: medical, dependent care, commuter, parking and High-Deductible Health Savings.
• Well Wisconsin Wellness Program.
• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their immediate family dependents a variety of tools, resources, and professional consultation services to support their health, goals, and overall well-being.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program employer.
  
  

NWC is a short-term assessment and treatment facility for individuals who have an intellectual disability as well as a mental illness and aggressive or challenging behaviors. Click here to see what working for NWC is all about!

Position Summary

As a Power Plant Operator-In Charge, you are responsible for:

• The functioning of the Central Heating Plant which supplies steam, water, electricity, and chilled water for NWC and Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility.
• Operating and maintaining high pressure steam boilers and related systems and equipment.
• Performing preventive and corrective maintenance of the Central Heating Plant, its equipment and steam distribution systems.
• Maintaining a positive, cooperative, professional, and clean safe working environment.
  
  

Salary Information

The starting pay is $30.16 per hour (approximately $62,700 per year) plus excellent benefits. A 12-month probationary period is required.

Night differential is an additional $0.80 per hour for hours worked between 6 pm to 6 am, and a weekend differential of $0.80 per hour for hours worked between midnight Friday to midnight Sunday. Differential combines for a total of $1.60 per hour when working a night on the weekend.

Pay for current or former state employees will be set based on the rules that apply to compensation for the applicable transaction. This position is in pay schedule and range 03/16.

Job Details

All applicants will be required to allow DHS to conduct a background check to determine whether the circumstances of any convictions may be related to the job being filled.

All appointees will be required to receive a TB test, which will be administered by the NWC, or medical personnel approved by the facility prior to their start date.

This position has physical requirements which may include but are not limited to: lifting, climbing, stretching, twisting, pulling, pushing, crawling in tight spots, and kneeling, crouching or lying flat for a period of time, etc.

DHS does not sponsor work visas for this position, thus, in compliance with federal law, selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. DHS is not an E-Verify employer nor a STEM-OPT eligible employer.

Qualifications

Minimally qualified applicants will have both of the following:

• Experience working in a power plant performing maintenance and repairs on power plant equipment.
• Experience operating high pressure boilers and their control systems (e.g., bringing boilers online and offline, completing routine inspections, maintaining logs, etc.).
  
  

Well-qualified applicants will also have one or more of the following:

• Experience working with water treatment practices.
• Experience operating and maintaining diesel-driven generators for emergency power.
  
  

For tips on developing your resume what should be included, click here.

How To Apply

Applying is easy! Click “Apply for Job” to start your application process. Sign into your account or create an account before applying for the job. Follow the steps outlined in the application process to submit your application.

Helpful Information

• Once your application is submitted, no changes are allowed. Click “Save” to allow changes to your application as needed before submitting by the deadline.
• You may want to save a copy of the job posting for referencing after the deadline.
• Submitted materials will be evaluated by a panel of job experts according to the qualifications above.
• Please monitor your email for communications related to this position.
• Current or former permanent, classified, state employees must complete the online application process to be considered.
• If viewing through an external site, please apply directly at Wisc.Jobs.
• For technical assistance and general information, please see Frequently Asked Questions. For questions about the position, to request a copy of the full position description, or for other employment inquiries, please contact Katie Rudnick at Katie.Rudnick@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
  
  

DHS is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Veterans are encouraged to apply. For complete information on Veterans’ hiring programs with the WI Department of Veteran’s Affairs, click here.

Deadline to Apply

The deadline to apply is January 2, 2026 by 11:59 pm. Applicants are strongly encouraged to allow ample time to finalize their applications keeping in mind that technical assistance is only available Monday through Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.