Note: Provided below is a job class description and minimum qualification. To view this information for other State of Colorado positions, please visit the job classifications and minimum qualifications page.
Class Description
Valid as of: July 1, 2018
This class series uses two levels in the Labor, Trades, and Crafts Occupational Group and describes work operating, maintaining, and repairing equipment and appliances used to supply heat, conditioned air, refrigeration, water, drainage systems and related utilities. Positions operate boilers, generators, water treatment equipment; monitor control panels and observe systems and adjust gauges, valves, and meters to regulate efficient operation; visually inspect equipment for operational condition, detect malfunctions and make repairs; log readings and record data on operations; test water samples and add chemicals. Some positions may require licensure or certification.
Some positions in this class may operate and maintain co-generation utility plants where the equipment is different than most plants. Typical equipment may be gas-turbine generators, double-ended steam turbine generators, high pressure heat recovery systems, heat exchanges, or chillers. This equipment is highly automated using electronic controls and monitoring systems and may include transmission and/or distribution systems to other power plants. Such positions may also require licensure or certification.
UTILITY PLANT OPERATOR I D6E1XX
Concept of Class
This class describes the full-operating level. Positions operate independently to perform the full range of tasks and determine solutions to the full range of problems. Judgment is used to select the most appropriate guidelines and adapt them to accomplish the tasks. Positions continually determine practical solutions to problems by applying specific processes, techniques, and methods. Positions serve as a resource to others. Some assignments do not move beyond this level.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making
The decisions regularly made are at the operational level, as described here. Within limits set by the specific process, choices involve deciding what operation is required to carry out the process. This includes determining how the operation will be completed. By nature, data needed to make decisions are numerous and variable so reasoning is needed to develop the practical course of action within the established process. Choices are within a range of specified, acceptable standards, alternatives, and technical practices.
Complexity
The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is patterned, as described here. Positions study information to determine what it means and how it fits together in order to get practical solutions to problems. Guidelines exist for most situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines which may change for varying circumstances as the task is repeated. This selection and interpretation of guidelines involves choosing from alternatives where all are correct but one is better than another depending on the given circumstances of the situation.
Line/Staff Authority
The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as an individual contributor. The individual contributor may explain work processes and train others. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team. This level
may include positions performing supervisory elements that do not fully meet the criteria for the next level in this factor.
UTILITY PLANT OPERATOR II D6E2XX
Concept of Class
This class describes the supervisory level. Supervisory positions are responsible for a work unit including accountability for the use of equipment, space, and resources. Supervisors directly control the work of assigned staff and determine the work procedures for the unit. This class differs from Utility Operator I on Line/Staff Authority.
Factors
Allocation must be based on meeting all of the three factors as described below.
Decision Making
The decisions regularly made are at the operational level, as described here. Within limits set by the specific process, choices involve deciding what operation is required to carry out the process. This includes determining how the operation will be completed. By nature, data needed to make decisions are numerous and variable so reasoning is needed to develop the practical course of action within the established process. Choices are within a range of specified, acceptable standards, alternatives, and technical practices.
Complexity
The nature of, and need for, analysis and judgment is patterned, as described here. Positions study information to determine what it means and how it fits together in order to get practical solutions to problems. Guidelines exist for most situations. Judgment is needed in locating and selecting the most appropriate of these guidelines which may change for varying circumstances as the task is repeated. This selection and interpretation of guidelines involves choosing from alternatives where all are correct but one is better than another depending on the given circumstances of the situation.
Line/Staff Authority
The direct field of influence the work of a position has on the organization is as a unit supervisor. The unit supervisor is accountable, including signature authority, for actions and decisions that directly impact pay, status, and tenure of three or more full-time equivalent positions. At least one of the subordinate positions must be in the same series or at a comparable conceptual level. The elements of formal supervision must include providing documentation to support recommended corrective and disciplinary actions, signing performance plans and appraisals, and resolving informal grievances. Positions start the hiring process, interview applicants, and recommend hire, promotion, or transfer.
Entrance Requirements
Minimum entry requirements and general competencies for classes in this series are contained in the State of Colorado Department of Personnel website. For purposes of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the essential functions of specific positions are identified in the position description questionnaires and job analyses.
History of Changes Made to Class Description
The following is a summary of changes made to this class description.
- Effective July 1, 2018
Update the Class Code of D6E1TX to D6E1XX per administrative updates.
- Effective June 30, 2015
Updated and removed the purpose of contact.
- Effective July 1, 1999
LTC consolidation study. Water/Wastewater Plant Operator (D1Q1) abolished as vacant. Stationary Engineer (D3L1-D3L2) consolidated. Draft published 3/31/1999 and proposed 5/24/1999.
- Effective September 1, 1993
Job Evaluation System Revision project. Published proposed 6/1/1993. Stationary Engineer (D3L1-D3L2), Water/Wastewater Plant Operator (D1Q1).
- Revised December 1, 1986
Changed class code, title, nature of work, entrance requirements, and pay differential on Stationary Engineer I (A4862X), Stationary Engineer II (A4864X) and Supervising Stationary Engineer I (A4866X) and Supervising Stationary Engineer II (A4868X). Changed class code, relationship, and entrance requirements on Water and Wastewater Plant Operator (A4595X).
- Revised July 1, 1983
Changed relationship on Water and Wastewater Plant Operator (A4595X).
- Revised October 1, 1979
Changed title, nature of work, entrance requirements, and necessary special requirements Stationary Engineer I (A4862X) and Supervising Stationary Engineer I (A4866X).
- Created October 1, 1979
Stationary Engineer II (A4864X) and Supervising Stationary Engineer II (A4868X).
- Created January 1, 1975
Water and Wastewater Plant Operator (A4595X), Stationary Engineer I (A4862X), and Supervising Stationary Engineer I
(A4866X).
Summary of Factor Ratings
| Class Level | Decision Making | Complexity | Line/Staff Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utility Plant Operator I | Operational | Patterned | Individual Contributor |
| Utility Plant Operator II | Operational | Patterned | Unit Supervisor |
Minimum Qualifications
Valid as of: November 6, 2023
This document includes the following levels:
| Class Title | Class Code |
|---|---|
| Utility Plant Operator I | D6E1XX |
| Utility Plant Operator II | D6E2XX |
UTILITY PLANT OPERATOR I (D6E1XX)
Experience Only:
Four (4) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education, formalized apprenticeship program, and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to four (4) years.
UTILITY PLANT OPERATOR II (D6E2XX)
Experience Only:
Six (6) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position, two (2) of which must have been at the journey level
OR
Education and Experience:
A combination of related education, formalized apprenticeship program, and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to six (6) years, two (2) of which must have been at the journey level.
History of Changes Made to Minimum Qualification
The following is a summary of changes made to this minimum qualification.
- November 6, 2023 (Whole Document)
- New format (updating to adhere to accessibility standards)
- Updated minimum qualifications to align with the Skills-based Hiring initiative
- July 1, 2018 (D6E1TX changed to D6E1XX)
Review and correction of the classification codes to align with the 2018-19 pay plan and compensation grades approved by the CHRO.
- Oct. 30, 2017 (D6E2XX)
Made grammatical changes.
- Aug. 1, 2017 (Whole Document)
- Part of the 2017 MQ Project
- New format
- Standardized language and made the substitution statements consistent with a year-for-year methodology
- Conditions of Employment/Special qualifications should be removed and can be addressed at the time of posting if the job analysis and position description support the addition
- Language referring to “demonstrated proficiency on position competencies” was removed from the substitutions