Staff Information

Meet the Utility Services Team

Clay Kelly
Director, Utility Services
402-472-4010
clay.kelly@unl.edu


Aaron Evans
Engineering Manager
402-472-4496
aaron.evans@unl.edu



Maintenance Manager
402-472-4012


Chris Volkman
Instrumentation & Controls Manager
402-472-4057
chris.volkman@unl.edu


Brian Glaze
Operations Manager
402-472-9816
bglaze2@unl.edu


Charlie Griesen
Utility Construction Coordinator
402-472-8612
cgriesen@nebraska.edu

Professional Trade Groups

Operating multiple utility plants to serve three campuses at UNL requires a diverse mix of team members, each performing critical functions to the overall operation.

Water Analyst

Maintaining appropriate water chemistry is critical to our steam / chilled water system, and the Water Analyst manages all phases of water chemistries, performing all testing and calibration of analyzing equipment. This position also works with contracted chemical manufacturers and vendors providing chemicals and services to the utility plant, and with University Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) to make sure the utility plant is in compliance with all university standards and regulations.

Electrical

The electrical staff is responsible for maintaining electrical equipment and systems within the utility plants as well as the electrical distribution systems. They work with engineers and electrical contractors in design, installation, construction, and modifications of electrical systems while adhering to local, state, and national electrical codes.

Instrumentation and Controls

Instrumentation and Controls staff are responsible for proper operation of plant control systems 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They troubleshoot, repair and calibrate utility plant control systems including those used for the automatic control of high-pressure boilers, centrifugal chillers and all associated equipment. They also maintain the utility metering system and record meter data history.

Mechanical and Maintenance

The maintenance staff is composed of pipefitters and utility maintenance technicians. They are responsible for maintaining the integrity of all mechanical systems within the utility plants as well as miles of distribution piping serving the campus' with steam and chilled water. They work closely with other plant trades as well as contractors to maintain operational reliability.

Plant Operators

Operators are responsible for overseeing the operation of high pressure boilers, turbines, chillers, and related distribution systems and equipment in a safe, reliable, economical manner in the central power plants and two remote plants. UNL utility plants maintain a 24/7 operation and require 4 shifts of operators to maintain effective coverage. These leaders also supervise, train, and evaluate plant staff and maintains required operation records and equipment readings.

Investing in Our Team

We value our team members and create opportunities to enhance the on-the-job experience and environment, such as:

personnel professional development agenda image
OUTREACH

We are proud of our team and our expertise. We create opportunities for our staff to engage with visitors during tours and information sessions.

PLANT AESTHETICS

We believe a team that is proud of its workspace is more effective so we provide funding and direction to support visual and aesthetic improvements in the Plants.

JOB-SPECIFIC TRAINING

We regularly provide job-specific training to prepare staff for diverse working conditions. Safety training is provided by the UNL Environmental Health and Safety department.

  • Asbestos Awareness
  • Chemical and General Safety
  • Chemical Safety Training
OPERATOR LICENSE TRAINING

We regularly provide training opportunities for operators to advance in licensure. Here are some state of Nebraska licensing examples:

  • Chief Power Engineer Certificate
  • 1st Class Power Engineer Certificate
  • Refrigeration Handling Certificate
  • City of Lincoln Tradesman License
  • Forklift Operator License
  • Class A Masters/Contractors Electrical License
WAGE STRUCTURE

We offer a competitive wage structure, which leads to qualified individuals working as a team.

CAREER PATH

We provide each team member with a documented career path advancing compensation levels.

PLANT AESTHETICS

We believe a team that is proud of its workspace is more effective so we provide funding and direction to support visual and aesthetic improvements in the Plants.