About this role
<div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Job Summary</b></H2> </div><div><p><strong>Plant Laborer – Wade Utility (Purdue University)</strong><br>West Lafayette, Indiana</p> <p> </p> <p>Purdue University’s Wade Utility Plant is seeking a dependable and motivated Plant Laborer to support daily operations and maintenance within a dynamic, team-oriented environment. This role offers a practical, hands-on opportunity to contribute to essential campus infrastructure while building valuable mechanical and operational skills.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>What You’ll Do</strong></p> <ul> <li>Contribute to maintaining a clean and safe work environment, including custodial duties and snow/ice removal</li> <li>Assist with corrective maintenance under the guidance of lead mechanics</li> <li>Conduct equipment and safety inspections (fork trucks, aerial platforms, safety cabinets, fire extinguishers, eyewash stations, and more)</li> <li>Support plant operations, including material handling, unloading deliveries, and equipment cleanup</li> <li>Learn to operate specialized equipment such as overhead cranes and forklifts</li> <li>Participate in confined space entry and serve in fire watch roles as needed</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>What We’re Looking For</strong></p> <ul> <li>Strong work ethic and ability to work independently once trained</li> <li>Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn new equipment and procedures</li> <li>Commitment to safety and attention to detail</li> <li>Flexibility to support varying operational needs, including occasional overtime</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Work Environment</strong><br>This position involves moderate physical activity and exposure to a range of industrial conditions, including indoor and outdoor work, machinery, and varying temperatures.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Why Purdue?</strong><br>You’ll be part of a team that keeps critical campus systems running while contributing to a workplace that values safety, collaboration, and continuous learning. Purdue supports professional growth and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to bring their perspectives to the team.</p> <p> </p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>What We're Looking For</b></H2> </div><div><p><em>Education and Experience Required:</em></p> <ul> <li>High School Degree or High School Equivalency (HSE)</li> <li>Minimum three (3) years of experience required of which at least two (2) years will need to be in custodial and the third can be in maintenance</li> <li>Valid driver’s license required</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><em>Skills Needed:</em></p> <ul> <li>Must: <ul> <li>have basic math, reading, and communication skills</li> <li>be willing to learn the use of heavy floor care equipment</li> <li>be able to work well with others</li> </ul> </li> <li>Basic computer skills required</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><em>Preferred:</em></p> <ul> <li>Mechanical aptitude</li> <li>Forklift experience</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><em>Additional Information:</em></p> <ul> <li>Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position </li> <li>A background check will be required for employment in this position</li> <li>FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)</li> <li>Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan</li> <li>Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial <a title="" href="Summary of Benefits for Administrative and Operational Support, Police, Fire and Skilled Trades - Human Resources - Purdue University" target="_self">Benefit Package</a> including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days</li> </ul> <p> </p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Career Stream</b></H2> </div><div><p>Administrative and Operational Support 2</p> <ul> <li>Pay Band S040</li> <li>Job Code #20003378</li> </ul> <p>Career path maker: <a href="https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/">https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/</a></p> <p> </p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Who We Are</b></H2> </div><div><p><em>Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.</em></p></div></div><div style="padding:10.0px 0.0px;border:1.0px solid transparent"><div style="font-size:16.0px;word-wrap:break-word"><H2 style="font-size:1.0em;margin:0.0px"><b>Equal Opportunity Employer</b></H2> </div><div><p>Purdue University is an EOE employer.</p></div></div></div>