Power Plant Operator - Facilities Management

Overview

Power Plant Operator

Performs highly skilled technical operations and maintenance work in the installation, service, and repair of central plant and auxiliary heating and air-conditioning systems and related equipment. Responsibilities include the efficient operation and maintenance of the university's central utility plant equipment, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of heating and air-conditioning systems. Work is performed under general supervision and performance is based upon completion of assignments and results obtained.

The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies & Procedures.

Reports to:

Supervisor, Power Plant Operations/ and or Maintenance

Supervises:
No supervisory responsibilities

May include, but not limited to the following:

• Operates supplemental support shift work in rotation with other personnel as needed for plant operation (i.e., 2:00pm to 10:00pm shift).
• Operates chill water plant on rotating shift.
• Inspects and examines heating/refrigeration and air-conditioning, chillers, boilers, air compressors, heat exchangers, and all auxiliary equipment to locate defects in operations.
• Adds chemicals to boilers, cooling towers, chiller, etc.
• Monitors and updates the Energy Management Controls System.
• Performs preventive maintenance, installs, inspects, troubleshoots, adjusts, repairs and replaces rotating equipment (pumps, motors, etc., and associated units, parts, systems, etc.).
• Services cold storage units, refrigerated air conditioning units, water coolers, and controls.
• Disassembles units and restores to operating condition; repairs or replaces condensers, compressors, pumps, valves, motors, bearings, belts and other parts.
• Recovers and recharges refrigerants as required; performs preventive maintenance on cooling towers and evaporative condensers.
• Inspects and tests refrigeration systems, safety devices, and controls for efficiency of operation and compliance with safety practices, laws and regulations.
• Troubleshoots and takes necessary corrective action for major malfunctions and breakdowns of heating/refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, pumps, air heating/refrigeration and air conditioning units, coils, fans, subsystems and component parts, steam systems, etc.
• Documents any corrective action taken or changes made by altering electrical schematics.
• Observes prescribed work and safety rules.

• Orders parts and supplies as needed.
• May assist with and/or direct work of others on assigned projects.
• Prepares and submits reports.
• Performs other duties as requested.

High school diploma or equivalent required. Trade school preferred. State certification preferred.

Three years of central plant or HVAC-R experience. Job related vocational training or other education may substitute on a year for year basis for the required experience or graduation from a certified technical/vocation school.

Freon recovery certification and/or the ability to be certified within six months of date of employment. Valid Texas driver's licenses and a safe driving record such as required by the university for Driver's Authorization.

Regular and reliable attendance at the University during regular scheduled days and work hours is an essential function of this position.

All employees share the responsibility of maintaining information security and privacy requirements within the university by adhering to Federal and State regulations, and TWU Policies & Procedures.

• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure.
• Knowledge of and ability to work on HVAC-R systems and components.
• Knowledge of and ability to use tools and equipment related to the craft and job assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally, both in person and by telephone.
• Ability to effectively deal with the public.
• Skill in the operation of vacuum pumps and cleaners, drills, presses, torches, pumps, threaders, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers and related tools of the trade.
• Ability to represent the department and University in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner.
• Ability to operate or use respirators, breathing machines, eye shields and related safety equipment.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner.
• Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including related university software and email.

The physical demands described in the Essential Duties and below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The employee may be required to travel. The employee must have the ability to…