Plant Operator

San Marcos, TX

Texas State University – Plant Operator I

Posting Number: 2026565

Location: San Marcos

Department: Utility Operations

Recruitment Type: Open Recruiting

Job Type: Full-Time

Monthly Salary: $3,901.08 - $4,033.33

Job Category: Non-Exempt

Job Open Date: 06/04/2026

Open Until Filled: Yes

Normal Work Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Normal Work Hours Start: 8:00 AM

Normal Work Hours End: 5:00 PM

• Knowledge of electro‑mechanical systems in thermal plants, including operation, diagnosis, and repair.
• Familiarity with safety procedures in utility plants, including LOTO, fire evacuation, and OSHA standards.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Excel, Visio, SAP, AIM, for documentation and plant management.
• Basic understanding of chemistry, chemical stations, PPE, and testing for water quality in thermal plants.
• Experience using test equipment and tools for troubleshooting and calibrating machinery.
• Ability to obtain certification for operating forklifts, geniebooms, and scissor lifts through university training.

• Knowledge of manual and automated operation/maintenance of chillers, pumps, cooling towers, and related equipment.
• Knowledge of manual and automated operation/maintenance of steam boilers, heat exchangers, feed water pumps, deaerators, PRV stations, and related equipment.
• Familiar with chillers, boilers, and heaters, and ability to manage chemical stations.
• Knowledge of manual and automated operation/maintenance of HVAC systems, VFDs, RO filters, water softeners, and water basin controllers.
• Experience in the operation of thermal plants with the proper operating sequences.

The Plant Operator I is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the absorption and centrifugal chillers and boilers.

• Input operating data in the equipment daily logs.
• Fire, turn off by manual or by computer, and blow down Steam Boilers.
• Turn on and turn off chillers, motor‑pump groups, and cooling towers with automated variable speed drives using computer controllers or by hand.
• Operate and diagnose the status of instrument air compressors, chemical stations, and the water softeners’ electronic panel boards for regeneration and other related equipment.
• Operate the thermal plants with the proper operating sequences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Plant Operations operates continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Sundays to Saturdays. Working hours are variable.
• Candidates for this position must be prepared to work any of the three shifts. Regular rotation of shifts may occur based on operational requirements.
• Shift schedules may occasionally change to accommodate the needs of Plant Operations.
• Applicants must be available to work during holidays and be willing to work additional hours if necessary.

Applicant must have a valid Texas Driver's License and be a driver in good standing with less than ten (10) points deducted for driving infractions as determined by the employer driving standard system.

Texas State University is committed to a policy of non‑discrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in employment, educational programs, and activities and admissions.

Employment with Texas State University is contingent upon the outcome of record checks and verifications including, but not limited to, criminal history, driving records, education records, employment verifications, reference checks, and employment eligibility verifications.

In accordance with federal law, all new employees must complete the Form I-9 and provide acceptable documentation verifying their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Texas State University participates in E-Verify, and employment is contingent upon the successful verification of work authorization. Employees are required to maintain valid work authorization to satisfy the conditions of Form I-9 at all times during their employment and the university makes no implicit or explicit promises to financially support visa or permanent residency applications.