AE Operations & Maintenance Specialist - Austin Energy

City of Austin; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Training opportunities

Job summary

City of Austin requires a skilled technician to operate, maintain, and repair power, steam, or chiller systems across multiple plants.

Responsibilities include starting and stopping diesel generators, calibrating sensors, and performing preventive maintenance and data logging. The role demands handling high-pressure environments and adhering to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus 4 years of experience in the installation, operation, and/or maintenance of a utility facility power, steam, or chiller operation.
• Experience in maintenance of large utility equipment and systems.
• Ability to perform preventive maintenance and read and interpret manuals.

Responsibilities

• Installs, tests, debugs, and repairs complex utility equipment.
• Calibrates sensors, controllers, and meters.
• Starts up/shuts down diesel generators and operates related equipment.
• Performs preventive maintenance on utility equipment per specifications.

Skills

Safety rules

Troubleshooting

Reading gauges

Communication

Driving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Valve wrench

Industrial boiler tools

Diagnostics equipment

Job description

About This Position Under general supervision, perform tasks related to operating equipment and performing mechanics in a power, steam or chiller operations.

Job Description: Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Installs, tests, debugs, and repairs complex utility equipment.
• Calibrates sensors, controllers, and meters.
• Enters data into computerized and/or manual maintenance systems.
• Records data on appropriate forms, logs, etc.
• Starts up/shuts down diesel generator units.
• Operates mechanical screens.
• Monitors operation of equipment and machinery in work area.
• Reads gauges and meters.
• Checks, cleans, and services equipment pumps, power tools, etc.
• Checks equipment for proper operation, safety, and/or needed maintenance.
• Turns on/off valve with valve wrench.
• Operates centrifuge, generator, turbine, and/or auxiliary equipment.
• Sets up and operates sump and/or other pumps.
• Cleans tanks, feeds chemicals, etc.
• Repairs, services, and installs components of the boiler, turbine, generator, HVAC, electrical, uninterruptible power supply, or auxiliary systems of a utility facility, power, steam, or chiller operation.
• Performs preventive maintenance activities on utility equipment per specification(s).
• Plans work and identifies necessary resources (tools, equipment, parts, labor).
• Performs mechanical alignments for rotating equipment and their drivers.
• Troubleshoots mechanical systems and/or equipment, sometimes within critical infrastructure.
• Disassembles and reassembles complex mechanical components.
• Determines close tolerance fit of associated parts.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic methods, equipment, tools, and materials involved in the maintenance and repair of large equipment.
• Knowledge of safety rules, codes, and regulations applicable when working on or near energized electrical systems, steam systems, and high-pressure water systems.
• Knowledge of lock out/tag out procedures for removing equipment from service for maintenance.
• Knowledge of proper methods and procedures used in cleaning work area and equipment.
• Knowledge of operating procedures for firing and maintaining pressure on high-pressure steam boilers and of the operation and maintenance of auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of boiler feed water chemical treatment and control.
• Knowledge of pressure, temperature, water level, and other types of indicating instruments used in operation of high-pressure boilers.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining excellent communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
• Skill in control procedures for operating auxiliary equipment.
• Ability to make accurate gauge readings.
• Ability to reference/interpret manual sufficient to perform job tasks.
• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards in the COA Driver Safety Program.
• Ability to drive, inspect, and maintain various electric utility vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus (4) years of experience in a field related to the installation, operation, and/or maintenance of a utility facility power, steam, or chiller operation.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas class C driver license or ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Ability to produce and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements:

• Moderate bending, lifting, walking, carrying, climbing ladders, and using a force equal to lifting up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Must be able to work a varying shift work schedule.
• Must be able to work in confined areas.
• Must be able to work on elevated structures.
• Must be able to work under emergency and all weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Operations and maintenance of district energy & cooling plant.
• Experience in Operation and maintenance of industrial chillers.
• Experience in Operation and maintenance of industrial boilers.
• Experience in Operation and maintenance of gas turbines.
• Experience performing electrical / electronics maintenance.
• Experience in Operation and maintenance of industrial PLCs.
• Demonstrated completion of or participation in advanced, high rigor technical training (e.g., US Navy Nuclear Program) or comparable structured technical training or programs.

Compensation Range:

Notes to Candidate: This position operates and maintains electrical, steam, and chilled water equipment and systems. Due to the critical nature of our customers, the work environment is a high stress environment in extreme conditions (outdoors in hot/cold temperatures). The position requires operations and maintenance experience in multiple crafts/fields to be successful. **This position is categorized as Essential Personnel which requires reporting to work during emergencies and bad weather. **This posting is for a 3rd (NIGHT) shift position, or any shift as required by the business. Specific shift will be assigned at the completion of the hiring process. Work outside of the normal schedule (multiple shifts, weekends, holidays) will be required to support plant operations / projects.

• 1) This position requires the ability to work in extreme hot/cold, confined spaces, climb ladders, lift 50 pounds, noisy environments, and wear a respirator when required.
• 2) As required, this position may report to multiple locations including but not limited to:

• District Cooling Plant 1 | 300 San Antonio St, Austin TX 78701
• District Cooling Plant 2 | 410 Sabine St, Austin TX 78701
• District Cooling Plant 3 | 812 Electric Dr, Austin TX 78703

This has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a City-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a City-designated work site, or may be retained on site to assist with operations and recovery. Work hours may include evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call assignments, call back, and additional hours outside the regular schedule. Shifts may change based on departmental or business needs. This position is eligible for on-call and call back pay, as applicable. Employees are required to follow all applicable City policies, procedures, and work rules related to on-call and call back assignments.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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