Austin Aviation - Airport Central Plant Operator

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; AUD 64,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

City of Austin's Airport AUS seeks an Airport Central Plant Operator to run a modern central heating and cooling plant, featuring centrifugal chillers, boilers, pumps, EMCS, and a thermal storage system. You will optimize performance, ensure safety, and support reliability while controlling energy use and operating costs.

Responsibilities include scheduling maintenance, monitoring water systems, preparing reports, coordinating with contractors, and maintaining records.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus five years' experience maintaining and repairing central plant equipment, one year operating a central plant.
• EPA-608 Type III refrigerant certification required.
• Texas Class C Driver License required.
• TX Registered Air Conditioning Technician license required.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose operational problems and initiate corrective action.
• Operate a central plant using EMCS and monitor equipment.
• Schedule maintenance and coordinate with contractors.
• Record operational data and prepare performance reports.
• Maintain records and lubrication/maintenance of components.

Skills

Plant operation

Preventive maintenance

EMCS operation

Reading data & reporting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

5 years experience in Central Plant maintenance

EPA-608 Type III certification

Texas Class C Driver License

Texas Registered Air Conditioning Technician License

Tools

EMCS

Centrifugal chillers

Job description

About This Position

Owned by the City of Austin and operated by the Department of Aviation, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is an economic engine, supplying over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Central Texas region. Now, as we build the airport’s largest improvement program in its history, we are redefining the travel experience in one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. This is an exciting opportunity to join the team behind Journey With AUS, the airport’s expansion and development program, where bold ideas, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a shared commitment to excellence are taking flight.

Job Description:

Airport Central Plant Operator

Purpose:

Operate a Central Heating & Cooling Plant consisting of centrifugal chillers, boilers, pumps, variable frequency drives, hydronic piping systems, cooling tower, thermal storage system, and Energy Management Control System (EMCS). The Plant Operator’s primary responsibilities are to operate the plant safely and in a manner that optimizes plant and equipment efficiencies, minimizes energy consumption and operating costs, maintains system reliability and minimizes downtime. Other primary duties include developing and maintaining a preventative maintenance program for plant equipment and performing routine maintenance and repair work on plant equipment. Act as caretaker of the Central Plant site and building.

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.

• Diagnose operational problems, control and equipment malfunctions, and initiate corrective action.
• Schedule equipment, control systems, and monitor plant operation using an Energy Management Control System (EMCS).
• Monitor and test the quality and chemical treatment of cooling tower and hydronic systems.
• Monitor hot and chilled water flows, pressures, and temperatures; make adjustments in chillers and boilers as needed to meet load conditions.
• Operate a refrigerant recovery system and monitor variable frequency drives, motor starters, and electrical switch-gear.
• Read and record operational data for systems and equipment and set/adjust plant and equipment operating pressures and water levels.
• Prepare reports and recommendations on plant and equipment operation and performance.
• Maintain records of plant and equipment performance and maintenance/repair work performed on equipment.
• Prepare maintenance schedules and maintenance procedures for equipment and coordinate and monitor maintenance work performed by contract vendors.
• Maintain and provide maintenance on equipment and equipment parts, i.e., lubrication of pump and fan bearings, gear boxes, linkages, and moving parts, replace pump seals and align shafts, clean and wipe down equipment, etc.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Provides leadership, work assignments, evaluations, training, and guidance to others.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus five (5) years experience in maintaining and repairing Central Heating & Cooling Plant equipment, one (1) year of which was operating a Central Heating & Cooling Plant.
• One (1) additional year of relevant work experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education, with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Type III EPA-608 Refrigerant Certification.
• Valid State of Texas Class “C” Driver License.
• Valid State of Texas Registered Air Conditioning Technician License.

Notes to Candidate:

Assessment:

A skills assessment will be required for this position.

Salary Range:

$32.96 - $41.20 per hour

Driver’s Requirement:

This position must travel between various locations as part of the regular job duties and the individual will be required to drive a City vehicle. Position will also be required to drive on theAOA.

This position requires a Valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Job Offer is contingent on having a driving record that meets the City’s Driver Record Evaluation Standards. Go to the Driver Safety Program for more information at https://austin.widen.net/s/xt6dclw2hx/coa-driver-safety-standards

Essential Personnel:

This position is categorized as essential personnel.Essential personnel are required to come to work during emergencies or bad weather at the airport if they are scheduled to work and, in some cases, when they are not scheduled.

Veteran :

Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of interview.

Criminal History Records Check:

The top candidate will be subject to a minimum 10-year criminal background check and security threat assessment.

Language:

Must have the ability to read, write, and fluently speak in English.

Overtime:

Overtime may be required with or without notice.

Work Hours:

8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sunday-Thursday

8:00 AM-5:00 PM, Tuesday-Saturday

8:00 AM-5:00 PM,Monday-Friday

Hours may change according to departmental needs; work hours may include after hours, holidays, and weekend work.

Shift Incentive:

Shift work includes shift differential incentive for evening and night shifts and weekends

On-Call/Call Back Responsibilities:

Position may require on-call or call back responsibilities.

Good Standing – Department/Division Postings:

Employees, in good standing, who are candidates within the department/division that the position resides in and who meet the minimum and preferred qualifications (if any) of the position will be included in the initial interview. Department/division employees must remain in good standing through the top candidate selection phase at which time the good standing status will be re-verified.

Post Interview Verification:

If you are selected as the top candidate for a position, we will be contacting your current and former employers, as well as the references listed in your application. Please do your best to ensure that the contact information on the application is accurate. Top candidates will also be required to provide proof of education from an accredited organization, copies of any professional licenses or certificates listed on the minimum or preferred qualifications and a copy of your DD-214 if claiming veteran’s preference.

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

Department may close this job posting at any time after 7 days.

Benefits:

Working with Aviation provides a number of health and welfare benefits see City of Austin Promotional Benefits Overview and click HERE to learn more.

See us in action: Austin-Bergstrom International Airport - AUS - YouTube

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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.

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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. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.