Central Plant Systems Technician

Tucson-Airport-Authority; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Tucson Airport Authority is seeking a skilled plant mechanic to operate and maintain the main terminal central plant and automated building controls at TUS and RYN. You will ensure HVAC efficiency, monitor energy use, and support energy management initiatives.

You will read blueprints, troubleshoot chillers/boilers, and coordinate with project teams on facility upgrades while training staff in critical systems and emergency response procedures.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of facility maintenance and repair techniques.
• Understanding of mechanical engineering and construction principles.
• Experience with chillers and boilers and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
• Familiarity with PLCs, VAVs, AHUs and central plant operations.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematic drawings.

Responsibilities

• Maintain central plant systems and monitor energy performance.
• Troubleshoot digital, electric and pneumatic controls and identify faults.
• Develop and document plant logs and energy usage data for finance.
• Coordinate with project managers on facility improvements.
• Train staff on central plant, cooling, heating and lighting systems.

Skills

Facility maintenance

Mechanical engineering

Chillers

Boilers

VFDs

PLCs

VAVs

AHUs

Digtal controls

Blueprints

Education

Technical education in mechanical/Electrical/HVAC

Tools

PLC programming

Job description

Distinguishing Characteristics:Under minimal supervision is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the main terminal central plant and automated building control systems at Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan (RYN) airfield; ensures maximum performance of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment on the airport site; performs quality assurance and improvements on the energy management control systems.Essential Functions:The following functions and all other functions not included in this job description are to be performed in the best interests and for the greater good of TAA.Support and advocate for TAA’s Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles and act as a champion and role-model of TAA’s Cultural Fundamentals; assist in the delivery of the TAA’s Strategic Plan goals and objectives.Maintains central plant systems; monitors and adjust parameters to ensure the needs of the airport are balanced with energy efficiency; including lighting, heating, and cooling.Perform trend analysis on energy consumption histories on a monthly basis to detect exceptions.Suggest recommendations for central plant upgrades to keep the system current.Troubleshoots digital, electric and pneumatic controls systems to determine cause of failures, repairs as possible, and makes recommendations for correcting system defects. Research, locate, price and submit appropriate information regarding the purchase of necessary parts and tools.Communicates with facility department leadership on energy conservation strategies. Evaluates HVAC problems and provides a recommended course of action to supervision.Coordinates with airport project managers on facility improvement projects. Read and understand blueprints and maintenance technical data. Evaluates plans, reads blueprints to assist in the development of energy-conscious design, maintenance, and operations polices.Develop, improve, and document plant specific logs; including chiller and boiler set points logs, in-house meter readings and power consumption data for finance personnel.Trains other facility department personnel on critical aspects of facilities and central plant, cooling, heating and lighting systems.Be responsive to airport emergencies and situations that may involve loss of human life or property; support public safety and operational response to emergencies; utilize Incident Management System (ICS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS) protocols and procedures; coordinate and/or participate in after-action emergency de-briefing with appropriate departments and stakeholders.The above listed functions are not necessarily all the essential functions. Job duties and functions may be expanded or reduced by management based on future changing needs and job requirements.Position Requirements:A high school diploma or GEDA minimum of four (4) years of experience as a plant mechanic, stationary engineer, boiler operator, or refrigeration (including chillers and boilers) mechanic; or two (2) years of verifiable technical education in mechanical, electrical, or HVAC systems, and two (2) years of experience in the analysis and troubleshooting of heating, ventilation, lighting, and building systems (including chillers and boilers) with automated control systems for energy efficiency.Two years of experience testing and analyzing water treatment samples for chilled, condenser and heating water loops.EPA Section 608 Technician Certification is required.Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of:Materials, means and methods of facility maintenance and repair.Mechanical engineering and construction techniques.Chillers, boilers, VFDs, PLCs, VAVs, AHUs, associated water chilled equipmentComputer controlled energy management systems.Digital, electric and pneumatic controls; hydronic heating and cooling systems, air conditioning, Central Plant operations; thermal storage.Blueprints and schematic drawings.Equipment and tools used in the facility maintenance trades.Skill in:Organization, oral, written communication and critical thinking.Self-motivation and taking initiative to complete quality work that furthers the mission and goals of the department and TAA.Ability to:Environmental RequirementsWork in high-noise environment; extreme seasonal weather, when necessary.Mental RequirementsRemain focused and decisive in stressful situations; use sound and effective judgment.Interpret and analyze complex technical data and information for decision making and reporting purposes, including decision-making in stressful situations.Perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy; maintain confidentiality, attention to detail, with mature judgment, function in compelling, high stress, fast-paced work environment, with deadlines and multiple projects.Research information and organize data in meaningful form, make sound judgments, draw accurate conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.Physical RequirementsPerform tasks with a full range of bodily movements, including lifting, moving, pushing, standing, walking, reaching, stretching, bending, kneeling, twisting, and crawling.Perform repairs that require regular and prolonged bending and pulling of equipment on irregular surfaces; climb/work at heights of up to 40 feet, using small or large tools to repair equipment.Moving, pushing, standing (for periods of two (2) to three (3) hours at a time), walking, reaching, stretching, bending, kneeling, twisting, and crawling.Climb up and work off ladders, both step and extension, to go up on sky lifts to approximately 70’ in the air.Obtain access and work in tight/confined spaces, such as ceilings, small crawl spaces, between walls, access panel doors and tunnels.Have hand dexterity to maintain a strong grip to hold objects firmly for extended periods of time (tools, equipment).Distinguish colors by a practical test in all lighting conditions of standard airport lighting system colors and Air Traffic Control Tower light-gun signals, identify fuel grade color code markings, and actual samples of various fuels.Hear and understand through both ears, sounds coming through a radio, a standard telephone receiver, or other outside sound sources.Communicate in English via telephone, radio, and cellular telephone, in a high noise environment, with sufficient clarity to be understood by others.Read, write, and speak the English language in an articulate, fluent manner, ability to speak Spanish or another second language is helpful.Operate any airport vehicle or equipment, whether standard or automatic, pickup trucks and forklifts.GeneralWork assigned shifts, including day/evening/weekends/holidays, subject to overtime and on call, as required.Exercise effective customer service and public relations practices and procedures.Use a computer utilizing Microsoft office software or other office software and machines.Establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with department personnel, other TAA personnel, and outside agencies, as required.Maintain discreet and professional sense of confidentiality; understand that dissemination of information outside of job requirements is based on \"need-to-know\" and will subject employee to loss of employment and/or criminal prosecution.Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:A valid Arizona's driver's license.Must obtain and maintain the ability to drive airport vehicles on the Non-Movement Area of the Air Operations Area.Must obtain and maintain access to the Security Identification Display Area (SIDA).Must successfully complete the National Incident Management System (NIMS) 100, 200, 700 and 800 course requirements and certification within 1 year of employment.Must successfully complete required departmental training.Must obtain and maintain Forklift Certification within ninety (90) days after date of hire.As an employee, you are deemed to be essential personnel as part of TAA’s emergency response and must respond to airport incidents as requested/required