Energy System Technician

Stanford University; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 119,072 - 144,747; Full time

Job summary

Stanford University is seeking a skilled Energy Operations Technician to safely operate and maintain the university's energy facilities and thermal systems. You will monitor plant performance, start/stop equipment, and ensure safe, efficient operation around the clock.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent, three years of energy facility experience, and a California driver’s license. Strong knowledge of distributed control systems and plant safety procedures is essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and three years of energy facility or utility plant operations experience.
• California driver’s license required.
• Experience with distributed control systems and plant safety procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and maintain energy facilities and thermal energy systems.
• Monitor plant equipment and indicators; report abnormalities.
• Start/stop chillers, boilers, and auxiliary equipment as needed.
• Maintain and inspect equipment per procedures and logs.
• Order parts and supplies as required.
• Perform general housekeeping and maintain a sanitary work environment.

Skills

Distributed control system

Machinery & tools

Logic & reasoning

Safety rules

Communication skills

Water chemistry

Chiller systems

Mechanical maintenance

I&C maintenance

DCS & historians

Education

High school diploma

California driver’s license

Tools

Station instrumentation

Job description

This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment.

JOB PURPOSE

To safely operate and maintain the Energy Operation facilities and thermal energy systems.

CORE JOB DUTIES

• Safely maintain all operational and environmental parameters.
• Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems, significantly through the distributed control system, reporting any abnormalities to the Shift Supervisor.
• Safely perform routine maintenance.
• Work within the computerized maintenance management system.
• Observe gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Control plant equipment using control systems or semi-automatic equipment.
• Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data and/or from digital interfaces to optimize the energy system.
• Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
• Start or stop chillers, boilers, auxiliary pumping equipment, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
• Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, filters, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.
• Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as chillers, boilers, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
• Inspect records or logbook entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status. Detect and isolate malfunctioning equipment.
• Maintain plant chemistry within allowable parameters.
• Participate in the initial development and updating of plant operating procedures.
• Participate in Root Cause Analysis evaluation when required.
• Work with other stakeholder groups, both internal and external to Stanford, as needed to troubleshoot and optimize all facets of Energy Operations.
• Order parts, supplies, or equipment.
• Performs cleaning, mopping, painting, re-lamping and other general housekeeping duties needed for an efficient and sanitary work environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent and three years of energy facility or utility plant operations experience working as an operator or a combination of equivalent education and relevant experience.
• A valid California driver’s license

MINIMUM REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of a distributed control system
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Ability to use logic and reason to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches.
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to environmental and safety rules, regulations, and plant operating procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with others.
• Basic water chemistry knowledge.
• Experience working with large chiller systems.
• Experience with mechanical, I&C, or electrical maintenance
• Experience with Distributed Controls Systems, Plant Historians, and standard office computer applications.

Certificates and Licenses Required

• Must possess and maintain a valid California non-commercial Class C Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequently lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently stand/walk, twist/bend/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 11‑20 pounds.
• Frequently kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.
• Ability to drive day or night.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Requires ability to work 12-hour shifts and for callouts in support of a 24/7-hour operation due to emergencies, sickness, vacation, etc.
• Central Energy Facility conditions require wearing of Personal Protective Equipment, including hearing protection with normal plant noise > 80dB TWA.
• May work at heights >4ft.
• 80% of time spent outside the facility monitoring equipment reporting to Shift Supervisor in Control Room. 20% of time spent in Chemistry lab and/or training.

WORK STANDARDS

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/
• When conducting university business, must comply with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.

The expected pay range for this position is $57.40 to $69.59 per hour. Placement in the pay range is subject to the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate pf what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position.

At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford’s extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.

Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact Stanford University Human Resources by submitting a contact form.

Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.