Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 1

University of San Diego; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 43.201 - 49.648; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement contribution

Access to Fitness Centers

Zusammenfassung

A prestigious university in California is seeking a Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 1 to perform skilled maintenance on the campus chiller and steam plants. Responsibilities include maintaining boilers, conducting chemical testing, and troubleshooting equipment. Candidates should have a high school diploma, valid driver's license, and relevant experience. The role is essential, may require overtime, and includes excellent benefits. Starting pay is $31.36 - $36.04 per hour.

Qualifikationen

• 2 years of work experience at the Maintenance Mechanic 2 level.
• 2 years of work experience in Central Plant or Stationary Engineers field.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Aufgaben

• Perform maintenance and repairs on industrial natural gas boilers and chillers.
• Conduct chemical tests on water systems and electrical controls.
• Assist in developing plant operations strategies for efficient resource use.

Kenntnisse

Maintenance and repair procedures

Customer service techniques

Chemical testing

Troubleshooting

Ausbildung

High school Diploma or GED

Jobbeschreibung

Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 1

The Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 1 performs skilled level work but not at the journey-level required to maintain the campus chiller plant, central steam plant, steam distribution system, and related equipment. Under the guidance of the Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 2, conducts chemical testing on boiler feed water, chilled and hot water systems, tests and chemically treats water systems. Diagnose, repairs and replaces electrical and mechanical components and controls to maintain peak operating efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Performs preventative maintenance inspections and adjustments on plant equipment to maintain the equipment within OEM specifications, maximize equipment system life‑cycle and save energy, water and waste stream resources.

Further, this position was developed to better serve the University by providing additional opportunity for staff that have demonstrated an interest and aptitude in the field of work; but typically for those individuals who have not yet achieved journey-level status.

The successful applicant(s) are expected to continue making progress at improving their job skills and increasing technical knowledge. Acceptance of an applicant into the position will require the successful completion of on‑the‑job training, successful completion of technical training coursework taken by the employee outside of the course of employment with the University, and a satisfactory work performance assessment to continue in the position.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of the Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 2, performs skilled level tasks in one or more of the following areas; maintains industrial natural gas boilers, hot water heaters, cooling towers, chillers and pumping systems in accordance with department utility distribution schedules
• Under general supervision responsible for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of equipment associated with the operation and maintenance of the chiller plant, central steam plant and steam distribution systems
• Submits reports, orally or in writing of progress and status as necessary to ensure proper job accounting and to identify and resolve any problems encountered that may cause delays, damage or interruption of utility services to the campus
• Assists the department in the development of plant operations strategies and schedules that promote the most efficient use of heating and cooling energy and water resources
• Under the guidance of the Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 2, performs diagnostic tests, predictive maintenance and troubleshooting on systems, equipment, and components to maximize equipment reliability
• Continually expands knowledge of the trade through appropriate courses, publications and contact with others in the field
• Maintains a working knowledge of relevant codes, regulations and applies them consistently in daily activities
• Read and interpret blueprints, specifications, shop drawings, schematics, manufacturer’s specifications and other reference material to determine appropriate job requirements and procedures
• Ability to share trade knowledge with and train skilled and semi-skilled employees in areas of plant operations and maintenance practices
• Maintains records of machinery and related equipment operations log in accordance with state and federal regulatory requirements
• Specify and order materials, parts and supplies consistent with departmental requirements keeping the appropriate persons informed
• Maintains good working relationships with the students, faculty, staffs and vendors, adheres to all University policy and procedures
• Works in a neat and orderly manner and maintains a clean work area; maintains tools and equipment in good condition
• Works from ladders and scaffolding as well as in confined spaces

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• EPA Refrigeration Certificate or obtain within the first 120 days of employment
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and may be required to drive University vehicles

Special Conditions of Employment

• Must be able to work assigned hours and may be assigned to work any shift. Employees working in this classification may be designated as essential personnel and subject to occasional overtime, call backs and may be required to serve 24/7 on‑call rotation
• Must wear a uniform prescribed and furnished by USD
• May be assigned to work in the vicinity of laboratories where biohazards, radioactive or other potentially hazardous substances are stored or used
• Must continually expand knowledge base in building operations and maintenance techniques, attend assigned training
• Must work individually or in teams coordinating assigned work with other groups and department
• May be assigned to work at any USD facility/location
• Performs other duties as assigned

Background check

Successful completion of a pre‑employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement

Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• High school Diploma or GED and 2‑years of work experience at the Maintenance Mechanic 2 level, and, additional 2‑years of work experience in Central Plant or Stationary Engineers field.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license is required.
• Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Preferred Qualifications

• General knowledge of customer service techniques
• Demonstrated successful customer service experience
• Previous work experience in the Plant or Stationary Engineers field
• Technical Training in the maintenance of Plant Equipment and Systems
• Work experience in an institution of higher education or similar industry

Performance Expectations - Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge at the skilled level in one or more of the functional areas;
• Skilled in maintenance and repair procedures including preventative maintenance and troubleshooting
• Under the guidance of the Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 2, demonstrate knowledge in the operation and maintenance of gas fired boilers, hot water heaters, cooling towers, rotary screw chillers, generators and pumps
• Under the guidance of the Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 2 performs skilled labor to repair and maintenance equipment, including breakdown repair, and troubleshooting of gas boilers, hot water heaters, cooling towers, rotary screw and absorption chillers, generators and pumps
• Under the guidance of the Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 2, demonstrated knowledge of industrial water chemistry; demonstrated ability to conduct chemical tests on boiler water, soft water, and chiller water systems; knowledge of electrical circuitry and low voltage controls circuitry, both theoretical and practical application, demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair
• Skilled in the use of common Plant Operations test equipment used in the industry
• Ability to operate and maintain hand and power tools, typically used in the trade
• Demonstrated ability to follow safe working procedures, work within the guidelines of health and safety work plans and report unsafe conditions
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interface with faculty, administrators, staff and students; highly-skilled in customer service technique
• Working knowledge of applicable codes and regulations; California and Federal OSHA
• Ability to read and interpret blue prints, specifications, shop drawing, schematics manufacturer’s specifications, and other reference material to determine appropriate job requirements and procedures
• Physical ability to perform indicated tasks
• Ability to establish strong working relationships with diverse populations
• Ability to access input and retrieve information from a computer system for word processing, records retrieval and maintenance, research and communication purposes

$31.36 - 36.04 per hour; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, a retirement contribution, and access to on‑campus Fitness Centers.

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience, education and other factors including departmental budget.

Advertised: April 09, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: Open until filled