Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 1

University of San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of San Diego is seeking a Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 1 to support the campus chiller plant, central steam plant and related systems. Under guidance, you will perform skilled maintenance tasks, conduct tests on boiler feed water and cooling systems, and help maintain equipment within OEM specs.

This role involves on-the-job training, safety compliance, and collaboration with Facilities Management to optimize energy use while ensuring reliable campus services.

Qualifications

• High school Diploma or GED and 2 years of work experience at the Maintenance Mechanic 2 level, and an additional 2 years in Central Plant or Stationary Engineers field.
• Valid California driver’s license required to operate university vehicles.
• Equivalent education/experience may substitute for all minimum qualifications except where law requires a license/certification.

Responsibilities

• Maintains industrial natural gas boilers, hot water heaters, cooling towers, chillers and pumping systems.
• Repairs and overhauls equipment for chiller plant, central steam plant and steam distribution systems.
• Submits progress and status reports to ensure proper job accounting and to resolve issues.
• Develops plant operation strategies to improve energy and water efficiency.
• Performs diagnostic tests, predictive maintenance and troubleshooting to maximize reliability.
• Expands knowledge through training and keeps up with codes and regulations.

Skills

Customer service

Communication skills

Blueprint reading

Safety awareness

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Education

High school Diploma or GED

Tools

California driver’s license

Job description

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Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 1

Position Title & Department:

Position Title & Department: Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 1; Facilities Management

Posting #

5523

Department Description:

The mission of the University of San Diego Facilities Management Department is to efficiently operate, maintain, and support the development of quality facilities, grounds, and services, and at the same time to support our campus community, students, faculty, and staff. Through our efforts we support the university's commitment to pursuing truth, academic excellence, and the advancement of knowledge.

University Description:

The University of San Diego, an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution, was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972, USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth, goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education, the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any, or no, religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanity’s urgent challenges .

Detailed Description:

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 andAbilities:

• 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 given to you by the University, and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer. USD: Human Resources: Benefits

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.

Hours: 40 hour per week

Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time, applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information, visit www.sandiego.edu/smokefree.

Advertised: April 09, 2026 Pacific Daylight Time

Applications close: Open until filled

Notice of Availability: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available at www.sandiego.edu/safety/documents/annualreport.pdf . This report is published by October 1st of each year and includes current institutional policies and procedures concerning campus safety and security; fire safety and evacuation policies; sexual misconduct and relationship violence reporting and response stands and protocols; and crime and fire statistics for the three previous calendar years. To request a paper copy, please contact the Clery Act Compliance Manager via email at [e-mail] , by calling [phone], or in-person in the Hughes Administration Center, room 150.