Power Plant Operator - Facilities Management

Texas Woman's University; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution seeks a Power Plant Operator to manage operations and maintenance of HVAC systems, ensuring optimal performance and safety. Responsibilities include troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and compliance with safety regulations. Candidates should have a high school diploma, HVAC experience, and a Freon recovery certification or ability to obtain it within six months. The role requires strong communication skills, tool proficiency, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• Freon recovery certification required or ability to achieve within six months.
• Three years of central plant or HVAC-R experience required.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain university's heating and air-conditioning systems.
• Troubleshoot malfunctions of HVAC systems.
• Perform preventive maintenance on various equipment.

Skills

HVAC-R systems knowledge

Ability to communicate effectively

Ability to use relevant tools

Physical ability to lift 50 pounds

Problem-solving skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Trade school preferred

Tools

Safety equipment

Personal computer

Job description

Power Plant Operator

Performs highly skilled technical operations and maintenance work in the installation, service, and repair of central plant and auxiliary heating and air‑conditioning systems and related equipment. Responsibilities include the efficient operation and maintenance of the university’s central utility plant equipment, installation, troubleshooting, and repair of heating and air‑conditioning systems. Work is performed under general supervision and performance is based upon completion of assignments and results obtained. The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies & Procedures.

Organizational Relationships

Reports to: Supervisor, Power Plant Operations / and or Maintenance

Supervises: No supervisory responsibilities

Essential Duties – May include, but not limited to the following:

• Performs supplemental support shift work in rotation with other personnel as needed for plant operation (i.e., 2:00pm to 10:00pm shift).
• Operates chill water plant on rotating shift.
• Inspects and examines heating/refrigeration and air‑conditioning, chillers, boilers, air compressors, heat exchangers, and all auxiliary equipment to locate defects in operations.
• Adds chemicals to boilers, cooling towers, chiller, etc.
• Monitors and updates the Energy Management Controls System.
• Performs preventive maintenance, installs, inspects, troubleshoots, adjusts, repairs and replaces rotating equipment (pumps, motors, etc., and associated units, parts, systems, etc.).
• Services cold storage units, refrigerated air conditioning units, water coolers, and controls.
• Disassembles units and restores to operating condition; repairs or replaces condensers, compressors, pumps, valves, motors, bearings, belts and other parts.
• Recovers and recharges refrigerants as required; performs preventive maintenance on cooling towers and evaporative condensers.
• Inspects and tests refrigeration systems, safety devices, and controls for efficiency of operation and compliance with safety practices, laws and regulations.
• Troubleshoots and takes necessary corrective action for major malfunctions and breakdowns of heating/refrigeration and air‑conditioning systems, pumps, air heating/refrigeration and air conditioning units, coils, fans, subsystems and component parts, steam systems etc.
• Documents any corrective action taken or changes made by altering electrical schematics.
• Observes prescribed work and safety rules.

Additional Duties

• Orders parts and supplies as needed.
• May assist with and/or direct work of others on assigned projects.
• Prepares and submits reports.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent required. Trade school preferred. State certification preferred.

Experience

Three years of central plant or HVAC‑R experience. Job related vocational training or other education may substitute on a year for year basis for the required experience or graduation from a certified technical/vocation school.

Requirements

Freon recovery certification and/or the ability to be certified within six months of date of employment. Valid Texas driver’s licenses and a safe driving record such as required by the university for Driver's Authorization.

Regular and reliable attendance at the University during regular scheduled days and work hours is an essential function of this position.

All employees share the responsibility of maintaining information security and privacy requirements within the university by adhering to Federal and State regulations, and TWU Policies & Procedures.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – The following are essential:

• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure.
• Knowledge of and ability to work on HVAC‑R systems and components.
• Knowledge of and ability to use tools and equipment related to the craft and job assignments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally, both in person and by telephone.
• Ability to effectively deal with the public.
• Skill in the operation of vacuum pumps and cleaners, drills, presses, torches, pumps, threaders, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers and related tools of the trade.
• Ability to represent the department and University in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner.
• Ability to operate or use respirators, breathing machines, eye shields and related safety equipment.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner.
• Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including related university software and email.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described in the Essential Duties and below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The employee may be required to travel. The employee must have the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment. Work is performed indoors and/or outdoors. The noise level is usually moderate to loud. Work is performed in a Plant environment. Exposed to any number of elements and may be required to work in conditions including cold, heat, temperature swings, noise, outdoors and indoors, in trenches, and around mechanical, electrical, explosive, fume/odor, dust/mite, chemical, and toxic waste hazards. May be required to work in locations that involve hazardous environments requiring protective equipment that conforms to OSHA regulations and some physical discomfort due to temperature, dust and noise. May be required to work in confined spaces, on ladders and rooftops, and in adverse weather conditions.

Safety

TWU promotes a safe working environment. Employees are responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently, and supervisors are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment. Employees must report any unsafe work conditions or practices, as well as any near‑miss incidents, to their supervisor and Risk Management. Supervisors and employees should ensure that injury/accident reports are submitted to the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management within 24 hours of the incident.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Texas Woman's University, an AA/EEO employer, provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected category, class or characteristic.

All offers of employment will be contingent on the candidate's ability to provide documents which establish proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Positions at Texas Woman's University deemed security-sensitive require background checks and verification of all academic credentials.

If you are a male between the age of 18 and 25, federal law requires that you must be registered with the U.S. Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions under Selective Service law. Under HB 558, enacted by the 76th Texas State Legislature, if you are currently of the age and gender requiring registration with Selective Service, but knowingly and willfully fail to do so, you are ineligible for employment with an agency in any branch of Texas state government. For additional information regarding registration or status, you can contact the Selective Service System at 847‑688‑6888 or www.sss.gov.