Senior Power Plant Technician

Tulane National Biomedical Research Center; Covington (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tulane National Biomedical Research Center in Covington, LA is seeking a Senior Power Plant Technician to oversee the safe operation, monitoring, and maintenance of critical utility systems supporting biomedical research facilities.

You will inspect, operate, and troubleshoot boilers, chillers, generators, pumps, and HVAC equipment; perform preventive and corrective maintenance; and document actions while responding to alarms and malfunctions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in power plant operations including boilers, chillers, generators and related systems.
• Strong skills in electrical systems, controls, and instrumentation for utility plants.
• Experience with preventive and corrective maintenance and repairs on building infrastructure.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and compliance around critical lab facilities.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain power plant equipment to ensure continuous, reliable utility services.
• Inspect and troubleshoot boilers, chillers, pumps, HVAC systems, and electrical components.
• Document work performed and respond to alarms or equipment malfunctions.
• Collaborate with facilities, engineering, and research teams to plan system upgrades.

Skills

Power plant operations

Electrical systems & instrumentation

Preventive and corrective maintenance

Troubleshooting complex systems

Reading technical drawings/manuals

On-site collaboration

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; tech/vocational training in power plant tech

Tools

Boilers, chillers, generators, HVAC systems

Job description

Company Description The Tulane National Biomedical Research Center advances human and animal health through pioneering research focused on infectious and chronic diseases. With more than six decades of continuous support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the center offers a highly stable and well-funded environment for scientific and technical professionals. Its facilities include an NIH-funded National Primate Research Center, a Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, and a Federal Select Agent Program. These nationally recognized resources support innovation, enhance global health security, and provide opportunities to work with complex infrastructure and specialized research operations. Team members contribute to critical research efforts that impact public health locally and worldwide.

Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Senior Power Plant Technician role located in Covington, LA. The Senior Power Plant Technician is responsible for the safe and efficient operation, monitoring, and maintenance of power plant equipment supporting critical biomedical research facilities. Daily tasks include inspecting, operating, and troubleshooting boilers, chillers, generators, pumps, HVAC systems, and related mechanical and electrical components. The role involves performing preventive and corrective maintenance, documenting work performed, and responding to alarms or equipment malfunctions to maintain continuous, reliable utility services. The technician collaborates with facilities and research staff, follows safety and compliance protocols, and assists in planning system upgrades and improvements to support uninterrupted research operations.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in power plant operations, including boilers, chillers, generators, and associated mechanical systems.
• Strong skills in electrical systems, controls, and instrumentation relevant to industrial or institutional utility plants.
• Ability to perform preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on HVAC and building infrastructure systems.
• Knowledge of safety regulations, environmental compliance, and best practices for working around critical laboratory and research facilities.
• Experience interpreting technical drawings, equipment manuals, and maintenance documentation.
• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with facilities, engineering, and research teams.
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training in power plant technology, mechanical, electrical, or industrial systems is highly beneficial.
• Several years of progressive experience in power plant or large-scale facility operations; experience in healthcare, laboratory, or research environments is a plus.
• Ability to work on-site in Covington, LA, perform physically demanding tasks, and participate in on-call or shift coverage as needed.
• Relevant certifications or licenses (e.g., boiler operating license, EPA refrigerant handling certification) are advantageous.