System Operator - 141873

University of California San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 57,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego Health seeks a System Operator to manage complex HVAC and building automation systems at Jacobs Medical Center. You will perform journey-level duties, tests, calibrations, and repairs to ensure reliable facilities operations. OSHA and safety standards apply; shift-based 8-hour rotations with 100% appointment.

Requirements include EPA certification or six-month commitment, building codes knowledge, and ability to read blueprints. Strong teamwork and independent work ethos essential.

Qualifications

• EPA certification required or commitment to obtain within six months.
• Journey-level knowledge in HVAC and Building Automation Systems.
• Experience using and maintaining hand and power tools relevant to the job functions.
• Ability to read blueprints and system diagrams.
• Knowledge of building codes and safety regulations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, inspect and repair HVAC and building systems and controls.
• Test and calibrate systems; diagnose problems and initiate repairs.
• Document corrective actions to prevent malfunctions or energy waste.
• Coordinate with supervisors and service referrals as needed.
• Maintain attendance and participate in training to update skills.

Skills

EPA knowledge

HVAC systems knowledge

Building Automation Systems

Blueprints & diagrams reading

Communication skills

Independent & team work

Safety & codes awareness

Education

EPA Certification

Tools

Hand & power tools

Job description

#141873 System Operator

Filing Deadline: Thu 11/5/2026

Payroll Title: SYS OPR

Department: La Jolla Facilities Engineering

Hiring Pay Scale: $49.94 / Hour

Worksite: Jacobs Medical Center

Appointment Type: Career

Appointment Percent: 100%

Union: K6 Contract

Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule: Variable, 8-Hour Shifts , Variable

DESCRIPTION

Under supervision, perform skilled journey-level duties in the operation, maintenance, inspection and alteration/repair of any utility and building system, controls, sub-systems and accessories. Perform a variety of test procedures standard to the trade such as but not limited to: take readings on boilers, test medium temperature water, steamed condensate, water hardness, etc. to maintain and extend the life of equipment. Test and calibrate systems and equipment, diagnose equipment problems and initiate/complete repairs through the Service Referral area. Communicate and document corrective action necessary to avoid malfunctions, energy excess, shutdown or damage of any system.

Perform journey-level skilled duties in the installation, operation, maintenance, modification, alteration or repair of HVAC controls, sub-systems and accessories including electric, electronic, pneumatic and digitally controlled Building Automation Systems which manage the most complex Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning (HVAC). Monitor, maintain, troubleshoot, calibrate and commission system features including performing maintenance and upkeep on BACnet and N2 architectures, GX9100 software, and configure Metasys programs using HVAC Pro Software. Monitor, maintain.

Maintain acceptable attendance record, punctuality and meeting deadlines. Participate in training sessions and seminars. Maintain proficiency at current level and continually update knowledge through appropriate courses, seminars, publications, and contacts with others in the trade.

Establish and maintain a positive and cooperative working relationship with members of department and campus community.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Environmental Protection Agency Certification (EPA) or commitment to get certified within six (6) months of hire.
• Journey-level knowledge and/or experience in HVAC and Building Automation Systems.
• Experience using and maintaining hand and power tools related to the job functions.
• Experience performing tests for systems operations, ability to determine repair needs and communicate them effectively to supervisor.
• Experience troubleshooting operational problems and making necessary adjustments or repairs.
• Knowledge reading and interpreting blueprints and system diagrams.
• Knowledge of building codes, rules and regulations. Experience working with Uniform Building Codes, California Building Codes, International Code Council, fire codes, life/safety codes and regulations as well as ability to follow standards concerning space, access, utilities, fire and safety requirements.
• Substantial knowledge and understanding of engineering fundamentals with respect to systems and equipment.
• Ability to observe and practice working habits and maintain security of buildings and systems.
• Basic knowledge of electrical systems.
• Ability to work well independently, in teams and with diverse populations.
• Ability to communicate effectively; orally in writing and electronically.
• Ability to work effectively in a service oriented environment, subject to frequently changing priorities.
• Ability to follow through and carry out work assignments.
• Ability to understand and apply University and Departmental policies and procedures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Healthcare Environment Experience.
• Hands-on industrial Plumbing, Industrial Electrical and Industrial Mechanical experience.
• Climatec and Metasys Digital Control Systems experience.
• Ability to Maintain DI and Soft water Systems.
• Experience and ability to maintain industrial belts and motors.
• Experience in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining commercial kitchen equipment, including ovens, grills, fryers, refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Ability to operate University vehicles for work-related tasks.
• Position may require occasional travel.
• Physical ability to perform tasks assigned to job function. Ability to move through limited access spaces and cover distances on foot to widely separated work sites.
• Ability to work in morgues, gross anatomy and pathological laboratories where human and animal bodies or parts thereof may be exposed to view of worker.
• Must be able to work various hours and locations based on business needs. May be required to work overtime. May be required to work alternate shifts.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $104,275 - $104,275 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $49.94 - $49.94

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

If applicable, life-support certifications (BLS, NRP, ACLS, etc.) must include hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment; online-only certification is not acceptable.

UC San Diego Health is the only academic health system in the San Diego region, providing leading-edge care in patient care, biomedical research, education, and community service. Our facilities include two university hospitals, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, Shiley Eye Institute, Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, the only Burn Center in the county, and dozens of outpatient clinics. We invite you to join our team!

Applications/Resumes are accepted for current job openings only. For full consideration on any job, applications must be received prior to the initial closing date. If a job has an extended deadline, applications/resumes will be considered during the extension period; however, a job may be filled before the extended date is reached.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

UC San Diego Health maintains a marijuana and drug free environment. Employees may be subject to drug screening.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace