Utilities Plant Operator 1

Augusta University; Augusta (GA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Tuition Assistance Program

13 paid holidays

Paid vacation & sick leave

Job summary

Augusta University is seeking a Utilities Plant Operator 1 to perform preventive maintenance, inspections, and repair of mechanical equipment in the energy plants and other Plant Operations areas. The role involves monitoring building temperatures via Metasys and may require after-hours work, weekends, or on-call duties.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED, related maintenance experience, and the ability to read blueprints and communicate effectively with facilities staff.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 1 year related maintenance experience preferred.
• Must obtain Refrigerant Certification within 180 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Preventative maintenance on boilers, chillers, pumps, and related plant equipment.
• Respond to work orders promptly and document actions taken.
• Communicate shutdowns and coordination needs with supervisor.
• Operate Metasys facility management system for monitoring.
• Maintain safety standards and accurate records of maintenance.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Effective communication

Problem solving

Team orientation

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Metasys

Job description

Utilities Plant Operator 1

Job ID: 302782

Location: Augusta University

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Regular/Temporary:

About Us

Augusta University is Georgia's innovation center for education and health care, training the next generation of innovators, leaders, and healthcare providers in classrooms and clinics on four campuses in Augusta and locations across the state. More than 12,000 students choose Augusta for educational opportunities at the center of Georgia's cybersecurity hub and experiential learning that blends arts and application, humanities, and the health sciences. Augusta is home to Georgia's only public academic health center, where groundbreaking research is creating a healthier, more prosperous Georgia, and world‑class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. Our mission and values make Augusta University an institution like no other. Augusta University's distinct characteristics in education and research include real-world experiences and community engagement, as well as a culture of building community, corporate and government partnerships that address health, security, economic and societal concerns locally and across the state. The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Location

Augusta University

Our Health Sciences Campus: 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912

College/Department Information

Providing the highest level of quality service in a responsive and efficient manner to the entire university community while creating and caring for a physical environment in which those who seek knowledge, enlightenment and well-being enjoy successful, productive, and fulfilled lives. Facilities Services Division provides quality customer service by maintaining a safe, healthy, and aesthetically pleasing environment in which students, faculty, and staff can function and accomplish their educational objectives and by supporting a patient care culture that continuously improves. Facilities Services' responsibilities include Interior and Exterior Facilities Support, Construction, Space Management, and Environmental Services.

Job Summary

Utilities Plant Operator 1 will perform preventative maintenance, diagnosis, inspections, and repair of mechanical equipment in the energy plants as well as other areas that are maintained by Plant Operations. The types of equipment that plant operations maintain, services, or repairs include chillers, cooling towers, boilers, pumps, compressors, etc. This position monitors and operates equipment and building temperatures through Metasys facility management system. This position may require to work after hours, weekends, or on-call.

Responsibilities

Preventative Maintenance

• Always leave equipment in safe working condition, immediately notify supervisor of dangerous situations.
• Document and notify supervisor of any equipment failure and/or potential failures.
• Document all corrective actions in detail on assigned work requests.
• Perform quarterly, mid-annual, and annual preventative maintenances on Augusta University equipment based on manufactures required preventative maintenance requirements.
• Performs all maintenance work in a neat and timely manner.
• Schedule all preventative maintenances so that it does not disrupt the operation of Augusta University buildings or its customers.
• Keep records of completed preventative maintenance as well as any future work that needs to be completed.
• Communicate to plant operations supervisor of any shutdowns that need to occur to complete preventative maintenance of Augusta University plant operations equipment.
• Communicate to plant operations supervisor once preventative maintenance is complete and equipment has been returned to normal operation.

Responds to Work Request

• Respond to work orders in a quick and timely manner.
• Communicate with customer explaining if work order is completed or if further work needs to be completed.
• Troubleshoot and repair equipment in a quick a timely manner.
• Schedule shutdowns with supervisor to ensure Augusta University buildings and its customers are not being disrupted.
• Communicate with supervisor any future work that needs to be completed to ensure all Augusta University equipment is effectively operating.
• Document and notify supervisor of any equipment failure and/or potential failures.
• Document all corrective actions in detail on assigned work requests.

Leadership

• Utilizes effective critical thinking and strong problem-solving skills to make decisions and communicates tactfully to plant operations staff.

Contract Management

• Estimates materials needed and records time and material expended on each work order. Prepares and submits material requisitions required to complete assigned tasks.
• Reads, interprets blueprints, specifications, shop drawings, to determine appropriate job requirements and procedures.
• Perform shutdowns of assigned systems as required for maintenance or for project support. This includes chillers, boilers, chilled water systems, heating water systems, steam systems, etc.

Communications

• Consistently provide professional, accurate, tactful, and timely written and verbal communications to Facilities staff as well as other Augusta University staff.
• Establishes and maintains positive collaborative working relationships with all levels of Augusta University.
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

High School diploma, GED or equivalent from a recognized State or Federal accredited organization and 1 year experience in a related field. Must obtain Refrigerant Certification with 180 days of being hired.

Preferred Qualifications

Associate degree in related field from an accredited college or university

Preferred Experience

• Two or more years of applicable maintenance experience
• At least one year of automation building control experience
• UST Class A/B Operator

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Abilities

This position requires daily communication with Facilities Operations management and Facilities Operations employees. This position requires effective communication with Facilities Operations employees as well as Facilities Operations management. Must be able to give details when giving instruction to other Facilities Operations employees.

Knowledge

Must have general mechanical aptitude and be able to safely and effectively operate hand tools, physically enter and work inside of small confined spaces ( boilers, vaults, and pressure vessels), climb ladders and work at various heights. This position requires a moderate amount of physical exertion daily. That includes walking, lifting heavy objects up to (75lbs), kneeling, and crawling. Must be proficient in the use of the Metasys facility management system.

Skills

Must be able to handle multiple tasks and prioritize tasks in order of importance. Must be able to communicate effectively over the phone or in person. Must be able to communicate details of information verbally, written, or electronically. Must have good sensory abilities (sight, touch, hearing, and smell) and physical abilities as described in Physical effort section.

Shift/Salary/Benefits

Shift: Days: This position may require to work after hours, weekends, or on-call.

Pay Band: 8

Salary Minimum: $21.83/hour

Salary to be commensurate with qualifications of the selected candidate within the established range (generally minimum-midpoint) of the position

Recruitment Period: 9/9/26 - Until Filled

Augusta University offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees.

Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program.

Conditions of Employment

All selected candidates are required to successfully pass a Background Check review prior to starting with Augusta University.

If applicable for the specific position based on the duties: the candidate will also need to have a credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage.

Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive an Augusta University vehicle.

For Faculty Hires: Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive [patient, student, employee, financial, business, etc.] information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond.

Driver's License Statement

The Human Resources Division will request a driver's history report for the identified top candidate(s) for this position. We will initiate this through our Background Check Vendor; this report will come from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The selected candidate must have a valid driver's license.

Other Information

This position is also responsible for promoting a customer-friendly environment and providing superior service to our patients, students, faculty, and employees. "Augusta University is a patient-and family-centered care institution, where employees partner every day with patients and families for success."

Augusta University is a tobacco-free environment, and the use of any tobacco products on any part of the campus, both inside and outside, is strictly prohibited.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Augusta University is proud to be an equal opportunity employer welcoming applicants from underrepresented groups, including individuals with disabilities and veterans.