Utility Plant Operator-Assoc

UT Health San Antonio; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

UT Health San Antonio is seeking a skilled Plant Operator to support the safe operation, monitoring, and routine maintenance of equipment in a thermal energy plant and utility distribution systems serving on-site facilities.

Under supervision, you will operate equipment regulating the flows of chilled water, steam, and other utilities, monitor control boards, log readings, perform routine adjustments, and report discrepancies to senior staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Three (3) years experience in operation and maintenance of utility distribution equipment, or one (1) year experience in a comparable Health Thermal Energy Plant environment is required.
• Valid TX Driver's License is required and a clear driving record.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain equipment regulating flow of chilled water, steam, air, water and heating equipment from a central distribution point.
• Monitor control board, meters, and regulate equipment per procedures and instrument readings.
• Record plant readings, system changes, equipment status, discrepancies and repairs in the control room log book.

Skills

HVAC systems knowledge

Steam and chilled water systems

Air and vacuum systems

Reverse osmosis and water softening

Troubleshooting skills

Verbal and written communication

Independent work discipline

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Under direct supervision, responsible for providing technical skills in the operation, monitoring, and routine maintenance of equipment within a thermal energy plant and utility distribution systems.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, operates and maintains equipment which regulates the flow of chilled water, steam, air, water, and heating equipment into buildings from a central distribution point.
• Monitors control board, meters, and regulates equipment according to established procedures and information obtained from recording and indicating instruments.
• Makes entries into control room log book documenting plant readings, system changes, equipment status, discrepancies, and repairs.
• Demonstrates working knowledge and ability in the start up/shut down and operation of oil and natural gas fired steam boilers, deaerator tanks, feed water pumps, condensate pumps and piping distribution systems.
• Demonstrates working knowledge and ability in the start up/shut down and operation of steam and electric driven chillers, chilled water pumps, condenser water pumps, cooling towers, and piping distribution systems.
• Performs chemical analysis of plant water systems, documents test results, and ensures all tests are completed and parameters are normal.
• Makes routine equipment and chemical adjustments within established operating procedures and reports abnormal conditions to senior staff or supervisor.
• Identifies discrepancies or needed repairs, documents findings, and communicates to staff/supervisor.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of HVAC, steam and chilled water, air and vacuum systems, and knowledge of reverse osmosis and water softening systems.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and equipment troubleshooting skills, with the ability to identify abnormal operating conditions and perform routine corrective actions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability work independently in completing routine assigned duties while following the direction of senior plant staff or supervision with strong attention to accuracy and detail.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or GED is required.

LICENSES:

Valid TX Driver's License is required - must have a clear driving record.

Required Skills

• Three (3) years experience in operation and maintenance of utility distribution equipment, or one (1) year experience working in a comparable Health Thermal Energy Plant environment is required.

This position may require the ability to maintain the security and integrity of UT San Antonio and its infrastructure per Texas EO-GA-48.

About Us

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence - advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has been recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers for Company Culture.

Benefits Overview

UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.

Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.

Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.

Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.

Disability - Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.

FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.

Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.

Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:

• Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
• Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
• Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
• Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.

Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.

EEO Statement

UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

Job Info

• Job Identification 7367
• Job Category Facilities & Engineering Oper
• Posting Date 07/22/2026, 02:58 PM
• Locations 0004 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, US (On-site)
• Job Schedule Full time
• Organization B5800 - Facilities Mgt, I5000 - Facilities & Capital Planning, UT Health Science Center, UT Health Science Center