Utility Plant Operator-II

UT Health San Antonio; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision care

Disability insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Employee discounts

Job summary

UT Health San Antonio is seeking a skilled Plant Operator to help generate steam and chilled water, and to maintain the central energy plant and distribution systems ensuring uninterrupted utility services.

Under general supervision, you'll forecast loads, adjust equipment, oversee operations, and train staff to maximize energy efficiency and reliability across campus facilities.

Qualifications

• Five+ years operating and maintaining utility distribution equipment, or three years in a comparable Health Thermal Energy Plant.
• Strong problem solving and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with accuracy and detail.

Responsibilities

• Execute operational and maintenance strategies on assigned shift.
• Forecast chilled water and steam load requirements based on seasons, time of day, and weather.
• Adjust, start, and stop plant equipment to maintain efficient production and minimize costs.
• Oversee the flow of chilled water, steam, air, water, and heating into buildings from a central point.
• Direct preventive maintenance activities and train subordinate operators.
• Maintain logs and departmental records.

Skills

HVAC systems

Steam systems

Chilled water

Water treatment

Reverse osmosis

Water softening

Problem solving

Communication

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Under general supervision, responsible for assisting with ensuring the efficient generation of steam and chilled water. Performs various skilled tasks in the operation and maintenance of equipment in the central energy plant and utility distribution systems to ensure uninterrupted utility services.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the execution of operational and maintenance strategies of assigned shift.
• Forecasts chilled water and steam load requirements based on seasons, time of day, and weather conditions.
• Adjusts, starts, and stops plant equipment to maintain and regulate efficient production of thermal energy systems while minimizing utility costs.
• Oversees the operation and maintenance of equipment which regulates the flow of chilled water, steam, air, water, and heating equipment into buildings from a central distribution point.
• Coordinates workflow of the department and recommends new processes as needed.
• May direct and delegate work processes and best practices to other staff.
• Trains and assists subordinate operators for assigned shift.
• Assists in the diagnosis and/or repairs of plant equipment.
• Provides supervision of the water treatment needs of Chillers and Boilers.
• Directs preventive maintenance activities.
• Maintains logs and departmental records.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Possess Technical skills in operation of HVAC, steam and chilled water, air, reverse osmosis, and water softening systems.
• Excellent problem solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with strong attention to accuracy and detail.

Education

• High school diploma or GED is required.

Required Skills

• Five (5) years experience in operation and maintenance of utility distribution equipment, or three (3) years experience working in a comparable Health Thermal Energy Plant environment.

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 8265
• Job Category Facilities & Engineering Oper
• Posting Date 10/16/2026, 04:44 PM
• Locations 0004 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, US (On-site)
• Apply Before 11/15/2026, 05:44 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Organization B5800 - Facilities Mgt, I5000 - Facilities & Capital Planning, UT Health Science Center, UT Health Science Center