Utility Plant Operator - Lead

UT Health San Antonio; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

UT Health San Antonio is seeking a seasoned supervisor to lead day-to-day operations of the central energy plant and its utility distribution systems. You will forecast load, adjust equipment, and oversee the flow of chilled water, steam and heating systems to campus buildings from a central point.

You will mentor operators, ensure preventive maintenance, maintain logs, and coordinate department workflows. This on-site role expects a strong focus on safety, reliability, and cost efficiency.

Qualifications

• Nine years in operation and maintenance of utility equipment, or seven years in a comparable Health Thermal Energy Plant environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of central energy plant and distribution systems.
• Forecast 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; recommends new processes as needed.

Skills

HVAC operation

Steam systems

Chilled water

Leadership

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Control systems (SCADA/BCS)

Job description

Under minimal supervision, responsible for overseeing and leading the day-to‑day activities of the central energy plant and utility distribution systems. Leads or mentors lower level team members.

Schedule: Majority day shift - 8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday covering weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the execution of operational and maintenance strategies of assigned workload.
• 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; recommends new processes as needed.
• May direct and delegate work processes and best practices to other staff.
• Trains and assists subordinate operators for assigned workload.
• Assists in the diagnosis and repair 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

• Ability to demonstrate in-depth knowledge of concepts, practices and policies with the ability to use them in complex varied situations.
• Expert technical skills in the operation of HVAC, steam and chilled water, air, reverse osmosis, water softeners, and piping distribution systems.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; and develops alternative solutions.
• Ability to exercise skilled independent judgment in handling unexpected or emergency situations.
• Ability to act as a team leader for small projects or work groups, creating a collaborative and respectful team environment and improving workflows.
• Results may impact the operations of one or more departments.

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or GED is required.

LICENSE:

• Valid Texas driver's license is required - must have clear driving record.

Required Skills

• Nine (9) years experience in the operation and maintenance of utility equipment, or seven (7) years 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.

Job Info

• Job Identification 7417
• Job Category Facilities & Engineering Oper
• Posting Date 08/03/2026, 01:00 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