Central Plant Operator

Southwestern College•Chula Vista, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, plan, organize and coordinate the operation, maintenance, and repairs to District’s central plant(s) chilled water and hot water generation and distribution systems and controls at all campuses; perform skilled mechanical work in repair, inspection, servicing, troubleshooting, and alteration of systems and associated equipment; assure central plant(s) operated to maximum efficiencies and maintained for full life expectancy of system.

Requirements

Two (2) years of college or equivalent AND Four (4) years of training or experience in cogeneration operation, power plant, chilled water plant, central hydraulic system, or boiler plant experience.
Valid California driver’s license and a safe driving record.
Knowledge of large chiller operations and maintenance 1000 Ton and larger.
Knowledge of boiler operations and maintenance.
Knowledge of engineering fundamentals with respect to systems and equipment.
Knowledge of proper methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the operation, maintenance and repair of HVAC and other mechanical systems.
Knowledge of methods, practices, equipment and tools used in the installation, repair and maintenance of central plant operations.
Knowledge of principles and practices of systems design and installation.
Knowledge of preventive and corrective maintenance techniques.
Knowledge of precautions necessary for working with high voltage.
Knowledge of data communications techniques and basic programming language including graphics programming within energy management.
Knowledge of interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Knowledge of technical aspects of field of specialty.
Knowledge of principles and procedures of record keeping.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local codes, laws and regulations including Cal/OSHA safety rules, regulations and other safe work practices.
Ability to plan and organize HVAC services to assure maximum efficiency and comfort.
Ability to perform skilled HVAC repair and maintenance using a variety of tools and machines.
Ability to develop and implement improved procedures and processes to maximize operational efficiency.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
Ability to work effectively in a service oriented environment subject to frequently changing priorities.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Ability to meet schedules and short time lines.
Ability to work using high degree of independent judgment.
Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain District central plant at the Chula Vista campus including multiple chillers (1000 T and greater) for the District to assure effective services; maintain prescribed standards of operations.
Communicate plant issues and keep maintenance supervisor fully informed of plant operations, unusual conditions, and faulty equipment.
Communicate and document corrective action necessary to avoid malfunctions, energy excess, shutdowns, or damage of any system.
Schedule operational cycles of chillers and boilers over BacNET DDC to coincide with the academic and operational calendars of the district.
Diagnose mechanical and electrical problems in plant equipment and systems; repair or replace defective parts or equipment.
Calibrate and test central plant controls.
Determine service and repair needs and schedule appropriate service; manage all requisition requests for vendors, prepare reports as required.
Operate a variety of tools and power equipment including electrical, air, water, Freon, and natural gas testing equipment.
Assist in performing other skilled HVAC technical duties for package units (refrigerant DX units) as assigned.
Respond to emergency calls.
Make quick analysis of mechanical and or electrical problems through proper troubleshooting techniques and use of various tools and schematics.