Energy Plant Operator

University of South Carolina•Columbia, SC

65d

About The Position

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond. Performs duties in the operation and maintenance of the University of South Carolina's energy plants.

Requirements

Requires job related accreditation from a technical school or an applicable skilled trades program and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Ability to operate and perform maintenance work in various energy facilities
General knowledge of various trades crafts
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
Ability to read and interpret instruction manuals and drawings
Ability to use initiative and be proactive in discharging duties.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma and 6 years experience in steam generation and water chiller operation or equivalent in education and experience.

Responsibilities

Conducts routine inspections of energy distribution area by developing or implementing a planned maintenance schedule for all systems.
Communicating problems to appropriate personnel, and making recommendations regarding the planned maintenance program to ensure proper operation and maintenance and to provide for, as well as assist in, corrective action prior to emergency action.
Performs corrective and preventative maintenance on energy distribution equipment in multiple energy plants including boilers, de-aerator systems, conveyor systems, water chillers up to 3000 tons, cooling towers, pumps, motors, piping, and other related equipment by preparing and receiving work orders;
Operating and maintaining tools and equipment:
Communicating with supervisory personnel and co-workers:
Planning, inspecting, verifying, communicating, and problem solving issues;
Taking personal initiative to correct any problems;
Ensuring all work performed follows the departmental and OSHA safety guidelines, policies. and regulations;
Ensuring all assigned systems are safe and in working order and compliant with national and local codes and regulations;
Exhibiting professionalism in conduct. appearance, and work practices.
Assist in the chemical water treatment process for boilers, cooling towers, chillers and other associated distribution piping and equipment systems.
Performing daily operational tests; taking corrective action; recording test results and corrective actions; and reporting to management when deficiencies are noted.
Performs administrative tasks by maintaining and completing accurate daily time sheets, records on all scheduled and emergency repairs performed on various related systems, and reports that meet EPA regulations regarding air quality and emissions;
Assisting with the Facilities inventory control when requesting, receiving and monitoring supplies, materials, and tools from consolidated suppliers and outside vendors following established procurement polices and procedures with supervisory approval;
Attending meetings and training events related to customer service, safety, and continuous improvement.
Maintains the energy plants in order to meet safety, cleanliness, and efficiency standards and expectations by inspecting assigned areas and equipment on a daily and weekly basis;
Dusting. vacuuming. wiping down surfaces, washing walls, sweeping, mopping and scrubbing floors, collecting and removing trash and recycled materials, for the specific type of location being cleaned, for safety codes, and OSHA regulation using applicable equipment and appropriate cleaning supplies;
Preparing areas and surfaces for painting that may require sanding, scraping, caulking, puttying, spraying, washing, burning or sandblasting; and using brushes, rollers or spray equipment to paint the equipment
Performs other duties related to the energy plant including the monitoring of the Metasys Control System;
Advising. instructing, and training other lesser skilled operators in the operation and maintenance of energy equipment;
Staying current with best practices regarding plant operations and the technology involved.
Performs other related duties as required to include filling in for absent personnel on other shifts.