Facilities/Utilities Technician

Mars•Waco, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Facilities/Utilities Technician is responsible for operating all assigned utility systems in accordance with site safety rules and procedures. This role supports compliance programs, monitors and operates various industrial systems including NH₃ refrigeration, boilers/steam, compressed air, and HVAC/AHUs. The technician will also perform preventive maintenance, coordinate contractor activities, and contribute to reliability and continuous improvement efforts. Decision-making authority includes taking immediate actions to stabilize utilities and protect personnel, product, and equipment during upsets, escalating conditions requiring shutdown, and recommending repairs or operating changes.

Requirements

High school diploma/GED required
3+ years industrial utilities or plant operations experience preferred
Hands-on exposure to at least two of the following strongly preferred: NH₃ refrigeration, boilers/steam, compressed air, industrial HVAC/AHUs
Experience coordinating contractors and working in regulated manufacturing environments
Safety-first mindset and operational discipline
Troubleshooting / problem solving
Clear communication and shift handoff quality
Planning & prioritization during outages/upsets
Team collaboration with Ops, Maintenance, and Contractors
Working knowledge of industrial utility operations: NH₃ refrigeration, steam/boilers (150 PSI), compressed air, HVAC/AHUs, auxiliary systems
Ability to interpret logs/trends; basic understanding of controls and instrumentation
Ability to read equipment documentation and (preferred) P&IDs / schematics
Competence in CMMS usage, documentation, and compliance recordkeeping

Nice To Haves

Technical school, apprenticeship, or relevant military/industrial training preferred
NH₃ refrigeration credentialing (preferred; e.g., RETA-style certifications if you use them)
Boiler operator credentials

Responsibilities

Operate all assigned utility systems in accordance with site safety rules and procedures including LOTO, confined space, hot work, line-breaking, PPE, and chemical handling.
Support compliance programs applicable to utility operations (e.g., mechanical integrity, inspection/testing documentation, permits, audits), including participation in incident investigations and corrective actions.
Follow site emergency response procedures and escalate abnormal conditions immediately (including refrigeration alarms or suspected NH₃ leaks).
Monitor and operate NH₃ refrigeration equipment (compressors, vessels, condensers/evaporators, pumps, valves, and controls).
Perform routine system checks/rounds, trend key operating parameters, and identify early signs of failure (oil issues, vibration, valve/actuator issues, control deviations, abnormal pressures/temps).
Support planned shutdown/startup activities and coordinate repairs with Maintenance and approved contractors.
Operate and monitor boilers and steam distribution/condensate return systems to meet plant demand safely and efficiently.
Perform or support boiler water checks, blowdown activities, and water treatment program tasks per site standards.
Troubleshoot steam pressure/quality issues and coordinate corrective work on burners, feedwater, controls, traps, and related components.
Operate and monitor air compressors, dryers, filters, receivers, and distribution systems to maintain required pressure and air quality.
Identify and respond to air system issues affecting production (pressure drop, excessive moisture, unusual compressor cycling, leaks).
Monitor AHUs, make-up air systems, ventilation, exhaust, and other building support utilities impacting environment and process reliability.
Perform basic troubleshooting and coordinate repairs related to motors, belts, bearings, dampers, sensors, and controls.
Conduct routine checks and coordinate service/impairments for fire protection systems (fire pumps, valves, panels, inspections/testing support).
Support operational continuity for site security systems (access control, alarms, cameras) by coordinating with vendors/IT/site security as required.
Maintain documentation for inspections, impairments, and corrective actions.
Execute assigned PMs, operator care tasks, and basic corrective repairs; generate work orders for follow-up maintenance.
Coordinate contractor activity in utility areas (permits, safety requirements, scope clarity, verification of completion).
Maintain accurate shift logs, readings, and handoff notes; document work in CMMS.
Track/communicate leading indicators (abnormal readings, repeat alarms, vibration/noise changes, leaks, degraded performance).
Participate in root cause analysis and improvement actions to reduce downtime, energy waste, and recurring failures.