Austin Energy Operations & Maintenance Specialist (HVAC Service Technician)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

1d•$31 - $39•Onsite

About The Position

We are looking for a highly skilled Operations and Maintenance Specialist who specializes in HVAC to join our team. This role involves installing, testing, debugging, and repairing complex utility equipment, as well as calibrating sensors, controllers, and meters. The technician will enter and record data in computerized and manual maintenance systems, read gauges and meters, and perform routine checks to ensure equipment operates safely and efficiently. Responsibilities include servicing pumps, power tools, and auxiliary equipment; operating centrifuges and air-cooled chillers; setting up sump pumps; cleaning tanks; and feeding chemicals. The position also requires repairing and installing HVAC components, performing preventive maintenance, planning work resources, and troubleshooting mechanical systems within critical infrastructure. Candidates must be able to perform mechanical alignments, disassemble and reassemble complex components, and ensure precise tolerance fits.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus (4) years of experience in a field related to the installation, operation, and/or maintenance of a utility facility power, steam, or chiller operation.
Valid Texas class C driver license or ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment.
Ability to produce and maintain an acceptable driving record.
Moderate bending, lifting, walking, carrying, climbing ladders, and using a force equal to lifting up to fifty (50) pounds.
Must be able to work a varying shift work schedule.
Must be able to work in confined areas.
Must be able to work on elevated structures.
Must be able to work under emergency and all weather conditions.
Knowledge of basic methods, equipment, tools, and materials involved in the maintenance and repair of large equipment.
Knowledge of safety rules, codes, and regulations applicable when working on or near energized electrical systems, steam systems, and high-pressure water systems.
Knowledge of lock out/tag out procedures for removing equipment from service for maintenance.
Knowledge of proper methods and procedures used in cleaning work area and equipment.
Knowledge of operating procedures for firing and maintaining pressure on high-pressure steam boilers and of the operation and maintenance of auxiliary equipment.
Knowledge of boiler feed water chemical treatment and control.
Knowledge of pressure, temperature, water level, and other types of indicating instruments used in operation of high-pressure boilers.
Skill in establishing and maintaining excellent communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
Skill in control procedures for operating auxiliary equipment.
Ability to make accurate gauge readings.
Ability to reference/interpret manual sufficient to perform job tasks.
Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards in the COA Driver Safety Program.
Ability to drive, inspect, and maintain various electric utility vehicles.

Nice To Haves

EPA license/TDLR Registered or able to register within between 6 months after hired.
Current HVAC license type A or B or be able to obtain within 6 months after hired.
Experience operating and maintaining Air Cooled Chiller.
Experience with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).
Experience operating and maintaining Building Automation System.
Experience with General Building Maintenance.

Responsibilities

Installs, tests, debugs, and repairs complex utility equipment.
Calibrates sensors, controllers, and meters.
Enters data into computerized and/or manual maintenance systems.
Records data on appropriate forms, logs, etc.
Starts up/shuts down diesel generator units.
Operates mechanical screens.
Monitors operation of equipment and machinery in work area.
Reads gauges and meters.
Checks, cleans, and services equipment pumps, power tools, etc.
Checks equipment for proper operation, safety, and/or needed maintenance.
Turns on/off valve with valve wrench.
Operates centrifuge, generator, turbine, and/or auxiliary equipment.
Sets up and operates sump and/or other pumps.
Cleans tanks, feeds chemicals, etc.
Repairs, services, and installs components of the boiler, turbine, generator, HVAC, electrical, uninterruptible power supply, or auxiliary systems of a utility facility, power, steam, or chiller operation.
Performs preventive maintenance activities on utility equipment per specification(s).
Plans work and identifies necessary resources (tools, equipment, parts, labor).
Performs mechanical alignments for rotating equipment and their drivers.
Troubleshoots mechanical systems and/or equipment, sometimes within critical infrastructure.
Disassembles and reassembles complex mechanical components.
Determines close tolerance fit of associated parts.