Plant Operator I

$44,897 - $48,400/Yr

Texas State University - San Marcos, TX

Full-time - Entry Level

San Marcos, TX

Educational Services

About the position

The Plant Operator I position at Texas State University is responsible for the operation and maintenance of thermal plant equipment, including absorption and centrifugal chillers and boilers. The role requires knowledge of electro-mechanical systems, safety procedures, and proficiency in various software tools for documentation and management tasks. The operator will work in a dynamic environment, ensuring the proper functioning of equipment while adhering to safety standards and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Input operating data in the equipment daily logs.
• Fire, turn off manually or by computer, and blow down Steam Boilers.
• Turn on and turn off chillers, motor-pump groups, and cooling towers with automated variable speed drives using computer controllers or by hand.
• Operate and diagnose the status of instrument air compressors, chemical stations, and the water softeners' electronic panel boards for regeneration and other related equipment.
• Operate the thermal plants with the proper operating sequences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of electro-mechanical equipment and system components in thermal plants, including their proper functioning, operation, diagnosis, and repair.
• Familiarity with standard safety procedures and practices in central utility plants, encompassing the elements of a LOTO safety program, fire evacuation protocols, and adherence to OSHA standards.
• Proficiency in personal computer software, with the ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Office, Excel, Visio, SAP, the AIM system, and LogBook software for documentation and management tasks.
• Understanding of basic chemistry analysis, chemical stations, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and tests for ensuring proper water quality in thermal plants.
• Experience in utilizing test equipment and specialized tools for troubleshooting, measuring, and calibrating electric and gas-powered machinery.
• Must be able to obtain certification to operate a forklift, genie boom, and scissor lift through the university's training program.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in the operation of thermal plants with the proper operating sequences.
• Knowledge of the manual and automated operation and maintenance of chillers, motor-pump groups, cooling towers and ancillary equipment for chill water production.
• Knowledge in the manual and automated operation and maintenance of steam boilers, heat exchangers, feed water pumps, deaerators, PRV stations and ancillary equipment for steam and hot water production.
• Knowledge of water testing protocols for cooling towers, chillers, boilers, and water heaters, able to adjust and operate chemical stations.
• Knowledge of the manual and automated operation and maintenance of HVAC systems, VFDs, RO filters, water softeners, and water basin controllers.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Wellness program