Stationary Engineer, Plant Operator (First Grade)

Rice University•Houston, TX

34d•Onsite

About The Position

The Stationary Engineer, Plant Operator (First Grade) operates Rice University's central plants and utility infrastructure, including all plant equipment, remote equipment, and utility systems, and monitors the campus Building Automation Systems (BAS) safely and efficiently. The Stationary Engineer responds appropriately to problems and emergency situations that occur in the plants and on campus and is aware of activities, performance, and safety of all persons in and around the plants and tunnel system, including other Rice employees and independent contractors. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled, safety-focused operator holding a First Grade Stationary Engineer's License (or equivalent through reciprocity) with proven experience running boilers, turbines, control rooms, and central plant utility systems. They demonstrate strong judgment under pressure, responding effectively to operational issues and campus emergencies while maintaining full compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. Reliable and capable of serving as Lead Operator, they excel in managing complex plant operations and ensuring continuous, efficient performance of Rice University's critical infrastructure.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent
4+ years of related experience in central plant operations, including operating high-pressure steam boilers
Current City of Houston First Grade Stationary Engineer's License or ability to acquire one within 6 months of hire
Able to acquire via a reciprocal license from another municipality. Candidates holding a valid stationary or steam engineer's license from a state, municipality, or government agency may qualify for examination for an equivalent City of Houston grade, pending board approval and verification of boiler operating experience and passing a written exam on boiler operation, maintenance, repair, and safety rules
General knowledge of test and diagnostic equipment, tools, instrumentation, and computer-based monitoring and control systems
General computer aptitude
Ability to read mechanical blueprints and electrical schematic diagrams associated with plant systems
Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
Ability to utilize hand tools and equipment in troubleshooting and repairs
Ability to solve problems under stressful or critical conditions
Performs general housekeeping in the plants to keep spaces and equipment clean and accessible

Nice To Haves

Currently holds City of Houston First Grade Stationary Engineer's License
Background with district energy control systems, particularly those found on university campuses, including combined heat and power turbines, high-pressure boilers, and centrifugal chillers
Knowledge of co-generation and combined heat and power systems and boiler safety standards
C-grade (or better) State of Texas water license
Valid Texas Driver's License (or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment) required, with no more than three moving violations or at-fault accidents within the past 36 months and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past 5 years

Responsibilities

Energizes, secures, adjusts, and operates plant equipment including turbines, chillers, boilers, pumps, cooling tower fans, air compressors, generators, etc., to respond to changes in campus load or to comply with planned scheduling and/or load management procedures
Continually monitors all aspects of plant and campus auxiliary equipment and operation
Makes necessary changes and adjustments to ensure safe and efficient plant operation via direct inspection, monitoring systems, and assistance from others
Monitors forecasted weather to anticipate and configure equipment to minimize impact on campus and optimize plant operations
Performs general and preventative maintenance, equipment repair and lubrication, and quality and chemical treatment monitoring for water and steam systems as necessary to ensure optimal equipment performance
Monitors the Building Automation System for issues and alarms; calls appropriate personnel to respond to campus and equipment emergencies; responds to after-hours requests for building adjustments
Communicates thoroughly with other operators and supervisors to facilitate continuity of operations during regular shifts and shift changes; maintains all operations and responsibilities until relieved by the next shift
Informs direct supervisor or appropriate management of events and problems that may significantly affect plant or campus operations
Performs duties as lead operator to provide direction to second operators for the assigned shift
Logs events and operational changes in the operations record
Enters work orders and daily work time using CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)
Performs all other duties as assigned