General Information
| Job Description | PLT OPR | Working Title | Plant Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Job Code | 005321 | Grade | |
| Department Name | Central Plant Operations Dept - D01205 | Department Head | Adam Schnirel |
| Supervisor | Nils Burkland | Effective Date | 07/10/2023 |
Position(s) Directly Supervised
| Job Code | Title | FTE |
|---|
Department Custom Scope
| The Plant Operator performs journey-level work related to the operation, installation, inspection, modification, remodeling and repair of boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, blowers and all ancillary equipment and property associated with all Central Plant Utility Operations; Central Utility Plant; Satellite Chiller Plant. Executes the preventative maintenance on all equipment and systems for Central Plant Operations and associated buildings. Maintains clear and accurate documentation of all operating data, inspections, testing and maintenance (corrective and/or preventative) performed. Updates equipment documentation, specifications and drawings, as needed. Reviews and updates all plant logs, both paper and electronic according to plant updates and changes. Responds to emergency situations to mitigate and/or resolve immediate plant operating concerns or safety issues. Reviews and creates blueprints/drawings, ISOs and specifications for new construction and retrofit/renovation projects according to building code requirements. Responds to emergency situations during or after hours for the purposes of resolving immediate safety concerns. Performs all job duties in adherence with University and departmental safety guidelines. Maintains a positive attitude and communicates effectively with colleagues, supervisors, staff, faculty and students. Central Plant Operations are mandated to adhere to California Title 8, subchapter 2, Article 6. 781 (b) regulations for boiler attendance; incumbent may be required to work holidays and weekends, along with scheduled, unscheduled and emergency overtime, as needed. |
Education & Experience Requirements
Education Requirements
| Degree | Requirement |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent. | Required |
Experience Requirements
| Experience | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 4 years of journey-level experience in Central Plant Operations preventative maintenance, repair and construction, and/or completion of a certified apprenticeship training; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. | Required |
| Demonstrated experience in maintenance, operation, repair, calibration, installation, diagnosis and inspection of industrial/commercial of utility systems. Experience working on Central Plant equipment and piping related but not limited to steam, chilled water, feed water, condensate, natural gas, oil and water associated with Central Plant systems. | Required |
| Knowledge and experience accurately performing water analysis and applying treatment chemicals; experience handling and operating digital control energy management and industrial heating and cooling control systems. | Required |
| Previous steam operations experience in a higher education environment, military/industrial energy operation environment or other large capacity public steam/energy operation. | Preferred |
| Prior experience and ability to prioritize work orders, routine work, emergency requests and ability to choose the proper materials or equipment to accomplish work in the most expeditious and safe manner. | Preferred |
License Requirements
| License | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Valid Drivers License | Required |
Certification Requirements
| Certification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Steam Engineer Unlimited License. | Preferred |
Educational Condition Requirements
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|
Key Responsibilities
| Description | % Time |
|---|---|
| Plant Operations, Maintenance & Repair - Responsible for the safe operation of the Central Plant systems and equipment: boilers, chillers, air compressors, vacuum pumps, ancillary pumps and all other equipment. Ensures adequate supply of steam, chilled water, compressed air and vacuum is supplied to the campus at all times. Records data and maintains logs (regularly on predetermined schedule and as required) in support all Central Plant operations. Log and record maintenance includes, but not limited to, boiler operations, chiller systems, meter readings, water tests, and engineering logs. Ensures accuracy in logs by detailing data such as but not limited to ammonia flow, cabinet temperatures, humidity, CEMS data, water records and all other information as necessary. Regulates, tests and treats all water for boiler feed, chilled water, chiller condensing water and boiler make up (soft water) in accordance with published parameters. Maintains water tank levels and pump operations in accordance with published parameters; operates manifolds as necessary in the event of failures. Monitors all equipment, including but not limited to pressures, temperatures, flows, levels and chemical balances and ensures operation of equipment are within design and/or good engineering practices. Monitors Energy Management systems and computers; responds to alarms and performs corrective action as appropriate and/or contacts Facilities Services team members. Understands and maintains knowledge of all Central Plant equipment and systems with the ability to troubleshoot start, stop or shift systems safely to mitigate damage to equipment, property or persons in the event of an emergency. Monitors surveillance cameras and security on all Central Plant buildings and assets; documents and reports security breaches. | 40 |
| Plant Operations, Maintenance & Repair Continued - Responds to customer calls, documents work request numbers and actions taken by Plant personnel; reports security breaches to any campus building which are noted during campus rounds. Performs installations, inspections, troubleshoots, maintains, modifies, and repairs on Central Plant equipment and piping related to steam, chilled water, feed water, condensate, natural gas, oil and water associated with all Central Plant systems. Maintains, repairs and monitors control systems, propane storage, selective catalytic nitrous oxide reduction systems, transfer and gasification systems and Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems to meet demand and efficiency. Monitors and maintains Central Plant Boiler Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) in accordance with manufacturers and campus requirements to ensure compliance with all federal, state and local agency rules and regulations. Responds to reports of equipment and system failures from Plant Operators to ensure the safe, uninterrupted operation of the Central Plant. Performs routine maintenance, repair, troubleshooting and calibration to ensure efficient operation of Central Plant systems and equipment. Performs preventative maintenance and testing on all systems and equipment related to Central Plant Operations according to manufacture and/or campus requirements. Performs brazing and soldering, pipe bending, electrical wiring, plumbing, fabrication and general mechanical repair. Collaborates with other skilled trades and Facilities Services team members to complete minor renovation projects and maintenance projects. Maintains knowledge of building and safety codes, South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and other environmental rules and regulations, hazardous material handling and disposal. | 40 |
| Shop Support Continued - Communicates and reports to a supervisor and/or staff regarding any potential issues, not limited to potential safety hazards (e.g. broken glass, regulated materials, damaged steps, excess water, fire, etc.), or liabilities during the day-to-day operations. Contacts Facilities Services teams, as necessary, when further action is required. Responds to customer complaints and requests for information. Works with customer and campus personnel to accurately define the nature of the problem, determine the appropriate course of action, make recommendations and follow up to ensure resolution has been effective. Participates in safety and other trainings as required. Performs all job duties in adherence to all University and Departmental safety guidelines. | 10 |
| Shop Support - Maintains working knowledge of the proper and safe usage of plant equipment and maintenance skilled trade. Keeps track of shop materials/parts. Performs computer input within the work order system for recording of labor and materials used in work performed; maintains clear and accurate documentation of all inspections, testing and maintenance performed. Updates equipment documentation, specifications and drawings as needed. Cleans truck/shop and maintains organization of materials and tools; performs routine maintenance or coordinates for repair or replacement of tools and equipment, as required. Accounts for shop parts/supplies inventory and reports supply needs to be restocked. Consults with supervisor and/or lead for technical information, as needed. Interprets prints, schematics, wiring diagrams, flow charts and written descriptions of functions and project requirements. Supports maintenance projects and programmatic work assignments. Adheres to the scheduling and completion of work assignments through the work order system. Maintains accurate work order records and completes paperwork in a neat and timely manner. Defines and describes materials, tools and/or equipment, work methods and task sequences. Obtains materials and equipment, as required. Serves as liaison with clients, relaying their needs and requirements to the appropriate department or supervisor. Maintains a positive attitude and communicates effectively with colleagues, supervisors, staff, faculty and students. | 10 |
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
| Knowledge/Skill/Ability | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Ability to effectively communicate and understand safety regulations and hazards. Knowledge in safe and proper procedures when hazardous materials are suspected. Ability to estimate time, methods and materials needed from construction documents. Ability to read and understanding documents such as complex technical procedures, work instructions, blue prints, plans, manuals, specifications, and diagrams. | Required |
| Skill in operating shop equipment and tools common to the skilled trade. Knowledgeable of tools and equipment used for welding and brazing. | Required |
| Ability to read, write and perform basic arithmetic calculations. Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public, and provide exceptional customer service. Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to record information accurately as is necessary to perform the job responsibilities. | Required |
| Working with a diverse student, staff, faculty and visitor population and ability to provide exemplary customer service. | Preferred |
| Basic knowledge and technical skills with computer programs and applications (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, Design Cad 2, etc.). | Preferred |
| Knowledge of UC/UCR policies and systems. | Preferred |
Special Requirements & Conditions
| Special Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Public Driving Record. | Required |
| Shift Work (hours outside standard Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM work hours). | Required |
| Must wear University issued ID badge and uniform. | Required |
| Willingness and ability to work weekends and holidays. Ability to work occasional scheduled and unscheduled overtime, emergency call-back, and a flexible schedule as needed. | Required |
| Hired candidate must pass a background check through the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) prior to appointment start date. | Required |
| Must possess or obtain a Valid CA Driver License in accordance with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. | Required |
| Must successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination prior to appointment start date. | Required |
| Overtime | Required |
Other Special Requirements & Conditions
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Level of Supervision Received
| General Supervision |
Environment
Working Environment
| Campus |
Other Requirements
Items Used
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Physical Requirements
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Mental Requirements
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Environmental Requirements
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Critical Position
| Is Critical Position: Yes |