Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 1

The Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 1 performs skilled level work but not at the journey-level required to maintain the campus chiller plant, central steam plant, steam distribution system, and related equipment. Under the guidance of the Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 2 conducts chemical testing on boiler feed water, chilled and hot water systems, tests and chemically treats water systems. Diagnose, repairs and replaces electrical and mechanical components and controls to maintain peak operating efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Performs preventative maintenance inspections and adjustments on plant equipment to maintain the equipment within OEM specifications, maximize equipment system life-cycle and save energy, water and waste stream resources.

Further, this position was developed to better serve the University by providing additional opportunity to staffs that have demonstrated an interest and aptitude in the field of work; but typically for those individuals who have not yet achieved journey-level status.
The successful applicant(s) are expected to continue making progress at improving their job skills and increasing technical knowledge.

Acceptance of an applicant into the position will require the successful completion of on-the-job training, successful completion of technical training coursework taken by the employee outside of the course of employment with the University, and a satisfactory work performance assessment to continue in the position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the guidance of the Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 2, performs skilled level tasks in one or more of the following areas; maintains industrial natural gas boilers, hot water heaters, cooling towers, chillers and pumping systems in accordance with department utility distribution schedules;
• Under general supervision responsible for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of equipment associated with the operation and maintenance of the chiller plant, central steam plant and steam distribution systems;
• Submits reports, orally or in writing of progress and status as necessary to ensure proper job accounting and to identify and resolve any problems encountered that may cause delays, damage or interruption of utility services to the campus;
• Assists the department in the development of plant operations strategies and schedules that promote the most efficient use of heating and cooling energy and water resources;
• Under the guidance of the Plant Operations & Maintenance Engineer 2, performs diagnostic tests, predictive maintenance and troubleshooting on systems, equipment, and components to maximize equipment reliability;
• Continually expands knowledge of the trade through appropriate courses, publications and contact with others in the field.
• Maintains a working knowledge of relevant codes, regulations and applies them consistently in daily activities.
• Read and interpret blueprints, specifications, shop drawings, schematics, manufacturer’s specifications and other reference material to determine appropriate job requirements and procedures;
• Ability to share trade knowledge with and train skilled and semi-skilled employees in areas of plant operations and maintenance practices;
• Maintains records of machinery and related equipment operations log in accordance with state and federal regulatory requirements;
• Specify and order materials, parts and supplies consistent with departmental requirements keeping the appropriate persons informed;
• Maintains good working relationships with the students, faculty, staffs and vendors, adheres to all University policy and procedures
• Works in a neat and orderly manner and maintains a clean work area; maintains tools and equipment in good condition;
• Works from ladders and scaffolding as well as in confined spaces;

Safety

• Consistently follows and enforces safety practices appropriate to building maintenance and complies with rules and regulations established by the University and governmental agencies;
• Maintains an awareness of the typical hazards of the work place as well as the special hazards that may be encountered at any University facility location such as biohazards, low-grade radiation and chemicals known to the State of California to cause, birth defects, or other reproductive harm;
• Follows established governmental (local, state and federal) procedures for dealing with special hazards; and promptly reports any unusual conditions to the supervisor.

Special Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to work assigned hours and may be assigned to work any shift.  Employees working in this classification may be designated as essential personnel and subject to occasional overtime, call backs and may be required to serve 24/7 on-call rotation.
• Must possess a valid California driver’s license and may be required to drive University vehicles;
• Must wear a uniform prescribed and furnished by USD;
• May be assigned to work in the vicinity of laboratories where biohazards, radioactive or other potentially hazardous substances are stored or used;
• Must continually expand knowledge base in building operations and maintenance techniques, attend assigned training;
• Must work individually or in teams coordinating assigned work with other groups and department;
• May be assigned to work at any USD facility/location;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The University of San Diego is requiring all employees to follow our Covid-19 vaccine requirement process. https://www.sandiego. edu/onward/  

Background check:  Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.