Central Plant Operator

Central Plant Operator

Southwestern Community College District (SWCCD) is committed to meeting the educational goals of its students in an inclusive environment that promotes intellectual growth and develops human potential. We are the leader in equitable education that transforms the lives of students and communities.

SWCCD employees are collegial and collaborative. They demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism, integrity and respect when interacting with students, colleagues, leadership and members of the Jaguar community. Our employees actively honor and respect diversity to foster a safe and welcoming community where all are inspired to participate and realize a sense of belonging.

Incumbents exhibit an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and employees, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

Description

Under direction of the Maintenance Supervisor, plan, organize and coordinate the operation, maintenance, and repairs to District's central plant(s) chilled water and hot water generation and distribution systems and controls at all campuses; perform skilled mechanical work in repair, inspection, servicing, troubleshooting, and alteration of systems and associated equipment; assure central plant(s) operated to maximum efficiencies and maintained for full life expectancy of system.

Qualifications

Any combination equivalent to: two (2) years of college or equivalent AND Four (4) years of training or experience in cogeneration operation, power plant, chilled water plant, central hydraulic system, or boiler plant experience.

• One year of experience is equal to 12 months of experience at 40 hours per week. Applicable part-time experience will be converted to the full-time equivalent for purposes of meeting the experience requirement.
• If specifically referenced (i.e. degree 'or equivalent'), related experience that is above the minimum requirement may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Additional assessment is required for applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States. Applicants must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) and must submit a copy of the evaluation with the application.

Valid California driver's license and a safe driving record.

Knowledge of: Large chiller operations and maintenance 1000 Ton and larger. Boiler operations and maintenance. Engineering fundamentals with respect to systems and equipment. Proper methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the operation, maintenance and repair of HVAC and other mechanical systems. Methods, practices, equipment and tools used in the installation, repair and maintenance of central plant operations. Principles and practices of systems design and installation. Preventive and corrective maintenance techniques. Precautions necessary for working with high voltage. Data communications techniques and basic programming language including graphics programming within energy management. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Technical aspects of field of specialty. Principles and procedures of record keeping. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Pertinent federal, state and local codes, laws and regulations including Cal/OSHA safety rules, regulations and other safe work practices.

Ability to: Plan and organize HVAC services to assure maximum efficiency and comfort. Perform skilled HVAC repair and maintenance using a variety of tools and machines. Develop and implement improved procedures and processes to maximize operational efficiency. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Work effectively in a service oriented environment subject to frequently changing priorities. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Meet schedules and short time lines. Work using high degree of independent judgment. Maintain records and prepare reports. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Duties

Operate and maintain District central plant at the Chula Vista campus including multiple chillers (1000 T and greater) for the District to assure effective services; maintain prescribed standards of operations.

Communicate plant issues and keep maintenance supervisor fully informed of plant operations, unusual conditions, and faulty equipment. Communicate and document corrective action necessary to avoid malfunctions, energy excess, shutdowns, or damage of any system.

Schedule operational cycles of chillers and boilers over BacNET DDC to coincide with the academic and operational calendars of the district.

Diagnose mechanical and electrical problems in plant equipment and systems; repair or replace defective parts or equipment.

Calibrate and test central plant controls.

Determine service and repair needs and schedule appropriate service; manage all requisition requests for vendors, prepare reports as required.

Operate a variety of tools and power equipment including electrical, air, water, Freon, and natural gas testing equipment.

Assist in performing other skilled HVAC technical duties for package units (refrigerant DX units) as assigned.

Respond to emergency calls. Make quick analysis of mechanical and or electrical problems through proper troubleshooting techniques and use of various tools and schematics.

Supplemental Information

Salary Schedule: Classified Bargaining Units

Physical Demands and Working Environment: This is a non-telecommuting position. Environment: Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, electrical energy and high voltage and all types of weather and temperature conditions; work at heights; works near moving mechanical parts; frequent exposure to hazardous activities including high voltage electricity; may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends. Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, and twist; push, pull, lift, and/or carry moderate to heavy amounts of weights; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized hand and power tools and equipment; operate assigned equipment and vehicles; verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Tentative Timeline: Any application received after the deadline is not guaranteed a review.

July 9-August 23, 2026 - Position advertised; District receives applications

August 23, 2026 - Initial screening deadline for guaranteed consideration.

August 24-31, 2026 - Reviewing of applications.

September 7-18, 2026 - Search Committee interviews candidates

October, 2026 - Tentative employment start date pending Governing Board approval.

Benefits

Southwestern Community College District provides an excellent benefits package for employees and eligible dependents that includes affordable medical plans, employer paid dental and life insurance, CalPERS and CalSTRS retirement options, vacation and sick leave accruals, and professional development opportunities. For more information, please visit the Benefits webpage.