Central Physical Plant & HVAC Operator

Job Title

Central Physical Plant & HVAC Operator

Essential Functions

The Central Physical Plant & HVAC Operator performs skilled technical work in the operation, monitoring, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of the College's Central Physical Plant and HVAC systems. Assigned systems include boilers, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, pumps, air-handling equipment, building automation and climate-control systems, and related mechanical infrastructure. The position also performs plumbing and electrical work directly associated with HVAC and Central Plant operations. The operator coordinates and supports HVAC services across all four College locations to promote reliable system performance, energy-efficient operation, and effective environmental control. Responsibilities include equipment monitoring, boiler and chiller operation, building automation system oversight, preventive maintenance, system diagnostics, operational documentation, and general technical support. The position also responds to equipment failures, facility emergencies, and urgent repair needs as assigned by the Senior Director of Facilities.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Operate, inspect, and maintain central plant systems including boilers, centrifugal chillers, air handler units, cooling towers, air compressors, and pumps. Operate, inspect, monitor, and maintain Central Physical Plant equipment, including boilers, centrifugal chillers, cooling towers, air-handling units (AHUs), air compressors, pumps, motors, and related mechanical systems. Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on commercial HVAC and refrigeration equipment, including split-system and packaged units, electric heating systems, ice machines, and related components. Monitor and document operating conditions, including temperatures, pressures, fluid levels, electrical voltage and current, equipment status, alarms, and system performance. Utilize building automation systems (BAS) and climate-control software to monitor equipment, adjust operating parameters, review alarms, and troubleshoot HVAC operations. Test and diagnose HVAC, refrigeration, mechanical, electrical, and control-system malfunctions; replace defective components and verify proper operation following repairs. Conduct routine boiler and cooling-tower water-treatment testing and assist with maintaining required chemical levels in coordination with contracted water-treatment providers. Install, calibrate, adjust, and maintain electric and pneumatic HVAC controls, including thermostats, actuators, sensors, gauges, control valves, and related instruments. Perform electrical troubleshooting and minor electrical repairs associated with HVAC and Central Plant equipment within the employee's training, qualifications, and applicable safety requirements. Conduct routine visual inspections of fire-alarm panels and HVAC-related life-safety interfaces and report deficiencies or coordinate corrective service with qualified personnel. Identify required tools, parts, equipment, and materials; assist with procurement, prepare repair estimates, and maintain accurate maintenance and service records. Maintain Central Plant areas, mechanical rooms, tools, and equipment in a clean, organized, and safe condition. Respond to equipment failures, unsafe conditions, after-hours emergencies, and urgent facility service needs; take appropriate action to secure affected areas and protect College property. Assist other Physical Plant & Facilities departments with projects, events, emergency response, and operational activities as assigned. Perform other related duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Physical Plant & Facilities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• G.E.D. or High School Diploma preferred.
• Two (2) years' HVAC work experience required
• Type I, Type II, Type III, CFC Certification required; EPA 608 Universal Certification (CFC/HFC).
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Texas Driver's License within thirty (30) days of hire. Must be able to work a flexible work schedule.
• Must be able to read, write and follow oral and written instruction in English in order to perform all the listed job tasks. Requires the ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others.
• Required to carry a cellphone for emergency contact on a rotation and participate in an emergency response team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Must have a strong working knowledge of HVAC, refrigeration, and associated repair, maintenance, and installation techniques; five (5) years of experience preferred.
• Experience with 480-volt three-phase electrical systems, including both high and low voltage applications related to HVAC and building systems.
• Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS) and climate control software.
• Prior experience in a school district, college, higher education institution, or large multi-building facilities environment.
• Ability to work independently and manage a variety of tasks ranging from routine maintenance to complex system diagnostics.
• Ability to analyze and respond appropriately to emergency situations, including recognizing, securing, and reporting unsafe conditions immediately.
• Knowledge of safe work practices and the proper use of safety equipment, including awareness of common workplace hazards such as biohazards, chemicals, and asbestos/lead-containing materials.

Supplemental Information

Skills Required:

• Knowledge in boiler operations and heating systems.
• Knowledge in chiller operations, HVAC, and refrigeration.
• Knowledge in cooling towers, pump operations and other industrial rotating equipment.
• Proficiency in water treatment processes.
• Familiarity with building automation systems and computer literacy.
• Ability to work independently, unsupervised and coordinate with college staff in the field.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for diagnosing and troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems.
• Experience with a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment and familiarity with standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, phone, email, and text).

Travel Requirements: Travel may be required between locations and for training purposes. Environment: The position involves exposure to inside and outside elements, such as dirt, fumes, noise, chemicals, and varying weather conditions. Most work takes place across college campus facilities, requiring adherence to safety protocols and procedures.

Coastal Bend College