Central Plant Operator

Salary: $6,982.96 - $8,839.32 Monthly
Location : Chula Vista Campus - Chula Vista, CA
Job Type: Classified Staff
Job Number: 00221
Division: Business and Financial Affairs
Department: Maintenance
Opening Date: 07/09/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Funding Type: District
Hiring Salary Range: $6,982.96-$7,554.07
Months of Service: 12
Full-time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Initial Screening Deadline: 08/23/2026
Work Schedule (Approx.): Monday-Thursday (4/10s): 6:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. / Monday-Friday (reg): 6:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Start Date: As soon as the successful candidate is identified and following the subsequent governing board approval.


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, including those with physical or learning disabilities, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.

Description

SUMMARY 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

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
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 () and must submit a copy of the evaluation with the application.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid California driver's license and a safe driving record.


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KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
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.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Schedule operational cycles of chillers and boilers over BacNET DDC to coincide with the academic and operational calendars of the district.
4. Diagnose mechanical and electrical problems in plant equipment and systems; repair or replace defective parts or equipment.
5. Calibrate and test central plant controls.
6. Determine service and repair needs and schedule appropriate service; manage all requisition requests for vendors, prepare reports as required.
7. Operate a variety of tools and power equipment including electrical, air, water, Freon, and natural gas testing equipment.
8. Assist in performing other skilled HVAC technical duties for package units (refrigerant DX units) as assigned.
9. 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:
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.
Application Process:

A confirmation email will be sent once your application packet has been successfully submitted.

It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required application materials are submitted by the initial screening deadline date. Required materials including a current resume, unofficial transcripts verifying awarded degree(s) and completion date, and any relevant certifications, diplomas, or licenses that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Failure to submit supporting documentations may result in an incomplete application.
Applications should be completed thoroughly, and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application but should be attached as a supporting document. All notifications to applicants will be sent electronically to the email address provided in the application.
A separate, complete application packet is required for each position for which you are applying for. All materials included in your application packet become SWCCD property, will not be returned, will not be copied, and will be considered for this opening only.
For Academic positions (only) : If you do not possess the exact degree major(s) listed in the minimum qualifications section, you will need to submit an
A screening committee will evaluate applicants, taking into account the breadth and depth of relevant education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.
INTERVIEW TRAVEL COSTS MUST BE BORNE BY THE APPLICANT.
If additional positions become available in this classification, applications received in response to this posting may be considered for those additional positions for up to 90 days after final board approval.

Candidates selected for employment with SWCCD must be fingerprinted by an electronic fingerprinting service (i.e. LiveScan) within 10 days of employment; provide clearance of tuberculosis (dated within the past 4 years and renewed every four years as a condition of continued employment) within 60 days of employment; provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Successful candidate selected may be assigned to any of the campus sites (Chula Vista, Crown Cove, National City, Otay Mesa, and/or San Ysidro).
American with Disabilities (ADA):

Reasonable accommodations will be provided to candidates with verified disabilities. Accommodation requests should be made as soon as practical by calling Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Equal Employment Opportunity:

As an Equal Opportunity Employer and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, SWCCD will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

SWCCD shall not discriminate against any person in employment or in any program affiliated with the SWCCD on the basis of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security Report:

SWCCD is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report is available on the


If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security Report, which contains this information, you can stop by the College Police Department or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Plan (DAAPP):

More information about the DAAPP, including the Biennial report and additional resources can be found in the website.
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 webpage.
01


Do you have at least two (2) years of college or equivalent?If yes, please ensure that you've attached supporting documents for full consideration. Failure to submit supporting documents will result in an incomplete application.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.

• Yes, I have at least two years of college or equivalent.
• No, I do not have at least two years of college or equivalent.
• I have the equivalent combination of education and experience in addition to the minimum requirements to supplement for at least two years of college or equivalent.
• I possess a foreign degree and have attached my coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.

02


Do you have four (4) years of training or experience in cogeneration operation, power plant, chilled water plant, central hydraulic system, or boiler plant experience? If yes, please ensure that you've attached supporting documents for full consideration. Failure to submit supporting documents will result in an incomplete application.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.

• Yes, I have four years of training or experience in cogeneration operation, power plant, chilled water plant, central hydraulic system, or boiler plant experience.
• No, I do not have four years of training or experience in cogeneration operation, power plant, chilled water plant, central hydraulic system, or boiler plant experience.

03


Do you possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License by the time of appointment?

• Yes, I possess or have the ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License by the time of appointment.
• No, I'm not able to obtain a valid California Driver's License.

04


Please describe your training or experience in cogeneration operation, power plant, chilled water plant, central hydraulic system, or boiler plant experience. In your response, include the number of years of experience you have, the types of projects or facilities you have managed, your level of responsibility, and any experience working in the public sector.Please ensure that all experience described in your response is also reflected in your application and/or resume, as this information will be used to validate that you meet the minimum qualifications.
Required Question