"Plant Operator II"

About Rice

Boasting a 300-acre tree-lined campus in Houston, Texas, Rice University is ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has a 6-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and a residential college system, which supports students intellectually, emotionally, and culturally through social events, intramural sports, student plays, lecture series, courses, and student government. Developing close-knit, diverse college communities is a strong campus tradition, which is why Rice is highly ranked for best quality of life and best value among private universities.

Rice is also a wonderful place to work. Rice faculty, staff, and students share values that are essential to our success as a healthy community. Those values guide our decisions and behaviors and shape Rice's culture. They come through in how we treat each other and the welcome we extend to our visitors. These values can be recalled simply by our name -- RICE -- Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the lead operator, the Plant Operator II operates the Rice University central plants/utility infrastructure, including all plant equipment, remote equipment, utility systems, and monitors the campus Building Automation Systems (BAS) safely and efficiently. The Plant Operator II responds appropriately to problems and emergency situations that occur in the plants and on campus and is aware of the activities, performance, and safety of all persons in and around the plants and tunnel system, including other Rice employees and independent contractors. This is a 12-hour night shift position, 3 days a week, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. schedule with a 4-hour night shift on Wednesday.

Workplace Requirements

This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at Rice University per the agreed-upon fixed schedule. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. This position is considered essential during a campus emergency. The incumbent in the position is expected to report to campus, provide the essential services designated, and work under the overall direction of the Emergency Management Team for the duration of a campus emergency.

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position with a proposed salary of $25.43 - $29.23 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 3+ years of related experience in central plant operations, including operating and maintaining high-pressure steam boilers
• Current City of Houston Second Grade Stationary Engineer's License or ability to obtain within the first 6 months from the start date

Skills

• General knowledge of test and diagnostic equipment, tools, instrumentation, and computer-based monitoring and control systems
• General computer aptitude
• Ability to read mechanical blueprints and electrical schematic diagrams associated with plant systems
• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
• Ability to utilize hand tools and equipment in troubleshooting and repairs

Preferences

• Background with district energy control systems, particularly those found on university campuses, including combined heat and power turbines, high-pressure boilers, and centrifugal chillers
• Knowledge of cogeneration and combined heat and power systems, and boiler safety standards
• C-grade (or better) State of Texas water license
• Valid Texas driver's license (or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment) required, with no more than three moving violations or at-fault accidents within the past 36 months and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past 5 years

Essential Functions

• Under the direction of the lead operator, energizes, secures, adjusts, and operates plant equipment, including turbines, chillers, boilers, pumps, cooling tower fans, air compressors, generators, etc., to respond to changes in campus load or to comply with planned scheduling and/or load management procedures
• Continually monitors all aspects of plant and campus auxiliary equipment and operation
• Under the direction of the lead operator, makes necessary changes and adjustments to ensure safe and efficient plant operation via direct inspection, monitoring systems, and the assistance of others
• Under the direction of the lead operator or supervisor, performs general and preventative maintenance, equipment repair and lubrication, quality and chemical treatment monitoring for water and steam systems as necessary to ensure optimal equipment performance
• Thoroughly communicates with the lead operator to facilitate continuity of operations during regular shifts and shift changes. Maintains all operations and responsibilities until relieved by the next shift
• Informs the lead operator of events and problems that may significantly affect plant or campus operations
• Enters work orders and daily work time using CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)
• Performs all other duties as assigned

Additional Functions

• Ability to solve problems under stressful/critical conditions
• Performs general housekeeping in the plants to keep the spaces and equipment clean and accessible

Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift loads no greater than 50 lbs.
• Must be able to climb stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and work in confined areas with piping and wiring obstructions, as needed, to access equipment
• Requires moderate to heavy physical activity, including bending, stooping, climbing, balancing, standing, and walking up to 8 hours per day
• Occasionally required to enter utility tunnels and confined spaces