Job Description
Under the direction of the Senior Director, Plant Operations, the Stationary Engineer, Plant Operator (Second Grade ) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Rice University's central utility plants and campus utility systems. This role operates and monitors central plant equipment and Building Automation Systems (BAS), conducts routine equipment inspections, identifies and responds to alarms and abnormal operating conditions, and performs troubleshooting and minor maintenance activities to support continuous utility service.
The Stationary Engineer, Plant Operator (Second Grade) is responsible for monitoring equipment performance, communicating operational issues, maintaining accurate operational records, following established operating and safety procedures, and responding to routine and emergency events affecting plant operations. This position requires hands-on operation and troubleshooting of central plant equipment, including HVAC systems, chillers, boilers, steam and condensate systems, pumps, cooling towers, heat exchangers, generators, and related utility infrastructure.
The ideal candidate is a safety-focused and dependable plant operator with hands-on experience operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting central plant, industrial, or utility systems. This individual demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively diagnose and respond to equipment and system issues in both field and control-room environments. Familiarity with BAS, HMI, SCADA, preventive maintenance practices, and equipment diagnostics is preferred.
In addition to joining a meaningful and mission-driven team, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, health insurance, tuition discounts, and access to campus facilities.
Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format, to avoid any formatting issues.
Workplace Requirements
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, on-site position based at Rice University. All job duties must be performed in person and in accordance with the assigned plant operations schedule. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.
This position is designated as an Essential On-Campus Position and plays a critical role in maintaining the university's utility and plant operations. Employees are required to report to campus during emergencies, severe weather events, or other operational disruptions as directed to support the continuity of critical services. Employees must remain accessible to leadership and available to perform essential duties during such events.
This role is assigned to a 12-hour night-shift schedule (8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.), with primary shift rotations including Monday through Thursday or Wednesday through Sunday. The position requires working nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to support continuous plant operations. Shift assignments, schedules, and rotations may be adjusted based on business and operational requirements.
Hiring Rate
The proposed salary rate will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
Under the direction of the Senior Director, Plant Operations, the Stationary Engineer, Plant Operator (Second Grade ) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Rice University's central utility plants and campus utility systems. This role operates and monitors central plant equipment and Building Automation Systems (BAS), conducts routine equipment inspections, identifies and responds to alarms and abnormal operating conditions, and performs troubleshooting and minor maintenance activities to support continuous utility service.
The Stationary Engineer, Plant Operator (Second Grade) is responsible for monitoring equipment performance, communicating operational issues, maintaining accurate operational records, following established operating and safety procedures, and responding to routine and emergency events affecting plant operations. This position requires hands-on operation and troubleshooting of central plant equipment, including HVAC systems, chillers, boilers, steam and condensate systems, pumps, cooling towers, heat exchangers, generators, and related utility infrastructure.
The ideal candidate is a safety-focused and dependable plant operator with hands-on experience operating, monitoring, and troubleshooting central plant, industrial, or utility systems. This individual demonstrates strong mechanical aptitude, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively diagnose and respond to equipment and system issues in both field and control-room environments. Familiarity with BAS, HMI, SCADA, preventive maintenance practices, and equipment diagnostics is preferred.
In addition to joining a meaningful and mission-driven team, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, health insurance, tuition discounts, and access to campus facilities.
Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format, to avoid any formatting issues.
Workplace Requirements
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, on-site position based at Rice University. All job duties must be performed in person and in accordance with the assigned plant operations schedule. Per Rice policy 440 , work arrangements may be subject to change.
This position is designated as an Essential On-Campus Position and plays a critical role in maintaining the university's utility and plant operations. Employees are required to report to campus during emergencies, severe weather events, or other operational disruptions as directed to support the continuity of critical services. Employees must remain accessible to leadership and available to perform essential duties during such events.
This role is assigned to a 12-hour night-shift schedule (8:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.), with primary shift rotations including Monday through Thursday or Wednesday through Sunday. The position requires working nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to support continuous plant operations. Shift assignments, schedules, and rotations may be adjusted based on business and operational requirements.
Hiring Rate
The proposed salary rate will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.
Minimum Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Three or more years of related experience in central plant operations, utility operations, industrial operations, or a similar environment, including experience operating high-pressure steam boilers