Airport Central Plant Operator

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus five (5) years of experience in maintaining and repairing Central Heating and Cooling Plant equipment, one (1) year of experience which was operating a Central Heating and Cooling Plant.
• One (1) additional year of relevant work experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education, with a maximum substitution of four (4) years.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Type III EPA -608 Refrigerant Certification.
• Valid State of Texas Class “C” Driver License.
• Valid State of Texas Registered Air Conditioning Technician License.

Notes to Applicants

POSITION OVERVIEW

This position operates a Central Heating & Cooling Plant consisting of centrifugal chillers, gas fired boilers, pumps, variable frequency drives, hydronic piping systems, cooling towers, thermal storage system, and Energy Management Control System ( EMCS ).

The Plant Operator’s primary responsibilities are to operate the plant safely and in a manner that optimizes plant and equipment efficiencies, minimize energy consumption and operating costs, maintain system reliability and minimize equipment outages downtime. Other primary duties include reviewing, modifying and maintaining a preventative maintenance program for plant equipment and performing routine maintenance troubleshooting and repair work on all central utility plant equipment.

ASSESSMENT

A skills assessment will be required for this position.

DRIVER’S REQUIREMENT

This position must travel between various locations as part of the regular job duties and the individual will be required to drive a City vehicle. Position will also be required to drive on the AOA .

This position requires a Valid Texas Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Job Offer is contingent on having a driving record that meets the City’s Driver Record Evaluation Standards.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

• A detailed and complete employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.
• Please list your complete employment history, to include all job duties, responsibilities and employment dates on your online application.
• The application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered (i.e., “see resume” or “see LinkedIn profile”).
• Resumes will not be used to qualify for the position and will not be used to recommend salary.
• Supplemental information or changes to your application will not be accepted after the job posting closes.
• The responses to the supplemental questions inquiring about experience should be reflected on your application.

VETERAN

Veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD214 at the time of interview.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL

This position is categorized as essential personnel. Essential personnel are required to come to work during emergencies or bad weather at the airport if they are scheduled to work and in some cases when they are not scheduled.

CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS CHECK

The top candidate will be subject to a minimum 10 year criminal background check and security threat assessment.

GOOD STANDING - DEPARTMENT / DIVISION EMPLOYEES

Employees, in good standing, who are candidates within the department/division that the position resides in and who meet the minimum and preferred qualifications (if any) of the position will be included in the initial interview. Department/division employees must remain in good standing through the top candidate selection phase at which time the good standing status will be re-verified.

LANGUAGE

Must have the ability to read, write, and fluently speak in English.

SHIFT INCENTIVE

Shift work includes shift differential incentive for evening and night shifts and weekends.

OVERTIME

Overtime may be required with or without notice.

ON- CALL / CALL BACK RESPONSIBILITIES

Position may require on-call or call back responsibilities.

WORK HOURS

Shift may change according to departmental needs; work hours may include after hours, holidays, and weekend work.

DEPARTMENT MAY CLOSE THIS JOB POSTING AT ANY TIME AFTER 7 DAYS .
Pay Range
$32.23 - $40.29

Hours
Core Hours:
Sunday - Wednesday: 5:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday - Saturday: 5:00 am - 4:00 pm
Job Close Date 03/04/2025 Type of Posting External Department Aviation Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Technical Location Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Experience in the installation, troubleshooting and repairs of low-voltage systems responsible for controlling high-voltage utility gear.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned
Operates the plant safely and in a manner that optimizes efficiencies, minimizes energy consumption and operating costs, maintains system reliability, and minimizes downtime. Develops and maintains a preventative maintenance program for plant equipment and performs routine maintenance and repair work on plant equipment. Coordinates, oversees, and diagnoses complex operational problems and control and equipment malfunctions; and initiates corrective action. Schedules equipment and control systems and monitors plant operation using an EMCS . Monitors and tests the quality and chemical treatment of cooling tower and chilled and heating hot water hydronic systems. Monitors hot and chilled water flows, pressures, and temperatures; adjusts chillers and boilers to meet load conditions. Operates a refrigerant recovery system and monitors variable frequency drives, motor starters, and electrical switchgear. Reads and records operational data for systems and equipment, and sets or adjusts plant and equipment operating pressures and water levels. Prepares reports and recommendations on plant and equipment operation and performance. Maintains records of plant and equipment performance and maintenance or repair work performed on equipment. Monitors the asset management system ( AMS ), provides quality assurance review of maintenance and repair activities, and updates the work order database. Prepares maintenance and outage programs, schedules, and procedures for equipment and coordinates and monitors maintenance work performed by contract vendors. Maintains and provides maintenance on equipment and equipment parts: lubrication of pump and fan bearings, gear boxes, linkages, and moving parts; replaces pump seals and aligns shafts; cleans and wipes down equipment, etc. Performs complex diagnostics, calibrations, maintenance, and repairs to chillers, boilers, cooling towers, pumps, and motors. Trains others to apply sound maintenance and construction techniques. Reads and interprets blueprints, diagrams, drawings, manufacturer manuals, and schematics. Coordinates maintenance, repairs, and system outages with AUS facility users during outages. Coordinates completing fault investigations and participates in root cause analysis of faults. Ensures all systems comply with Local, City, State, and Federal regulations, policies, procedures, and ordinances. Represents the Department of Aviation’s ( DOA ) Maintenance division and the City of Austin in meeting with airport stakeholders, commissions, and the traveling public.

Responsibilities- Supervision and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Provides leadership, work assignments, evaluations, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of all governmental regulations such as Transportation Security Administration ( TSA ), EPA , TNRCC , OSHA , FAA , TCEQ , NEC , FDA , TDLR , and other guidelines governing the regulations addressing the operation, maintenance, and upkeep of commercial airports.
• Knowledge of City of Austin and DOA policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of training and monitoring of assigned maintenance work group.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures in repair and maintenance of energized electronic and electrical equipment.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of tools and equipment used in performing electromechanical equipment and component repair and maintenance.
• Knowledge of lock out/tag out procedures for removing equipment from service for maintenance.
• Knowledge of relational databases, data queries, and generating reports.
• Skill in reading plans, maps, drawings, and equipment schematics and operational manuals.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in planning and organizing.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to track and execute periodic maintenance schedules.
• Ability to use conflict management.
• Ability to read and follow written specifications, technical manuals, and standard operating procedures.
• Ability to facilitate meetings and discussions with diverse work groups.
• Ability to lead others effectively.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with other City employees, tenants, and the public.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* The minimum qualifications for the Airport Central Plant Operator position are graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus five (5) years of experience in maintaining and repairing Central Heating and Cooling Plant equipment, one (1) year of experience which was operating a Central Heating and Cooling Plant. One (1) additional year of relevant work experience may substitute for one (1) year of the required education, with a maximum substitution of four (4) years. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a Valid Texas class C driver license. Do you have a Valid Texas class C driver license or if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a Valid Texas class C driver license within ninety (90) days of employment?

• Yes
• No

* The City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that External New Hires meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have a current Type III EPA-608 Refrigerant Certification?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have a valid State of Texas Registered Air Conditioning Technician License?

• Yes
• No

* Please describe your experience in the installation, troubleshooting and repairs of low-voltage systems responsible for controlling high-voltage utility gear.
(Open Ended Question)
* The Transportation Security Administration (TSA-division of the USA Dept. of Homeland Security) requires all employees of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to pass a minimum 10-year criminal background investigation and security threat assessment. By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful Criminal Background Check to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a 10-year Criminal Background Investigation and security threat assessment

* Were you referred to this opportunity by a current Aviation employee? If yes, please provide the employee’s full name.
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Optional Documents

• 

• City of Austin

Show more