City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Airport Central Plant Operator

This position operates a central heating and cooling plant consisting of centrifugal chillers, boilers, pumps, variable frequency drives, hydronic piping systems, cooling tower, thermal storage system, and Energy Management Control System (EMCS). This position acts as caretaker of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s (AUS) Central Plant site and building.

1. Operates the plant safely and in a manner that optimizes efficiencies, minimizes energy consumption and operating costs, maintains system reliability, and minimizes downtime.
2. Develops and maintains a preventative maintenance program for plant equipment and performs routine maintenance and repair work on plant equipment.
3. Coordinates, oversees, and diagnoses complex operational problems and control and equipment malfunctions; and initiates corrective action.
4. Schedules equipment and control systems and monitors plant operation using an EMCS.
5. Monitors and tests the quality and chemical treatment of cooling tower and chilled and heating hot water hydronic systems.
6. Monitors hot and chilled water flows, pressures, and temperatures; adjusts chillers and boilers to meet load conditions.
7. Operates a refrigerant recovery system and monitors variable frequency drives, motor starters, and electrical switchgear.
8. Reads and records operational data for systems and equipment, and sets or adjusts plant and equipment operating pressures and water levels.
9. Prepares reports and recommendations on plant and equipment operation and performance.
10. Maintains records of plant and equipment performance and maintenance or repair work performed on equipment.
11. Monitors the asset management system (AMS), provides quality assurance review of maintenance and repair activities, and updates the work order database.
12. Prepares maintenance and outage programs, schedules, and procedures for equipment and coordinates and monitors maintenance work performed by contract vendors.
13. 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.
14. Performs complex diagnostics, calibrations, maintenance, and repairs to chillers, boilers, cooling towers, pumps, and motors.
15. Trains others to apply sound maintenance and construction techniques.
16. Reads and interprets blueprints, diagrams, drawings, manufacturer manuals, and schematics.
17. Coordinates maintenance, repairs, and system outages with AUS facility users during outages.
18. Coordinates completing fault investigations and participates in root cause analysis of faults.
19. Ensures all systems comply with Local, City, State, and Federal regulations, policies, procedures, and ordinances.
20. Represents the Department of Aviation’s (DOA) Maintenance division and the City of Austin in meeting with airport stakeholders, commissions, and the traveling public.

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

• 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.

• 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.

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