CENTRAL PLANT OPERATOR

Central Plant Operator

The posting is intended to describe the general content and requirements of this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. 

Step into a role where your technical abilities make a campus‑wide impact. UAB is seeking a dedicated Central Plant Operator to support essential mechanical and utility operations across the University.

Position Summary:

The Central Plant Operator is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of chilled water systems and associated equipment across UAB’s Central Plants and outlying facilities. This role supports mission-critical infrastructure by ensuring reliable delivery of chilled water to campus and hospital buildings. The operator performs inspections, diagnostics, repairs, and collaborates with contractors and inspectors to maintain optimal system performance and regulatory compliance.

Essential Accountabilities:

· Operates and monitors reciprocating and centrifugal chillers, pumps, cooling towers, and related systems using computerized monitoring and energy‑management platforms to ensure reliable plant performance.

· Ensures continuous and efficient chilled‑water delivery to all UAB campus and hospital buildings, providing 24/7/365 alarm monitoring, operational support, and timely response to abnormal operating conditions.

· Inspects equipment and records operating data including temperatures, pressures, flow rates, chemical levels, refrigerants, and oil levels to maintain accurate system performance documentation.

· Inspects, tests, calibrates, and maintains control systems such as sensors, relays, control panels, and transmitters, and diagnoses and resolves issues using electronic and computer‑based diagnostic tools.

· Performs preventive and corrective maintenance, modifications, replacements, and installations on chillers, pumps, motors, and supporting mechanical systems to ensure safe and efficient operation.

· Supports water‑treatment operations by monitoring test results, adjusting chemical feed rates, and ensuring proper system conditions are maintained.

· Coordinates inspections and project activities, including assisting Alabama state inspectors during annual pressure‑vessel surveys and supporting contractors on special projects within the chilled‑water plant and across campus.

· Maintains and reviews accurate records and technical documentation, interprets blueprints, drawings, and manufacturer specifications for HVAC and mechanical systems, and ensures a clean, orderly work environment.

· Notifies management of potential issues affecting chilled‑water distribution and plant operations.

· Performs additional duties as assigned to support plant operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Proficient in operating and maintaining chilled water systems, mechanical components, and control systems.

· Ability to interpret technical documents, schematics, and specifications.

· Knowledge of OSHA regulations and safe work practices.

· Ability to follow procedures for chemical handling, confined space entry, and emergency response.

· Skilled in diagnosing system issues and implementing effective, timely solutions.

· Ability to interpret performance data and make informed operational adjustments.

· Proficient in using monitoring instruments, control systems, and diagnostic tools.

· Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

· Effective verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively with team members, contractors, and inspectors.

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