Utility Plant Operator

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do.

Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community. Job Summary Under the general supervision of the Senior Plant Operator (SUPO), the Utility Plant Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating natural gas combustion and steam turbine generators, 300 psi steam boilers, chillers, cooling towers, and other utility plant equipment located in the Caltech Central and Satellite Utility Plants. This is an Essential Reporting position.

An employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to campus as soon as possible. Essential Job Duties Perform inspection tours of all equipment in the Central Utility Plant, satellite facilities, and (as needed) the utility tunnels. Start and shut down boilers as directed.

Fire boilers to maintain safe and efficient operation. Record temperatures and pressures on log sheets and enter work time and measurements in the work management system. Maintain proper steam pressure, water level, fuel-to-air ratios, and emission levels.

Inspect flame patterns, water levels, and emission levels of all operating boilers. Perform chemical analysis on all operating boilers; perform boiler bottom blow downs; adjust boiler surface blow down and chemical injection as required. Calibrate water quality analyzers.

Monitor, troubleshoot, backwash, and regenerate sand filters, charcoal filters, zeolite water softeners, reverse osmosis units, demineralizers, and ultraviolet sterilizers. Perform water analysis of boiler feed water, condensate, chilled water, tower water, closed-loop hot water systems, and condensed steam samples. Start and stop air compressors and air dryers.

Start and stop pumps and change valve line-up. Start and shut down centrifugal chillers. Assist in the operation of combustion and steam turbine-driven generators.

Troubleshoot operating equipment problems, recommend corrective action to the SUPO and take actions as directed; report maintenance problems beyond ability to resolve to the SUPO. Clean machinery and spaces. Perform routine maintenance on equipment and facilities.

Legibly record readings of plant parameters. Answer phone calls for the Institute. Carry a reliable communication device during assigned shifts.

Maintain radio or cell phone communications with on-duty and emergency personnel at all times and respond to emergencies when necessary. Keep the SUPO informed of all activities. Monitor the control room during SUPO tours and breaks.

Respond to all emergencies in the utility plant. Perform other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications High School graduate or equivalent.

One year of experience in the maintenance or maintenance repair field and/or successful completion of power plant operator coursework or military technical training. Must be able to follow written and oral instructions. Must have strong oral and written communication skills.

Must be able to build and maintain effective working relationships with others. Must obtain, within the first 18 months of employment, a valid City of Los Angeles Unlimited Steam Engineer license with Turbine Endorsement and then maintain it throughout the course of employment. Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to drive Institute vehicles and operate a hydraulic lift gate truck.

Must be eligible and be able to adhere to the Institute's Motor Vehicle policy. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds daily, climb stairs and ladders, squeeze with arms and hands, operate machinery properly, reliably work outdoors in various weather conditions, and be able to safely distinguish a variety of colorful indicator lights on equipment and controls. Demonstrate a proven sense of reliability and timeliness for all scheduled work shifts; occasional overtime is required.

Preferred Qualifications Two years experience in power plant operation and/or maintenance. One year experience in water chemistry, testing water softeners and boilers. Completion of a related two-year certificate course in trade school.

Two years of experience in co-generation/combined cycle power plant operations. Familiarity with a computerized maintenance management system and mobile, electronic input devices. Required Documents Resume