Power Plant Operator jobs in Santa Cruz, CA

Location: Santa Cruz
Job ID: 29996

NOTIFICATIONS
UC Vaccination Policy: With limited exceptions, COVID-19 vaccinations are required for Covered Individuals under the Policy. Covered Individuals include all employees, students, or trainees who physically access a University facility or program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training.

Covered Individuals do NOT include employees who work 100% remotely with NO expectation that they will physically access any University location or program at ANY time. If 100% remote work ends, the employee is subject to Policy.

Employees can submit proof of vaccination online or request an exception.

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz staff jobs are posted until filled. Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. NOTE: Materials submitted after the IRD will be forwarded only at the request of the hiring unit. Submit your materials before the IRD to ensure consideration by the hiring unit.

The IRD for this job is: 02-21-2022

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Physical Planning, Development & Operations manages and oversees all University activities and services related to capital planning & space management, physical and environmental planning, design and construction, engineering, physical plant maintenance and operations, and the associated business services necessary to support these functions. The University's main campus is spread across more than 2,000 acres and includes over 500 buildings comprising more than 8 million square feet. The department includes an operating budget of over $48 million, manages a capital project portfolio in excess of $350 million, and employs nearly 300 full time staff to carry forth the duties necessary for the campus' development and operation.

More information can be found here: https://ppc.ucsc.edu/ppdo/index.html

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Cogen Shop Supervisor, the incumbent will operate and maintain the campus central heating, central condensing, Cogeneration plant, the campus swimming facility, and campus energy management and monitoring system on an assigned shift. Routine duties include operation of High voltage (12KV) switchgear, starting and stopping of the Cogeneration unit, paralleling operations of the Cogeneration engine with the utility (PG&E), operation of gas fired boilers, gas compressors, propane back up system, cooling towers and automated pumping and piping systems related to the operation of the plant.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Salary Information: Salary Step 1.0 $44.69. Upon successful completion of the 6 month probation, the hourly rate goes up to Step 2.0 - $49.67.

No. of Positions: 1

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time
  
• Percentage of Time: 100%
  
• Fixed
  
• Average Hours per Week: 80 hours every other week: six 12 hour shifts and one 8 hour shift per week followed by a week off
  
• Days of the Week: Monday - Sunday TBD
  
• Shift Includes: Night - Shift Differential Rates Apply: Evening: $2.00, Night: $2.50, Weekend Day: $1.50
  
  Employee Classification: This is a Career appointment
  
  Job End Date: None
  
  Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus
  
  Union Representation: K7 Santa Cruz Skilled Craft
  
  Job Code Classification: 008094 COGEN OPR
  
  Travel: Up to 25% of the time
  
  JOB DUTIES
  
  50% - Plant Operations
  
  
  • Responsible for the inspection, operation and maintenance of stationary power plant equipment including natural gas fueled engine generators, gas fired hot water boilers, air compressors, natural gas compressors, propane back up system with vaporizer, hydronic pumping systems, cooling towers, heat exchangers, commercial swimming pool equipment and related automation systems that operate the equipment on a daily basis.
  • Operate and repair of auxiliary systems including pumps, boilers, cooling towers and heat exchangers in conjunction with the Cogeneration plant; monitor heating/cooling requirements for campus central core buildings to insure efficient equipment utilization and operation.
  • Place Cogeneration plant on-line and in parallel with PG&E; monitor and control load changes on the campus critical feeder and high voltage distribution system. Assist campus electricians and mechanics in instances of stand-alone operation of the plant by determining maximum loads (both electrical and cooling) the plant can carry when separated from PG&E. Operate high voltage 12 kV breakers in a safe manner using proper PPE to maintain Campus electrical system under normal and emergency situations.
  • Operate Wonderware, Tridium energy management and SCADA central control systems to monitor and control various mechanical and electrical equipment throughout campus. Identify repair needs of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) machinery in buildings throughout the campus through the remote monitoring and control system. Verify repairs needed of equipment throughout campus after hours; make assigned repairs in the plant and at remote locations as required. The above requires driving a University vehicle in all areas of the campus and the ability to use standard test equipment and tools without supervision. Incumbent will utilize procedure manuals and instruction manuals (campus and manufacturer) written in English.
  • Maintain records of plant operating data on a shift and assigned basis. Orders oil and/or chemicals based on available storage, takes delivery of fuel, oil and/or chemical load by following proper and safe fuel handling procedures, utilizing forklift when necessary.
  • Receive and respond to campus complaints regarding heating, ventilating and air conditioning. Dispatch appropriate individuals for emergency repairs, as needed. May act as a liaison with campus Disaster Team regarding operation of plant in emergencies.
  
  40% - Maintenance and Repair
  
  
  • Inspect, operate, and repair equipment from ladders, scaffolds, stairs, in confined spaces, and in proximity to loud machinery.
  • Perform assigned and preventive maintenance, as well as, emergency repairs on all equipment by lubricating, changing filters, belts, couplings, bearings, mechanical seals, etc. checking alignments, analyzing system operating parameters and making repairs to rotating machinery. Clean heat exchangers and cooling towers on an as needed basis.
  • Perform water treatment and testing on plant water systems including heating hot water, condensing water, cooling towers, soft water systems and swimming pools; maintain swimming pool filter and pumping system by safely lifting, dumping, or mixing (with or without accommodation) 25-100 lbs. of chemicals (either liquid or solid) into storage tanks or feeders in correct proportions. Operate pool sanitation systems such as a calcium hypochlorite feed system, muriatic acid or ozone generator. Assist with pool filter cleaning and repair.
  • Assist with troubleshooting problems and make repairs when necessary.
  • Actively search for, and promote, better ways to improve the work environment including improving service to customers and implementing change when needed.
  
  10% - Safety and Communications
  
  
  • Perform household cleaning and painting inside the plant and as assigned.
  • Perform safety inspections and maintains equipment used by shop personnel. Attend safety and training classes and perform job related tasks in a safe manner. Follows all product and university specific safety procedures when using tools and equipment.
  • Monitor plant security and implement changes as directed.
  • Adhere to University policies and procedures including safety rules.
  • Report safety, project integrity or security issues while addressing the problem as appropriate.
  • Write and maintain a weekly timesheet.
  • Effectively employ good interpersonal skills when interacting with members of the campus community. Help Physical Plant Mechanics and Supervisor maintain an inventory of shop materials, supplies and tools by informing them of specific needs.
  • Accurately read various types of meters on a daily and monthly basis for billing and reporting purposes.
  • Schedule various equipment for after-hours operation, as needed by customers.
  • Respond to campus callouts after normal hours, weekends and holidays. Work a temporary alternative schedule or shift (e.g., night shift) as requested by supervisor.
  • Perform other related duties, as assigned by Cogen Shop Supervisor or Sr. Superintendent.
  
  
  REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  
  
  • Ability to follow oral and written instructions
  • Ability to work individually or as a part of a team. Good interpersonal skills sufficient to interact and work effectively with all members of the campus community.
  • Ability to read and understand procedure manuals, system schematics and blueprints.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment especially in stressful or crisis situations.
  • Willingness to work safely with hazardous chemicals or gases used in an industrial environment.
  • Knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of gas turbine generators and related equipment. Including parallel operations with a utility (i.e. PG&E).
  • Experience in and ability to operate and work in close proximity of rotating equipment and medium voltage (12KV) switchgear.
  • Knowledge and experience in the testing and treatment of heating plant water systems including hot water, cooling tower, swimming pool and soft water systems.
  • Knowledge and experience in the start-up, maintenance and repair of power plant equipment such as gas fired boilers, pumps, valves, compressors, cooling towers, fans and control systems.
  • Experience in the use of a personnel computer for logging plant records, maintaining data files, and writing business communications.
  
  
  PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  
  
  • Knowledge and experience with a Solar Mercury 50 Turbine generator.
  • Experience in the operation of a supervisory central control system (i.e. Wonderware, Tridium).
  • Experience in the replacement and rebuilding of pump seals and bearings.
  
  
  SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  
  
  • The selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
  • The selected candidate must have a valid CA driver's license.
  • Ability to ascend/descend ladders, scaffolds, stairs, and work in confined spaces and in proximity to loud machinery.
  • Ability to move heavy sacks of materials and move liquid drums by making judgment to do so safely or by using the assistance of co-workers.
  • Ability to reach above shoulder level.
  • Ability to differentiate colors and utilize senses (sight, hearing, touch, feel and smell) to monitor plant operation.
  • The University of California has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy: covering all employees. To be compliant with the policy, covered employees must submit proof of vaccination or have an approved exception or deferral, eight (8) weeks from date of hire.
  
  
  SAFETY STATEMENT
  
  All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
  
  HOW TO APPLY
  
  Attach your resume and cover letter when applying for this job opening. Do not attach any documents to 'My Activities'. Visit our How to Apply tutorial for detailed instructions on our applicant process.
  
  EEO/AA
  
  The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees
  
  APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO USE THE UCSC ON-LINE PROCESS
  View full job description and access on-line application:
  https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psp/ucsc/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=11&JobOpeningId=29996&PostingSeq=1
  
  To ensure review of application materials by the hiring unit, they must be submitted on or before the initial review date (IRD) via the Staff Employment Opportunities web site; https://jobs.ucsc.edu. A computer is available at the UC Santa Cruz Staff Human Resources Office located at Scotts Valley Center. The Scotts Valley Center is located at 100 Enterprise Way, Suite E100, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. To learn more or to request disability accommodations, call 831-459-2009. Hearing impaired are encouraged to use the California Relay Service at 800-735-2922. UC Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  
  The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.jeid-387a4c597fecbb48ac69764d70cb3d54