Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application. A cover letter is welcomed but not required. We suggest the documents be in a PDF format to avoid formatting issues. Position Summary: The Plant Operator III is responsible for operating and maintaining Rice University's central plants and utility infrastructure, including plant equipment, remote systems, and utility operations. This role also involves monitoring the campus Building Automation Systems (BAS) to ensure safe and efficient performance. The Plant Operator III responds to operational issues and emergencies both in the Plants and across Campus while maintaining awareness of all activities, performance, and safety protocols for personnel, including Rice employees and independent contractors, in and around the Plants and Tunnel System. Workplace Requirements This position is exclusively on-site, necessitating all duties to be performed in person at Rice University per agreed upon schedule. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. This role is classified as an essential position, requiring on-site presence to effectively carry out its vital functions. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the salary is $30.34 to $38.65 an hour, contingent upon qualifications and experience. *Non-exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime. Minimum Requirements: * High School Diploma or equivalent * Four years of related experience as a licensed First Grade Stationary Engineer * Current City of Houston First Grade Stationary Engineer's license * Skills * General knowledge of test and diagnostic equipment, tools, instrumentation, and computer-based monitoring and control systems * General computer aptitude * Ability to read mechanical blueprints and electrical schematic diagrams associated with plant systems * Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing * Ability to utilize hand tools and equipment in troubleshooting and repairs * Ability to respond to and manage emergencies effectively Preferences: * Background with the district energy control systems, particularly those found on university campuses, including combined heat and power turbines, high-pressure boilers, and centrifugal chillers. * Knowledge of co-generation and combined heat and power systems and boiler safety standards. * C-grade (or better) State of Texas water license. * Valid Texas Driver's License (or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment) required with no more than three moving violations or at-fault accidents within the past 36 months and no convictions or deferred dispositions for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Driving Under the Influence (DUI) within the past 5 years. Essential Functions: * Energizes, secures, adjusts, and operates Plant equipment, including turbines, chillers, boilers, pumps, cooling tower fans, air compressors, generators, etc., to respond to changes in campus load or to comply with planned scheduling and/or load management procedures. * Continually monitor all aspects of Plant and campus auxiliary equipment and operation * Makes necessary changes and adjustments to ensure safe and efficient plant operation via direct inspection, monitoring systems, and assistance of others. * Monitors forecasted weather to anticipate and configure equipment to minimize impact on campus and optimize plant operations. * Performs general and preventative maintenance, equipment repair and lubrication, quality, and chemical treatment monitoring for water and steam systems as necessary to ensure optimal equipment performance. * Monitors the Building Automation System (BAS) for issues and alarms. Calls appropriate personnel to respond to campus and equipment emergencies. Responds to after-hours requests for building adjustments. * Thoroughly communicates with other operators and supervisors to facilitate continuity of operations during regular shifts and shift changes. * Maintains all operations and responsibilities until relieved by the next shift. * Informs direct supervisor or appropriate management of events and problems that may significantly affect Plant or campus operations. * Performs duties as lead operator to provide direction to second operators for the assigned shift. * Logs events and operational changes in the operations record. * Enters work orders and daily work time using CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System). * Performs all other duties as assigned. Additional Functions * Ability to problem solve under stressful/critical conditions. * Performs general housekeeping in the plants to keep the spaces and equipment clean and accessible. Working Conditions * Must be able to lift loads no greater than 50 lbs. * Must be able to climb stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and work in confined areas with piping and wiring obstructions, as needed, to access equipment. * Requires moderate to heavy physical activity, including bending, stooping, climbing, balancing, standing, and walking up to 8 hours per day. * Occasionally required to enter utility tunnels and confined spaces. Essential Personnel * This position is considered essential during a campus emergency. The incumbent in the position is expected to report to campus, provide the essential services designated and work under the overall direction of the Emergency Management Team for the duration of a campus emergency. Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University Rice University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity at all levels and considers for employment qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.