Plant Operations Technician

Facilities Management at Auburn University is excited to begin the search for a Plant Operations Technician to join our Utilities & Energy team! In this role, you’ll play a vital part in keeping Auburn’s campus running smoothly by supporting the operation and maintenance of our district energy systems that provide heating and cooling across campus.

The Plant Operations Technician is responsible for maintaining boiler and hot-loop water chemistry while performing routine repairs and preventative maintenance on a wide range of plant equipment. From motors and pumps to cooling towers and control systems, this position offers hands-on work across multiple skilled trades in a collaborative and team-focused environment. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, working with complex mechanical systems, and contributing to the behind-the-scenes operations that support the Auburn community. As a Plant Operations Technician, you’ll be part of a skilled team dedicated to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and service to the Auburn campus.

• Performs preventative maintenance and basic repairs on district energy plant equipment, including motors, pumps, boilers, cooling towers, controls, valve actuators/operators, and flow meters; conducts seasonal heating and cooling system transitions.
• Assists contracted water treatment specialists with installation, maintenance, and monitoring of primary hot water, chilled water, and condenser water systems.
• Completes and maintains daily digital plant logs and shared event logs for chilled water, hot water, and steam plants.
• Performs utility operations and outage response—including valve exercising, load shifting, plant monitoring, operation of utility distribution and diagnostic equipment, and transitioning boilers to backup diesel fuel—during planned and unplanned events, during and after normal work hours as needed.
• Responds to after-hours alarms and plant call-ins as required.
• Utilizes utility and facilities software systems (e.g., Metasys, AiM, Optimum Energy, Elevate FM) to operate plants, troubleshoot issues, and perform maintenance activities.
• Will be responsible for meeting and maintaining training and certification requirements as outlined by the Auburn University Facilities Management Policy: "Training, Education, and Certification Requirements for Mechanical and Electrical Trades Personnel".

• High School Diploma or GED and 2 years of experience in installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of a wide array of common plant system components.
• Valid Driver's License.

• Knowledge of HVAC and refrigeration theory and principles.
• Knowledge of HVAC and refrigeration system operations.
• Knowledge and understanding of major HVAC system components (i.e. what they do, how they work, and how to install or replace them).
• Knowledge of preventative maintenance practices for district energy systems.
• Basic knowledge of pumps, motors, and related system flow characteristics.
• Basic knowledge of electrical systems.
• Basic knowledge of single phase and three phase electrical systems including wire sizing.
• Basic knowledge of water chemistry standards for steam, condensate, chilled water, condensing water, and heating water systems.
• Knowledge of workplace safety and safe work practices.
• Understanding of industrial safety procedures and practices pertaining to working around operating equipment.
• Ability to perform preventative maintenance on district energy equipment such as chiller (evaporator and condensor), water tubes, boiler fire tubes, distribution system pumps and motors, valves, valve actuators, and flow meters.
• Ability to maintain and troubleshoot district energy system operations:
• -Properly maintain set points for automated chilled water system staging.
• -Operate system to maintain adequate differential pressure across all plants and buildings.
• -Operate system to maintain required temperatures across all plants and buildings.
• Ability to assist in the installation, repair, and/or replacement of district energy system components such as pumps, motors, valves, flow meters, variable frequency drives, heat exchangers, and water softeners.
• Ability to wire circuits and components.
• Ability to read blueprints.
• Ability to read electrical and mechanical system drawings.

• Life-Changing Impact: Our work changes lives through research, instruction, and outreach, making a lasting impact on our students, our communities, and the world.
• Culture of Excellence:We are committed to leveraging our strengths, resources, collaboration, and innovation as a top employer in higher education.
• We’re Here for You:Auburn offers generous benefits, educational opportunities, and a culture of support and work/life balance.
• Sweet Home Alabama:The Auburn/Opelika area offers southern charm, vibrant downtown scenes, top-ranked schools, and easy access to Atlanta, Birmingham, and the Gulf of Mexico beaches.
• A Place for Everyone: Auburn is committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are welcomed, valued, respected, and engaged.
• Ready to lead and shape the future of higher education? Apply today! War Eagle!