Central Plant Operator and Central Plant Operator Senior

Company: Arizona State University
Location: Tempe
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Job Profile: Facilities Specialist 1 Non-Exempt Job Family: Facilities Management Time Type: Full time Max Pay – Depends on experience: $34.00 USD Hourly Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date. Minimum Qualifications: Associate's degree and one (1) year of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Job Profile Summary: Provides routine facilities operations support for a department based on established policies and procedures. Job Description: Facilities Management, Central Plant, seeks Central Plant Operators and Central Plant Operator Seniors to assist in the monitoring, operating, repairing and performing preventative maintenance on boilers and/or chillers and related equipment. Central Plant is a 24/7 operating facility. Positions available at Central Plant on the ASU Tempe & West Valley campuses, however may require working from other campuses depending on operational need. Position Salary Range: Essential Duties: Central Plant Operator Monitor various gauges, gas and draft meters, pressure and temperature indicators to verify operating conditions of automatically fired boilers, chillers, compressors, motors, turbines and/or other related equipment. Prepare logs, charts and reports of operating conditions. Clean, paint, lubricate, service and perform minor maintenance adjustments necessary to ensure safe and economical operation of all central plant equipment and submit reports to ensure efficient utilization of equipment and adherence to the preventive maintenance program. Make chemical analysis of water samples and adjusts amounts of chemicals being used to protect equipment properly. Operate data center and computer to question or verify specified operating conditions at various university facilities as required; initiate corrective action in trouble or emergency situations by notifying proper department or dispatching appropriate personnel to site. Perform maintenance in disassembly, assembly, repair and cleaning of boilers, chillers or other related plant equipment as required. Apply safety standards at all times and maintain good housekeeping practices to provide safe working conditions. Report problems affecting plant safety to appropriate personnel. Use ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions. Central Plant Operator Senior Monitor, operate, repair and perform preventative maintenance on boiler, chillers, plant equipment and associated equipment. Utilize computer interface to operate the Distributed Control System (DCS)/PLC. Collect water samples and perform test on plant loops. Read plant gauges and maintain logs. Utilize hand and power tools, wrenches, ratchets and sockets, shovel, squeegee, broom, vacuum, pallet jack, manual hoist, cleaning/paint tools, voltage/refrigerant/calibration meters, gantry, tap, dies, drills, grinders, pressure washer, tube cleaning machine, saws, mechanical hoist and impact wrench. Evaluate systems for effective energy usage and conservation; make, adjust, repair, replace as needed. Use software and hardware in computers and microprocessors for system troubleshooting, adjustment, and repair. Modify existing systems and programs, troubleshooting, and maintenance for the objective of creating an optimum system of operation. Perform database uploads and downloads to provide DDC controllers with current programs. Operate and monitor control system equipment. Detect source and nature of system problems. Make adjustments to change operating parameters of the system due to emergencies, malfunctions, and change requirements or to optimize operations. Perform emergency corrections to neutralize alarm conditions and restore proper operation. Verify correct system and control sequence operations. May perform scheduled and unscheduled remote start and stop of equipment. Review, modify, and implement programming changes to plant control system to ensure efficient and effective system operations and conformance with standards and guidelines. Monitor and adjust control loops for optimum performance. Calibrate, repair, and replace plant control system sensing devices to specifications. Study plans, drawings, specifications, and work order requirements. Troubleshoot power supplies, controllers, transducers, transmitters, flow meters, sensors, actuators, and take corrective actions. Use ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions. DAYS AND SCHEDULE: Multiple shifts available at Tempe and West Valley campuses. WAGE RANGE Central Plant Operator: $28.00 - $31.00 per hour based on experience and education. ASU offers a comprehensive benefits package with the State of Arizona. Central Plant Operator Senior: $31.01 - $34.00 per hour based on experience and education. ASU offers a comprehensive benefits package with the State of Arizona. Desired Qualifications: Central Plant Operator Three years experience in the operation of boiler and/or chiller equipment and related systems; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Some positions in this classification may require Chloroflourocarbons Certification upon employment. Some positions in this classification may require a current Arizona driver's license upon employment. Experience in: using hand tools of the trade. monitoring, operating and maintaining boilers and/or chillers. operating and maintaining large (>1000 ton) centrifugal chillers. using a DCS workstations or equivalent. using Microsoft Word and Excel for trend analysis and analytical reports. Demonstrated knowledge of: boiler and/or chiller equipment, operation and maintenance. the refrigeration cycle and how it applies to large (> 1000 ton) centrifugal chillers in pump performance characteristics (temperature, flow and pressure). operating and maintaining high volume steam boilers and steam plant components of integrated heating and cooling plant normal and emergency operations, utilizing a thermal energy storage system, and applying sustainability practices as appropriate to large campus distribution system. Evidence of: effective communication skills EPA /CFC certification Central Plant Operator Senior Six years experience in the operation of boiler and/or chiller equipment and related systems which includes two years experience in the maintenance and repair of boilers and/or chiller equipment and related systems; OR, Completion of a four year federally approved technical training stationary engineer program AND two years of experience in the maintenance and repair of boilers and/or chiller equipment and related systems; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Some positions in this classification may require Chloroflourocarbons Certification upon employment. Employee may be required to possess a valid US Driver’s license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment. Experience: in operating and maintaining large (>1000 ton) centrifugal chillers with a primary-secondary and/or primary-variable campus distribution system and control parameters (temperature, flow and pressure) with a Siemens DCS SIMATIC S7 Advanced Controllers and DESIGO workstations or equivalent using MS Word and Excel for trend analysis and analytical reports Demonstrated knowledge of: operating and maintaining high volume steam boilers and steam plant components integrated heating and cooling plant normal and emergency operations, energy efficiency techniques, which include utilizing a thermal energy storage system, and applying sustainability practices as appropriate to large campus distribution system the refrigeration cycle and how it applies to large (> 1000 ton) centrifugal chillers Evidence of: EPA 608 Universal certification Working Environment: Work in noisy environment, varying temperatures and confined spaces. Wear personal protective equipment (e.g. safety glasses, face shield, gloves, hearing protection). Bend, lift and carry objects above the shoulder up to 75 pounds (e.g. valves, actuators, small pumps, pipes, ladders, manhole covers, cooling tower fill panels, resin medial cylinders, electrical starters, electrical motors, etc.). Work off ladders to open/close valves, change lamps, repair boilers and chillers, and test safety alarms. May be exposed to hazardous and dangerous materials, tools, and equipment which will require safety precautions and/or specific process to be followed, and may include the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) (e.g. safety glasses, hearing protection, negative pressure and positive pressure respirator). Use of PPE may require medical clearance prior to use. Drive a University vehicle. Department Statement: What’s in it for you? Looking for an employer that offers you solid growth opportunities, as well as an inclusive culture and work/life balance? ASU offers the following: Flexible work schedules 22 days of accrued vacation leave, 12 days of accrued sick leave and 10 paid holidays annually for all staff. Tuition Reduction Program for staff members, their spouses, and dependents, available on day one. For more information visit https://cfo.asu.edu/reduced-tuition 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child Affordable benefits package including dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. More information available at https://cfo.asu.edu/benefits Retirement program designed to promote long-term savings and provide income upon retirement which includes Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) Paid time for volunteer and professional development Wellness program for preventative health education and screenings Disability and leave program for income protection Free and confidential Employee Assistance services, helping to manage personal difficulties or life challenges ASU Discounts to sports/events along with discounts with ASU partnerships ASU Facilities Development and Management (FDM) maintains and services all university-owned property, and develops and constructs innovative and sustainable facilities. FDM’s vision is to contribute to and guarantee the success of the university’s mission by creating and caring for the ASU campus and environment. We provide quality customer service, effectively steward our resources, and meet the needs of the university through creative and collaborative efforts. Facilities Development and Management at ASU employment requires current eligibility to legally work in the United States. Facilities Development and Management will not be a sponsor for this position. Positions available at Central Plant on the ASU Tempe & West Valley campuses, however may require working from other campuses depending on operational need. Must possess EPA/CFC certification, or be able to obtain within six months of employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination post offer of employment to include audiogram, asbestos worker clearance, respiratory clearance questionnaire and respiratory fit test. Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license (minimum of Class D) upon employment and maintain throughout employment. Post-offer of employment, selected candidate must possess an acceptable driving record which is 5 or fewer points in the most recent 39 month period from date of hire. This position requires working a rotating on-call/stand-by schedule and may be called in for emergency response including nights, weekends, and holidays. Driving Requirement: This position may require driving. Employee must possess a valid US Driver’s license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment. Location: Campus: Tempe Funding: No Federal Funding Instructions to Apply: Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub. Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on. https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$19195.htmld To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments: Cover letter Resume or CV Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name. Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered. Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact HR Talent Acquisition before the posting close date to request edits. Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience. Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete. ASU Statement: Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe. ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf . You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456. Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources . Employment Verification Statement: ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Background Check Statement: ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check. Fingerprint Check Statement: A fingerprint check is not required for this position.

Keywords: Arizona State University, Catalina Foothills , Central Plant Operator and Central Plant Operator Senior, Engineering , Tempe, Arizona