Energy Systems Technician

This job classification involves work in which the major function involves performing a variety of technical work in support of maintaining the Central Energy Facility and Thermal Energy System. The work requires application of intermediate knowledge and abilities to safely commission, operate, and maintain the Central Energy Facility and Thermal Energy System.

Land, Buildings & Real Estate (LBRE) is the operational core of Stanford University’s physical campus. LBRE constructs and maintains the Stanford campus, where advancements across the academic spectrum are made possible. Our work is founded upon the collective value of dedication, innovation, expertise, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

We are committed to serving the university’s academic mission, as well as preserving and enhancing Stanford’s 8,180 acres, and pride ourselves on supporting the teaching and research of the university as “Caretakers of a LEGACY."

About Energy Operations

Energy Operations (EO) is responsible for the safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable operation and maintenance of Stanford University’s critical energy and utility infrastructure. The department supports the campus community by operating and maintaining central energy facilities, thermal systems, electrical distribution systems, utility networks, controls, metering, and related equipment serving the main campus, Stanford Redwood City, and other university facilities.

Energy Operations provides essential 24/7 services that support teaching, research, healthcare, residential life, and campus operations. Our work includes the generation and distribution of chilled water, low-temperature hot water, steam, and electrical power; maintenance of utility infrastructure and street lighting; and operation of sophisticated control, monitoring, and optimization systems.

Our team includes skilled operations professionals, maintenance mechanics, electricians, instrumentation and controls technicians, supervisors, apprentices, engineers, and administrative staff. Together, we are committed to operational excellence, environmental stewardship, continuous improvement, and a strong culture of safety. Energy Operations offers the opportunity to contribute directly to reliable campus services while supporting Stanford’s mission of education, research, and innovation.

This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment.

JOB PURPOSE

To safely operate and maintain the Energy Operation facilities and thermal energy systems.

CORE JOB DUTIES

Safely maintain all operational and environmental parameters.

Safely perform routine maintenance.

Participate in Root Cause Analysis evaluation when required.

Work with other stakeholder groups, both internal and external to Stanford, as needed to troubleshoot and optimize all facets of Energy Operations

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Frequently lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 50 pounds.

Frequently stand/walk, twist/bend/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, use a telephone, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 11-20 pounds.

Frequently kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other), reach/work above shoulders, grasp forcefully, writing by hand, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh >40 pounds.

Ability to drive day or night.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Requires ability to work 12-hour shifts and for callouts in support of a 24/7-hour operation due to emergencies, sickness, vacation, etc.

Central Energy Facility conditions require wearing of Personal Protective Equipment, including hearing protection with normal plant noise > 80dB TWA.

May work at heights >4ft.

80% of time spent outside the facility monitoring equipment reporting to Shift Supervisor in Control Room. 20% of time spent in Chemistry lab and/or training.

WORK STANDARDS

Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.

Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.

Subject to and expected to comply with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University’s Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu/

When conducting university business, must comply with California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements.

Responsibilities

• Core Duties: Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems throughout the distributed control system (Metasys) reporting any abnormalities the Shift Supervisor.
• Control power plant equipment using control systems or semi-automatic equipment.
• Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers and utilizing the Energy Oracle Solution program to optimize the energy system.
• Observe gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
• Start or stop chillers, boilers, auxiliary pumping equipment, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
• Control and/or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, filters, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.
• Clean, lubricate, and/or maintain equipment, such as chillers, boilers, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
• Inspect records or logbook entries and/or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status. Detect and isolate malfunctioning equipment.
• Maintain plant chemistry within allowable parameters.
• Participate in the initial development and updating of plant operating procedures.
• Assist Facilities Energy Management and Buildings and Grounds Maintenance groups as needed to troubleshoot and optimize all facets of Stanford Energy Systems Innovations.
• Order parts, supplies, or equipment from catalogs or suppliers.
• Work within the Central Energy Facility and Thermal Energy System’s computerized maintenance management system.
• Perform cleaning, mopping, painting, re-lamping and other general housekeeping duties needed for efficient and sanitary work environment.
• Adhere to safety rules.
• Minimum Education: High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Minimum Experience: Three years of energy facility or utility plant operations experience working as an operator or a combination of equivalent education and relevant experience.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Working knowledge of a distributed control system.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Ability to use logic and reason to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches.
• Knowledge of and ability to adhere to environmental and safety rules, regulations, and plant operating procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with others.
• Basic water chemistry knowledge.
• Experience working with large chiller systems.
• Experience with mechanical, I&C, or electrical maintenance.
• Experience with Distributed Controls Systems, Plant Historians, and standard office computer applications.
• Certificates and Licenses Required
• Valid California Non-commercial Class C Driver's license.