Stationary Engineer - Plant Operator, First Grade

The Stationary Engineer, Plant Operator (First Grade) operates Rice University’s central plants and utility infrastructure, including all plant equipment, remote equipment, and utility systems, and monitors the campus Building Automation Systems (BAS) safely and efficiently. The Stationary Engineer responds appropriately to problems and emergency situations that occur in the plants and on campus and is aware of activities, performance, and safety of all persons in and around the plants and tunnel system, including other Rice employees and independent contractors.

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled, safety-focused operator holding a First Grade Stationary Engineer’s License (or equivalent through reciprocity) with proven experience running boilers, turbines, control rooms, and central plant utility systems. They demonstrate strong judgment under pressure, responding effectively to operational issues and campus emergencies while maintaining full compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. Reliable and capable of serving as Lead Operator, they excel in managing complex plant operations and ensuring continuous, efficient performance of Rice University’s critical infrastructure.

In addition to joining a meaningful and mission-driven team, employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, health insurance, tuition discounts, and access to campus facilities.

Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format, to avoid any formatting issues.

Workplace Requirements

This is a full-time, on-site position at Rice University, and all duties must be performed in person according to a fixed, agreed-upon schedule. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. This role requires working a 12-hour night shift, Wednesday through Saturday, 8:00 p.m.–8:00 a.m., with a 4-hour shift on Wednesday.

Essential Personnel

This position is designated as essential personnel during campus emergencies. The individual in this role is expected to report to campus, deliver assigned essential services, and operate under the direction of the Emergency Management Team for the duration of the emergency.

Hiring Range

The proposed hourly salary range will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. *Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 4+ years of related experience in central plant operations, including operating high-pressure steam boilers
• Current City of Houston First Grade Stationary Engineer’s License or ability to acquire one within 6 months of hire
  • Able to acquire a reciprocal license from another municipality. Candidates holding a valid stationary or steam engineer's license from a state, municipality, or government agency may qualify for examination for an equivalent City of Houston grade, pending board approval, verification of boiler-operating experience, and successful completion of a written examination on boiler operation, maintenance, repair, and safety rules

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 solve problems under stressful or critical conditions
• Performs general housekeeping in the plants to keep spaces and equipment clean and accessible

Preferences

• Currently holds City of Houston First Grade Stationary Engineer’s License
• Background with 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 monitors 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 from 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, and quality and chemical treatment monitoring for water and steam systems as necessary to ensure optimal equipment performance
• Monitors the Building Automation System for issues and alarms; calls appropriate personnel to respond to campus and equipment emergencies; responds to after-hours requests for building adjustments
• Communicates thoroughly 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

• Must be able to lift loads 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

Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits 

Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University

Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at [email protected] for support.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.