AE O&M Specialist Senior (HVAC Service Technician)

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By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Are you a hands-on professional with experience in utility systems and mechanical operations? The City of Austin is looking for an Operations and Maintenance Sr. to join our team and help maintain the essential infrastructure that powers our city. In this role, you will be responsible for the repair, service, and installation of key components within utility facilities, including boilers, turbines, generators, HVAC systems, electrical systems, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and auxiliary systems supporting power and chiller operations. You will perform preventive maintenance on utility equipment in accordance with technical specifications, while also planning and preparing for work by identifying the necessary tools, equipment, parts, and labor. This position requires expertise in mechanical alignments for rotating equipment and their drivers. You'll troubleshoot mechanical systems—often within critical infrastructure environments—and disassemble and reassemble complex mechanical components, ensuring precise fit and function of close-tolerance parts. If you're a detail-oriented technician with a strong mechanical background and a passion for keeping essential systems running smoothly, we encourage you to apply.

Job Description:

Austin Energy Operations & Maintenance Specialist Senior

Purpose: Under general supervision, performs complex tasks related to installation, maintenance, and operation of equipment in a utility facility, power, steam, or chiller operation.

• Performs installation, maintenance, and repair/troubleshooting of electrical, mechanical and complex utility-related equipment/facilities. Calibrates sensors, controllers, and meters. Performs chemical testing. Reads gauges and meters. Monitors operation of equipment and machinery in work area.
• Enters data into computer concerning maintenance/repair schedules of equipment. Records data on appropriate form/log. Operates boiler, generator turbine, and/or other auxiliary/utility equipment.
• Reviews work for accuracy and completeness. Repairs, services, and/or installs components of the boiler, turbine, generator, and auxiliary systems of a utility facility, power, steam, or chiller operation.
• Performs preventive maintenance activities on utility equipment per specification(s). Plans work and identifies necessary resources: tools, equipment, parts, and labor.
• Performs lead activities in one or more of the following activities: HVAC, electrical, certified code welding, machining, steam turbine maintenance, gas turbine maintenance, boiler maintenance, or auxiliary equipment maintenance.
• Performs mechanical alignments for rotating equipment and their drivers. Troubleshoots mechanical systems and/or equipment. Disassembles and reassembles complex mechanical components. Determines close tolerance fit of associated parts.
• Performs installation and troubleshooting/maintenance on critical infrastructure, low-voltage lighting, electrical, and/or HVAC systems or low-voltage systems responsible for controlling high-voltage utility switch gear.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic methods, equipment, tools, and materials involved in the maintenance and repair of large and complex systems.
• Knowledge of operating procedures for steam turboelectric generators on high-pressure steam boilers and associated auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of safety rules, codes, and regulations applicable when working on or near energized electrical systems, steam systems, and high-pressure water systems.
• Knowledge of lock out/tag out procedures for removing equipment from service for maintenance.
• Knowledge of proper methods and procedures used in cleaning work area and equipment.
• Knowledge of operating procedures for firing and maintaining pressure on high pressure steam boilers and of the operation and maintenance of auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of boiler feed water chemical treatment and control.
• Knowledge of pressure, temperature, water level, and other types of indicating instruments used in operation of high-pressure boilers.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining excellent communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations.
• Skill in control procedures for operating auxiliary equipment.
• Ability to make accurate gauge readings.
• Ability to reference/interpret manual sufficient to perform job tasks.
• Ability to meet and maintain driver eligibility standards in the COA Driver Safety Program.
• Ability to drive, inspect, and maintain various electric utility vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus five (5) years of experience in a field related to the installation, operation, and/or maintenance of a utility facility, power, steam, or chiller operation.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas class C driver license or ability to obtain within ninety (90) days of employment.
• Ability to produce and maintain an acceptable driving record.

Physical Requirements:

• Moderate bending, lifting, walking, carrying, climbing ladders, and using a force equal to lifting up to fifty pounds.
• Must be able to work a varying shift work schedule.
• Must be able to work in confined areas.
• Must be able to work on elevated structures.
• Must be able to work under emergency and all-weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification, TDLR Registration, or Texas HVAC License (Type A or B)—or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Experience operating and maintaining air-cooled chillers.
• Hands-on experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)—including troubleshooting and basic programming.
• Experience using and maintaining Building Automation Systems (BAS) such as Trane, Siemens, or Johnson Controls.
• General Building Maintenance experience, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems.

Notes to Candidate:

Pay Range: Entry: $34.46 - Mid: $43.41

Schedule: Monday - Friday (7a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Location: 4815 Meuller Blvd, Austin Texas 78723

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held.
• Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
• Responses to supplemental questions regarding experience should also be clearly documented in the 'Experience' section of the main application.
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as '