Chilled Water Plant Operator

Work Schedule: Rotating 12-hour shifts (Days: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; Nights: 7:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.), including weekends, holidays, overtime, and emergency call-ins as required.

Position Summary

The Chilled Water Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Louisville Medical Center's Central Chilled Water Plant. This position monitors and controls critical utility equipment that provides uninterrupted chilled water service supporting patient care, research, and campus operations.

The operator monitors plant performance, adjusts equipment to optimize efficiency, responds to alarms and abnormal operating conditions, performs routine inspections, documents plant operations, and assists with preventative maintenance activities while maintaining compliance with all safety and environmental regulations.

Essential Functions

The essential duties include, but are not limited to:

Plant Operations

• Operate and monitor electric centrifugal chillers, steam turbine-driven chillers, pumps, cooling towers, compressors, and related equipment.
• Start, stop, and adjust equipment to maintain safe and efficient chilled water production.
• Monitor plant operating conditions using control systems, instrumentation, and field inspections.
• Respond to alarms, equipment malfunctions, and emergency operating conditions.
• Adjust equipment sequencing to maximize reliability and energy efficiency.
• Maintain uninterrupted chilled water service to campus customers.

Monitoring & Documentation

• Perform scheduled plant rounds and inspections.
• Record operating data, equipment readings, and system performance.
• Maintain accurate operating logs and shift turnover reports.
• Report abnormal conditions to supervision promptly.
• Document equipment deficiencies requiring maintenance.

Preventive Maintenance Support

• Perform routine equipment inspections.
• Monitor oil levels, lubrication systems, pumps, cooling towers, and auxiliary equipment.
• Assist maintenance personnel during equipment outages and repairs.
• Operate tube cleaning equipment as assigned.
• Maintain assigned work areas in a clean, organized, and inspection-ready condition.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all Louisville Medical Center safety policies and OSHA regulations.
• Utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Comply with Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space Entry, Arc Flash, and Hazard Communication procedures.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions immediately.
• Participate in required safety training.

Teamwork & Communication

• Maintain effective communication with operators and supervisors during shift transitions.
• Provide complete and accurate shift turnover information.
• Work collaboratively with maintenance staff and other Facilities personnel.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the plant.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and emergency call-ins.
• Ability to safely operate industrial mechanical equipment.
• Ability to read gauges, instrumentation, operating procedures, and equipment manuals.
• Basic computer skills for monitoring systems and documentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical school, vocational training, or Associate Degree in HVAC, Industrial Maintenance, Mechanical Technology, Power Plant Operations, or related field.
• Previous experience operating:
• Central chilled water plants
• Industrial HVAC systems
• Steam systems
• Cooling towers
• Large centrifugal chillers
• Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS), SCADA, or computerized plant controls.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

Physical Requirements

This position regularly requires the ability to:

• Walk, stand, and climb stairs for extended periods.
• Lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Climb ladders and access elevated equipment.
• Work in high heat, high noise, and outdoor environments.
• Wear required PPE, including hearing, eye, and respiratory protection when necessary.
• Distinguish equipment sounds, alarms, and verbal communication.
• Operate valves, switches, hand tools, and mechanical equipment safely.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions

Employees may work around:

• Rotating mechanical equipment
• Steam systems
• High-voltage electrical equipment
• Elevated temperatures
• Water treatment chemicals
• Wet surfaces
• Loud industrial environments

Performance Expectations

Successful performance includes:

• Maintaining safe and reliable plant operations.
• Completing scheduled inspections and rounds.
• Maintaining accurate operating documentation.
• Responding promptly to equipment alarms.
• Following established operating procedures.
• Supporting preventative maintenance activities.
• Demonstrating teamwork and professionalism.

Travel

No travel required.

Work Location: In person