The Co-Gen Facility Operator role is part of the Plant Operations department at Vanderbilt University and is an individual contributor responsible for maintaining the Power Plant. This position is responsible for maintaining a continuous, safe, and efficient plant operation, providing steam and electricity to Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. This position ensures plant operates within specified parameters of energy use in order to maintain campus utility budget. Considerable independent judgement is required to ensure safe and efficient operation of a large variety of equipment in electrical and mechanical systems, including operating levels, shutdown and emergency procedures, plant startups from emergency shutdowns, etc. This position reports directly to the Plant Manager.

Plant Operations provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University Central space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Control a variety of power-generation, superheated steam production equipment, and machinery during normal operation, scheduled and preventative maintenance, and emergency repair procedures

• Monitor meters, gauges and control boards to verify operational parameters and make adjustments to distribution, generator output, and voltage according to standard protocols and power grid requirements

• Utilize a variety of digital informational displays to understand operational performance variables and record information and repairs accurately into manual logs and computer databases

• Oversee machinery operation to determine existence of malfunctions or suboptimal performance and initiate appropriate repair procedures and or work orders within a database when necessary

• Start and stop turbines and other power-generation equipment as necessary to maintain safe operation and to allow for repair work and meet changing supply and demand variables

• Follow all relevant safety protocols and legal codes to ensure proper operation of equipment and minimize risk of damage to personnel and property

• Participate in regular training to improve performance, acquire professional licenses, and maintain certification required by company and government regulations as needed

• Communicate clearly and effectively with other power plant personnel, including managers, engineers, vendors, contractors, and repair technicians to encourage teamwork and coordinate tasks

• Operate, repair, and maintain gas and oil-fired heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs)

• Perform plant operations in such a way that operational procedures and operating parameters, including energy use guidelines, are followed

• Assist with outages for turbine, boiler, HRSG, auxiliary equipment inspections, and any other major inspections

• Perform daily operational rounds along with plant safety and housekeeping inspections

• Perform lock-out tag out procedures, standard operating procedures, confined space entry permits, and hot work permits when necessary

• May be required to operate vehicles such as a fork lift and or personnel lift

Successful candidates will have skill with operation, repair, and maintenance of valves, pumps, boilers, chillers, piping, air compressors, fans, and an array of other mechanical equipment. The ability to operate of forklift, hand tools, and small power equipment is required. Must be able to work in an energy plant operation environment, which is subject to extremes of heat, cold, frantic activity, inactivity, heavy physical activity, and times of stressful decision making.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Plant Manager.

Education and Certifications:

• Highs School diploma or GED is Required.

• Valid TN driver’s licenses is necessary.

Experience and Skills:

• One year of relevant experience is Required

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds

• Must have a valid Driver’s License

• Maintain a level of professionalism and teamwork

• Basic mechanical knowledge and use of hand tools

• Basic computer skills including Microsoft products

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education. Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.