Plant Maintenance Mechanic I

Position Summary

The Plant Maintenance Mechanic I performs skilled maintenance, repair, and installation of mechanical equipment supporting central utility plants, district energy systems, utility infrastructure, and tunnel distribution systems. This role works alongside a team of mechanics that provides maintenance and repair for boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, piping, valves, steam and condensate systems, ventilation equipment, and other related plant and remote utility equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operations. Performs preventive and corrective maintenance, troubleshoots system issues, maintains work records, and supports the continuous operation of utility systems and plant facilities.

The ideal candidate brings foundational mechanical maintenance experience and a demonstrated aptitude for troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining boilers, central plant equipment, and utility distribution systems. They are safety-conscious, reliable, and eager to expand their technical knowledge while contributing to the dependable operation of plant facilities, remote equipment, and campus utility infrastructure. Familiarity with Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), industrial control systems, and related plant technologies is preferred. A strong desire to obtain and maintain a City of Houston Stationary Engineer License would be ideal for future succession planning. 

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

Workplace Requirements

This is an essential on-campus position, requiring all duties to be performed exclusively in person, with schedules Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM or Tuesday through Friday from 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM. All schedules are subject to change based on business needs. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.

As an essential role, the employee must be on-site during emergencies or crises to ensure continuity of critical operations and remain accessible to leadership to support institutional functions. After-hours work or work outside the regular schedule may be required, and the employee must be available for “on-call” or occasional overtime scheduling to respond to problems affecting campus operations. 

Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Climbing stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and navigating confined areas with piping or wiring obstructions as needed to access equipment
• Moderate to heavy physical activity, including bending, stooping, climbing, balancing, standing, and walking for up to 8 hours per day
• Occasional entry into utility tunnels and other confined spaces

Work Environment and Safety:

• Exposure to high-pressure boilers and steam piping, high-voltage electricity, high noise levels, rotating machinery, and other potentially hazardous equipment
• Work in mechanical rooms, tunnels, labs, attics, crawl spaces, non-conditioned spaces, and dusty, dirty, or wet conditions
• Personal protective equipment (hearing protection, safety shoes, safety glasses) is required

Hiring Range

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's experience and qualifications. Non-Exempt (hourly) positions under FLSA are eligible for overtime.

Minimum Requirements

• No formal education required
• 6 months to 1 years’ of experience in the maintenance, repair, or installation of mechanical equipment and systems supporting utility, facilities, or plant operations.

Skills:

• Knowledge of mechanical maintenance and repair of boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, valves, piping, district energy systems, and related utility infrastructure.
• Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical equipment and systems using appropriate tools, equipment, and preventive maintenance practices.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical blueprints, technical drawings, and electrical schematics associated with plant systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to safe work practices and compliance with established procedures, regulations, and standards.
• Proficiency in operating a PC, using job-related software applications, and maintaining accurate maintenance records and work orders.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Preferences

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Industrial Maintenance, HVAC, Mechanical Technology, or a related industrial field preferred.
• Experience working with central utility plants, district energy systems, campus utility infrastructure, or shipboard engineering systems preferred.
• Knowledge of combined heat and power (CHP) systems, steam generation and distribution, boiler operations, diesel generators, and central plant equipment.
• Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS), Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), energy management systems (EMS), power management systems, and industrial control systems used in institutional, healthcare, university, or industrial environments.
• Basic welding, metal fabrication, and pipefitting experience.
• Candidates that are eager to obtain the City of Houston Stationary Engineer License.
• Valid Texas Driver's License, or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment, with an acceptable driving record.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and cleaning of plant equipment, including boilers, chillers, cooling towers, pumps, fans, vents, piping systems, valves, steam specialties, and related mechanical equipment.
• Assist in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining utility distribution systems, including piping, fittings, valves, steam specialties, and pipe supports within the tunnel system.
• Perform routine and corrective maintenance on plant and utility equipment, including pumps, boilers, chillers, filters, compressed air systems, and other mechanical systems.
• Perform basic metal fabrication, welding, and repair work in support of plant and utility maintenance activities.
• Assist with the installation, modification, and repair of utility distribution piping and related infrastructure.
• Document maintenance activities by entering work orders, labor hours, and equipment information into the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Follow established safety procedures, regulations, and standards while performing assigned work.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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