Austin Energy Operations & Maintenance Specialist

Job Description:

Austin Energy Operations & Maintenance Specialist

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

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.

Under general supervision, perform tasks related to operating equipment and performing mechanics in a power, steam or chiller operations.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general supervision, perform tasks related to operating equipment and performing mechanics in a power, steam or chiller operations.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Installs, tests, debugs, and repairs complex utility equipment. Calibrates sensors, controllers, and meters. Enters data into computerized and/or manual maintenance systems.
  
• Records data on appropriate forms, logs, etc.
  
• Starts up/shuts down diesel generator units. Operates mechanical screens. Monitors operation of equipment and machinery in work area.
  
• Reads gauges and meters. Checks, cleans, and services equipment pumps, power tools, etc. Checks equipment for proper operation, safety, and/or needed maintenance. Turns on/off valve with valve wrench. Operates centrifuge, generator, turbine, and/or auxiliary equipment.
  
• Sets up and operates sump and/or other pumps. Cleans tanks, feeds chemicals, etc.
  
• Repairs, services, and installs components of the boiler, turbine, generator, HVAC, electrical, uninterruptible power supply, or auxiliary systems of a utility facility, power, steam, or chiller operation.
  
• Performs preventive maintenance activities on utility equipment per specification(s). Plans work and identify necessary resources (tools, equipment, parts, labor).
  
• Performs mechanical alignments for rotating equipment and their drivers. Troubleshoots mechanical systems and/or equipment, sometimes within critical infrastructure. Disassembles and reassembles complex mechanical components. Determines close tolerance fit of associated parts.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of basic methods, equipment, tools, and materials involved in the maintenance and repair of large 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 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 (4) 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 (50) 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:

• Experience in all phases of work as a Journeyman-Level Electrician installing, diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing electrical systems such as low voltage distribution equipment, medium voltage distribution equipment, motor controls, facility building equipment, and lighting systems.
  
• Experience in all phases of work as a certified air conditioning and refrigeration technician installing, diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing HVAC systems such as wall mounts, package units, split systems, and mini splits up 10 tons.
  
• Possess a State of Texas Journeyman Electrician license or higher, or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
  
• Possess a State of Texas Certified Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (ACR) Technician license or higher, or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
  
• Possess a Type I and II Refrigerant Recovery and Recycling, or the ability to obtain one within 6 months of hire.
  
• Ability to work at heights of up to 100 feet.
  

Notes to Candidate:

This position is for Journeyman Level Electricians or Certified Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technicians responsible for building, maintaining, and servicing electrical and mechanical equipment throughout Austin Energy and City of Austin facilities. These facilities include Austin Energy substations, power plants, downtown network vaults, service centers, and cooling plants, as well as City of Austin Parks and Recreation Centers. In addition to these duties, this position is also responsible for providing power to special events supported by City Council and Austin Energy.

Working with Austin Energy provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more.

EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• 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.
  
• Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fi elds that are not applicable.
  
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.
  

IF YOU ARE SELECTED AS A TOP CANDIDATE:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.
  
• If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.
  
• This position requires a criminal background investigation.
  

DRIVING REQUIREMENT:
This position requires a valid Class “C” driver’s license or the obtain within 90 days of employment. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

PAY RANGE:
Min $31.39 - Mid $39.24

WORK LOCATION/HOURS:
4411-B Meinardus Drive, Austin, Texas 78744. Monday-Friday, 6:30 am to 3:00 p.m. Work hours may include after hours, holidays, and weekends. Shifts may change according to departmental needs. Employee may be required to work additional hours outside of regular work schedule.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• This position is categorized as Essential Personnel with the City of Austin. Essential staff are required to work during emergencies or bad weather if they are scheduled to work and, in some cases, when they are not scheduled. Essential employees ensure the continuance of key operations for the City of Austin.
  
• Work hours may include after hours, holidays, and weekends
  
• Shifts may change according to departmental needs.
  
• Employee may be required to work additional hours outside of regular work schedule.
  

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-12-04