Job SummaryLocation: Detroit, MI
The Chilled Water Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a large-scale central chilled water plant supplying comfort cooling to the Renaissance Center complex. This role involves operating and maintaining high-pressure centrifugal chillers, river-water cooling systems, heat exchangers, pumping equipment, electrical substations, and steam-related auxiliary systems. The operator performs routine monitoring, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and documentation to ensure optimal plant performance and regulatory compliance.
Key AccountabilitiesChiller and Cooling Equipment OperationOperate and monitor seven high-pressure York YK centrifugal chillers with a combined capacity of 14,000 tons.
Operate two shell-and-tube free-cooling heat exchangers providing 2,000 tons of cooling capacity.
Maintain proper chilled water production, temperature control, and system efficiency.
River Water & Condenser Water SystemsUtilize river water for condenser water supply through six centrifugal split-case pumps, each rated at 5,000 GPM @ 95 ft head.
Operate and maintain river water pumps with a total capacity of 30,000 GPM.
Inspect, clean, and maintain traveling water screens and associated auxiliary equipment to ensure uninterrupted water flow and debris removal.
Electrical & Steam System MonitoringMonitor steam equipment and associated billing meters for accuracy and operational integrity.
Maintain and monitor substation equipment located in both the chilled water plant and pump house.
Report abnormalities and coordinate with electrical and steam system specialists as needed.
Preventative Maintenance & Work ManagementComplete assigned preventative maintenance tasks on mechanical, electrical, and water-side equipment.
Track and update work orders, parts usage, and inventory within the maintenance management system.
Assist in troubleshooting equipment failures and support corrective maintenance activities.
Daily Rounds & System Performance TrackingPerform daily operational rounds including:
Chiller operating data
System flows and temperatures
kW usage and energy performance
Cumulative water usage
Equipment efficiency readings
Safety and operational checks
Water chemistry sampling and adjustments
Document findings and escalate issues requiring attention.
Qualifications- High School diploma or equivalent
- First Class Refrigeration License
- At least 5 years' experience in utility complex operations
- Shift work is required, and employees will be required to perform both operation and routine maintenance of the utility complex equipment
Additional QualificationsThe physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In order to properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is required to:
- Frequently stand or walk and sit.
- Occasionally climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or occasionally crawl.
- Talk & hear; use hands & fingers; handle & feel; and able to reach with hands and arms.
- Occasionally lift objects of up to 50 pounds in weight.
- Occasionally push or pull up to 70 pounds in weight.
- Possess the following vision requirements: close, color, distance, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
- Occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions, including wet and/or humid conditions, and may work near moving mechanical parts and/or machinery.
- Occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration.
- Be in a work environment that is usually moderate but may become loud at the plant site.
Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities, and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.
The hourly rate for this position is $44.90.
