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Central Ac Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CENTRAL PLANT OPERATOR

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$19.80 - $26/hr

Central Plant Operator The posting is intended to describe the general content and requirements of this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Step into a role where ...

CENTRAL PLANT OPERATOR

Tampa, FL · On-site

$19.80 - $26/hr

Central Plant Operator The posting is intended to describe the general content and requirements of this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Step into a role where ...

Here at Central Stone, we have spent the last 125+ years working to be the best at what we do ... Plant Operator candidate requirements: * Safety-Focused * Strong mechanical aptitude * Ability to ...

Here at Central Stone Company, we have spent the last 135+ years working to be the best at what we ... Plant Operator/Maintenance Candidate Requirements: * Safety-Focused * Strong mechanical aptitude

Here at Central Stone Company, we have spent the last 135+ years working to be the best at what we ... Plant Operator/Maintenance Candidate Requirements: * Safety-Focused * Strong mechanical aptitude

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Central Ac Plant Operator information

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$13

$22

$39

How much do central ac plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for central ac plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are central ac plant operators in demand?

Central AC plant operators are in steady demand in industries such as commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities that require climate control. Employment opportunities often depend on the region's construction activity, maintenance needs, and the operator's technical skills and certifications. The role typically offers stable employment due to ongoing maintenance and system upgrades.

What is the difference between Central Ac Plant Operator vs HVAC Technician?

AspectCentral Ac Plant OperatorHVAC Technician
CredentialsTypically requires HVAC certification or licenseRequires HVAC certification or license
Work EnvironmentOperates large-scale cooling systems in commercial or industrial facilitiesWorks on various heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units in buildings
Employer & IndustryFacilities management, industrial plants, large commercial buildingsResidential, commercial, and industrial HVAC service providers

Central Ac Plant Operators and HVAC Technicians both require HVAC certifications and work in environments involving climate control systems. However, Central Ac Plant Operators focus on managing large-scale cooling systems in industrial or commercial settings, while HVAC Technicians handle a broader range of heating and cooling units across various building types. Their roles often overlap, but the scope and scale of their work differ.

What is a central AC plant operator?

Central AC Plant Operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating, monitoring, and maintaining central air conditioning systems in large buildings or facilities. Their duties include starting and stopping chillers, adjusting controls, monitoring system performance, and performing routine maintenance to ensure optimal cooling and energy efficiency. They also troubleshoot issues, keep records of operations, and coordinate with other maintenance staff to address equipment problems promptly. This role is essential for maintaining comfortable indoor environments and preventing system breakdowns in commercial, industrial, or institutional settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a central AC plant operator?

To thrive as a Central AC Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of HVAC systems, mechanical aptitude, and typically a technical diploma or certification in refrigeration and air conditioning. Familiarity with building management systems (BMS), HVAC control software, and preventive maintenance tools is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring efficient plant operations, minimizing downtime, and maintaining a safe, comfortable environment.

What are some common challenges faced by central AC plant operators and how can they be addressed?

Central AC Plant Operators often face challenges such as diagnosing complex equipment malfunctions, managing unexpected system breakdowns, and maintaining optimal energy efficiency. Staying up-to-date with preventive maintenance schedules and thorough record-keeping can help minimize unplanned downtime. Operators typically work in teams and must communicate effectively with maintenance staff and building management to coordinate repairs and system upgrades. Ongoing training and familiarity with new HVAC technologies also play a key role in overcoming these challenges and advancing within the field.
More about Central Ac Plant Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Central Ac Plant Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Central Ac Plant Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Central Ac Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Central Plant Operator and Central Plant Operator, Senior

Arizona State University

Tempe, AZ • On-site

$34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Arizona State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Profile:
Facilities Specialist 1 Non-Exempt
Job Family:
Facilities Management
Time Type:
Full time
Max Pay - Depends on experience:
$34.00 USD Hourly
Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.
Minimum Qualifications:
Associate's degree and one (1) year of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.
Job Profile Summary:
Provides routine facilities operations support for a department based on established policies and procedures.
Job Description:
Facilities Management, Central Plant, seeks Central Plant Operators and Central Plant Operator Seniors for the Central Plants at all ASU campuses to assist in the monitoring, operating, repairing and performing preventative maintenance on boilers and/or chillers and related equipment. Central Plants are 24/7 operating facilities.
This position will require working at all ASU campus locations based on program need.
This position will remain posted until filled.
Essential Duties:
Central Plant Operator
  • Monitor various gauges, gas and draft meters, pressure and temperature indicators to verify operating conditions of automatically fired boilers, chillers, compressors, motors, turbines and/or other related equipment.
  • Prepare logs, charts and reports of operating conditions.
  • Clean, paint, lubricate, service and perform minor maintenance adjustments necessary to ensure safe and economical operation of all central plant equipment and submit reports to ensure efficient utilization of equipment and adherence to the preventive maintenance program.
  • Make chemical analysis of water samples and adjusts amounts of chemicals being used to protect equipment properly.
  • Operate data center and computer to question or verify specified operating conditions at various university facilities as required; initiate corrective action in trouble or emergency situations by notifying proper department or dispatching appropriate personnel to site.
  • Perform maintenance in disassembly, assembly, repair and cleaning of boilers, chillers or other related plant equipment as required.
  • Apply safety standards at all times and maintain good housekeeping practices to provide safe working conditions.
  • Report problems affecting plant safety to appropriate personnel.
  • Use ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.

Central Plant Operator Senior
  • Monitor, operate, repair and perform preventative maintenance on boiler, chillers, plant equipment and associated equipment.
  • Utilize computer interface to operate the Distributed Control System (DCS)/PLC.
  • Collect water samples and perform test on plant loops.
  • Read plant gauges and maintain logs.
  • Utilize hand and power tools, wrenches, ratchets and sockets, shovel, squeegee, broom, vacuum, pallet jack, manual hoist, cleaning/paint tools, voltage/refrigerant/calibration meters, gantry, tap, dies, drills, grinders, pressure washer, tube cleaning machine, saws, mechanical hoist and impact wrench.
  • Evaluate systems for effective energy usage and conservation; make, adjust, repair, replace as needed.
  • Use software and hardware in computers and microprocessors for system troubleshooting, adjustment, and repair.
  • Modify existing systems and programs, troubleshooting, and maintenance for the objective of creating an optimum system of operation.
  • Perform database uploads and downloads to provide DDC controllers with current programs.
  • Operate and monitor control system equipment. Detect source and nature of system problems.
  • Make adjustments to change operating parameters of the system due to emergencies, malfunctions, and change requirements or to optimize operations. Perform emergency corrections to neutralize alarm conditions and restore proper operation.
  • Verify correct system and control sequence operations.
  • May perform scheduled and unscheduled remote start and stop of equipment.
  • Review, modify, and implement programming changes to plant control system to ensure efficient and effective system operations and conformance with standards and guidelines.
  • Monitor and adjust control loops for optimum performance.
  • Calibrate, repair, and replace plant control system sensing devices to specifications.
  • Study plans, drawings, specifications, and work order requirements. Troubleshoot power supplies, controllers, transducers, transmitters, flow meters, sensors, actuators, and take corrective actions.
  • Use ability to clearly communicate to perform essential functions.

Days and Schedule:
Central Plant Operator (Based at Tempe campus): Tuesday- Friday / 7:00am-5:30pm
Central Plant Operator Senior (Based at Tempe campus): Monday- Friday / 11:00pm- 7:30am
Central Plant Operator Senior (Based at West Valley campus): Monday- Friday / 3:00pm-11:30pm
These positions will require working at all ASU campus locations based on program need.
Salary Range:
Central Plant Operator: $28.00 - $31.00 per hour based on experience and education.
Central Plant Operator Senior: $31.01 - $34.00 per hour based on experience and education.
ASU offers a comprehensive benefits package with the State of Arizona.
Desired Qualifications:
Central Plant Operator
  • Three years experience in the operation of boiler and/or chiller equipment and related systems; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Some positions in this classification may require Chloroflourocarbons Certification upon employment. Some positions in this classification may require a current Arizona driver's license upon employment.

Experience in:
  • using hand tools of the trade.
  • monitoring, operating and maintaining boilers and/or chillers. operating and maintaining large (>1000 ton) centrifugal chillers. using a DCS workstations or equivalent.
  • using Microsoft Word and Excel for trend analysis and analytical reports.

Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • boiler and/or chiller equipment, operation and maintenance.
  • the refrigeration cycle and how it applies to large (> 1000 ton) centrifugal chillers in pump performance characteristics (temperature, flow and pressure).
  • operating and maintaining high volume steam boilers and steam plant components of integrated heating and cooling plant normal and emergency operations, utilizing a thermal energy storage system, and applying sustainability practices as appropriate to large campus distribution system.

Evidence of:
  • effective communication skills
  • EPA /CFC certification

Central Plant Operator Senior
Six years experience in the operation of boiler and/or chiller equipment and related systems which includes two years experience in the maintenance and repair of boilers and/or chiller equipment and related systems; OR, Completion of a four year federally approved technical training stationary engineer program AND two years of experience in the maintenance and repair of boilers and/or chiller equipment and related systems; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Some positions in this classification may require Chloroflourocarbons Certification upon employment. Employee may be required to possess a valid US Driver's license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment.
Experience:
  • in operating and maintaining large (>1000 ton) centrifugal chillers
  • with a primary-secondary and/or primary-variable campus distribution system and control parameters (temperature, flow and pressure)
  • with a Siemens DCS SIMATIC S7 Advanced Controllers and DESIGO workstations or equivalent
  • using MS Word and Excel for trend analysis and analytical reports

Demonstrated knowledge of:
  • operating and maintaining high volume steam boilers and steam plant components
  • integrated heating and cooling plant normal and emergency operations, energy efficiency techniques, which include utilizing a thermal energy storage system, and applying sustainability practices as appropriate to large campus distribution system
  • the refrigeration cycle and how it applies to large (> 1000 ton) centrifugal chillers

Evidence of:
  • effective communication skills
  • EPA 608 Universal certification

Working Environment:
  • Work in noisy environment, varying temperatures and confined spaces.
  • Wear personal protective equipment (e.g. safety glasses, face shield, gloves, hearing protection).
  • Lift and carry objects above the shoulder up to 50 pounds (e.g. valves, actuators, small pumps, pipes, ladders, manhole covers, cooling tower fill panels, resin medial cylinders, electrical starters, electrical motors, etc.).
  • Work off ladders to open/close valves, change lamps, repair boilers and chillers, and test safety alarms.
  • May be exposed to hazardous and dangerous materials, tools, and equipment which will require safety precautions and/or specific process to be followed, and may include the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) (e.g. safety glasses, hearing protection, negative pressure and positive pressure respirator).
  • Use of PPE may require medical clearance prior to use.
  • Drive a University vehicle.

Department Statement:
What's in it for you?
Looking for an employer that offers you solid growth opportunities, as well as an inclusive culture and work/life balance? ASU offers the following:
  • 22 days of accrued vacation leave, 12 days of accrued sick leave and 10 paid holidays annually for all staff.
  • Tuition Reduction Program for staff members, their spouses, and dependents, available on day one. For more information visit https://cfo.asu.edu/reduced-tuition
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child
  • Affordable benefits package including dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. More information available at https://cfo.asu.edu/benefits
  • Retirement program designed to promote long-term savings and provide income upon retirement which includes Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS)
  • Paid time for volunteer and professional development
  • Wellness program for preventative health education and screenings
  • Disability and leave program for income protection
  • Free and confidential Employee Assistance services, helping to manage personal difficulties or life challenges
  • ASU Discounts to sports/events along with discounts with ASU partnerships

ASU Facilities Development and Management (FDM) maintains and services all university-owned property, and develops and constructs innovative and sustainable facilities. FDM's vision is to contribute to and guarantee the success of the university's mission by creating and caring for the ASU campus and environment. We provide quality customer service, effectively steward our resources, and meet the needs of the university through creative and collaborative efforts.
Facilities Development and Management at ASU employment requires current eligibility to legally work in the United States. Facilities Development and Management will not be a sponsor for this position.
Positions are based at ASU's Tempe & West Valley campuses however will require working from other campuses depending on operational need.
Must possess EPA/CFC certification or be able to obtain within six months of employment.
Must pass pre-employment physical examination post offer of employment to include audiogram, respiratory clearance questionnaire and respiratory fit test.
Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license (minimum of Class D) upon employment and maintain throughout employment. Post-offer of employment, selected candidate must possess an acceptable driving record which is 5 or fewer points in the most recent 39 month period from date of hire.
This position requires working a rotating on-call/stand-by schedule and may be called in for emergency response including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Driving Requirement:
This position may require driving. Employee must possess a valid US Driver's license of the appropriate class and required endorsements throughout employment.
Location:
Campus: Tempe
Funding:
No Federal Funding
Instructions to Apply:
Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub.
Please use the link below to log in using single sign-on.
https://www.myworkday.com/asu/d/inst/1$9925/9925$24700.htmld
To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:
  • Cover letter
  • Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name.
Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.
Important: Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date

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