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Chiller Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

Utilities/Chiller Plant Mechanic

Groton, CT · On-site

Mentor mechanics and operators on chiller plant theory, safe work practices, and troubleshooting techniques. * Coordinate with vendors, OEM technicians, and engineering for major overhauls, tube ...

Pae

Utilities/Chiller Plant Mechanic

Groton, CT

Mentor mechanics and operators on chiller plant theory, safe work practices, and troubleshooting techniques. * Coordinate with vendors, OEM technicians, and engineering for major overhauls, tube ...

Amentum

Utilities/Chiller Plant Mechanic

Groton, CT

$45/hr

Mentor mechanics and operators on chiller plant theory, safe work practices, and troubleshooting techniques. * Coordinate with vendors, OEM technicians, and engineering for major overhauls, tube ...

Amentum

Utilities/Chiller Plant Mechanic

Groton, CT · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Mentor mechanics and operators on chiller plant theory, safe work practices, and troubleshooting techniques. * Coordinate with vendors, OEM technicians, and engineering for major overhauls, tube ...

The Donohoe Companies, Inc.

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA

$45 - $50/hr

Operate and monitor chiller systems, including cooling towers, condenser/chilled water pumps, and ... Experience operating boilers and/or chiller plant systems in a commercial/industrial environment.

Complete Building Services

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Operate and monitor chiller systems, including cooling towers, condenser/chilled water pumps, and ... Experience operating boilers and/or chiller plant systems in a commercial/industrial environment.

Donohoe Companies Inc., The

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Operate and monitor chiller systems, including cooling towers, condenser/chilled water pumps, and ... Experience operating boilers and/or chiller plant systems in a commercial/industrial environment.

Complete Building Services

Plant Operator

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Operate and monitor chiller systems, including cooling towers, condenser/chilled water pumps, and ... Experience operating boilers and/or chiller plant systems in a commercial/industrial environment.

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Chiller Plant Operator information

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How much do chiller plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for chiller 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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a chiller plant operator?

To thrive as a Chiller Plant Operator, you need hands-on experience with HVAC systems, refrigeration techniques, and a solid understanding of mechanical operations, typically backed by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and EPA refrigerant handling certification are usually required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for maintaining efficient plant operations, ensuring equipment reliability, and minimizing costly downtime.

What does a chiller plant operator do?

A typical day for a Chiller Plant Operator involves monitoring and controlling chiller plant equipment, performing routine inspections, and responding to alarms or system irregularities to ensure consistent and efficient cooling operations. Operators are also responsible for documenting readings, conducting preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting issues as they arise. Collaboration with maintenance teams, engineers, and building management is common to address facility needs and implement repairs or upgrades. The work environment is typically a mechanical room or plant setting, and shifts may require flexibility, including nights or weekends depending on the facility.

What is a chiller plant operator?

A Chiller Plant Operator is responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting industrial chiller systems that provide cooling for buildings or processes. They monitor equipment performance, adjust controls, and perform routine maintenance to ensure efficient operation. The role requires knowledge of refrigeration principles, mechanical systems, and safety protocols. Operators also conduct inspections, log system data, and respond to emergencies to prevent downtime and equipment failures.

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Chiller Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chiller 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

Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation

Blackstone, VA

$26.66/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Subsidiary: T&H Services

Job Title: Central Plant Operator

Work Location: Blackstone, VA

Labor Category: Non-Exempt | CBA

Clearance Level: Secret

Pay Rate: $26.66 per hour

Health & Welfare: $8.00 per hour

Hours: 1st shift (Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM - 2:45 PM)

Shift Assignments are at the discretion of site management: 

  • 1st shift - base hourly rate. 
  • 2nd shift - base hourly rate plus a 5% shift differential.
  • 3rd shift - base hourly rate plus a 10% shift differential.

About the Role 

The Central Plant Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining the site's building automation systems, lighting systems, and centralized chiller plant. Under the technical guidance of the Chief Engineer, this role ensures the efficient operation of the centralized chiller plant, geothermal wells, building automation systems, and lighting control systems. The operator also monitors and maintains ventilating and heating equipment, including fans, vacuum pumps, air compressors, vents and ducts, and lubrication oil coolers used in building operations and industrial processes.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Serves as the site building automated systems, lighting systems, and centralized chiller plant operator.
  • Under the technical guidance of the Chief Engineer, operate the centralized chiller plante, geothermal wells, and lighting control systems.
  • While on watch or tour, make repairs to mechanical/electrical equipment and component parts of heating and air-conditioning systemst.
  • Conducts physical inspections of equipment and tests equipment for correct operation of all components of the refrigeration cycle and other relevant factors contributing to the proper and efficient operations of HVAC systems and geothermal wells.
  • Ability to perform preventive maintenance on all operational and mechanical equipment and knowledge to operate related electrical equipment and machinery.
  • Adhere to company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
  • Tend to ventilating and heating equipment. 
  • Adjust valves to regulate temperature of lubrication oil and flow of water through system.
  • Rgulate speed of fans, adjust vents and ducts, records gauge readings, and repairs completed, and time lost because of inoperative equipment. 
  • Writes repair work order tickets and out-of-order tags preparatory to equipment repair.
  • Inspects equipment to detect excessive noise and heat.
  • Replaces gauges and tightens and chalks leaky fittings, using wrenches, hammers, and chalking tool.
  • Cleans carbon deposits, pitch, and grease from fans, vents and ducts, using scrapers, hammer, and compressed air or steam.
  • Adhere to company policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

What We're Looking For

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Five (5) years of related experience.
  • Must be able to continue applicable training required to maintain skill, licenses, and certifications.
  • Must be able to complete no less than three (3) days of factory training on the facility management building automated systems and lighting systems.
  • Must be utilize the Microsoft Office suite including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Must have skill and knowledge in HVAC and chiller systems, building automated systems, and lighting systems.
  • Ability to perform preventative maintenance on all operational and mechanical equipment and knowledge to operate related electrical equipment and machinery.
  • Prior experience with MAXIMO is preferred. 
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license and a safe driving record to operate vehicles or equipment as required for the position.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

  • Must be able be able to conduct preventative maintenance activities and minor repairs from ladders or elevated platforms. 
  • Work requires the incumbent to walk, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in uncomfortable positions. 
  • Ability to lift, carry and set up tools, equipment and parts that weigh up to and occasionally over fifty (50) pounds. 
  • Must be comfortable getting dirty, dusty, and greasy in an indoor or outdoor environment with frequent exposure to excessive noise. 
  • Must be able to perform duties under adverse weather conditions (extreme cold / heat, etc.).
  • Must be able to work alternate shift schedules when necessary to meet the mission requirements of the customer, to include weekends and holidays.
  • Must be able to perform on-call duties when scheduled and report to work within one hour of notification.  

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