Utility Coordinator (Mechanical Plant Operator)

Summary/Objective
The Utility Coordinator will participate in the following mechanical work with responsibilities for coordinating activities involved in producing and distributing heat, hot water, chilled water and air conditioning to the entire Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex by operating, maintaining and repairing the Mechanical Plant equipment such as boilers, pipe systems, pumps, hot water generators, and air-cooling units.

Technical Expertise and Knowledge

Demonstrates understanding and full performance ability in each of the following:

• Understands the full range of principles, terms, techniques, procedures for starting and operating air handler units, boilers and chillers.
• Independently work to maintain water softeners and keep chemicals at a proper level.
• Maintain, start and stop ice machine for ice shows in the Arena.
• Ability to start, operate and maintain cooling tower fans.
• Operates and controls utility panels that monitor equipment to maintain services to the facility.
• Maintain and change filters in air handlers.
• The ability to plan, schedule, operate and maintain all mechanical equipment to ensure proper temperature for shows and other facility events. Paints MP equipment and piping as part of maintenance.
• An advanced understanding and ability to ensure that the Mechanical Plant operations stay within the K.V.A. limit.
• Operate and maintain computer systems for HVAC.
• Ability to monitor and maintain correct chemical levels for open and closed loop systems for HVAC.
• Makes decisions independently and address issues, complaints, and needs, as a part of the group decision-making process.
• Meets deadlines, define, measure and evaluate to prioritize one’s own work.
• An advanced ability to follow verbal and written communications, regarding mechanical needs, event needs, and distributes to appropriate internal and external departments, if necessary.
• Ability to effectively listen, speak, write, and interact in a tactful and persuasive manner in both a work and public setting.
• Responds to mechanical issue/complaints in verbal and written form.
• Ability to document and maintain records, recordings, etc., relating to chemical readings, when making rounds.
• Anticipates mechanical needs and be proactive in communicating problems, solutions, etc.
• Ensures boiler room and control room is organized and clean to prevent fire hazards.
• Takes necessary precautions, in keeping with OSHA standards and other applicable federal and state regulations, when working with hazardous chemicals and materials.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Environment
This position may have a moderate to extensive stress level associated with dealing with crowds of public visitors. The environment is mainly indoors, however position may be required to work outdoors and exposed to the elements (heat, rain, etc.). The work involves moderate risks or discomforts which require special safety precautions, e.g. working around moving parts, machines, fumes, irritant chemicals. May be required to use protective clothing, or gear such as masks, googles, gloves, hard hats, or shields.

Physical Demands

Position requires lifting, climbing, carrying, bending, stooping, squatting, and kneeling for extended periods of time. Extensive walking and or standing. Ability to lift up to 50-pound items with or without assistance, while maintaining good balance. Must be flexible enough to reach above shoulder level and be able to push and pull for extended periods of time.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position; hours of work must be flexible and varied to meet the demands of the events of the facility. Must be able to work extended and/or irregular hours including day, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years related knowledge, experience, and skills in related work, in the operation of modern Mechanical Plant. Knowledgeable of the practices, methods, tools, materials and equipment in associated work.
• High School Diploma or G.E.D. (Trade or technical school training in HVAC preferred).
• Valid State of Alabama Driver License.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Must possess superb verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly speak and write English
• Ability to be supervised and work cooperatively with co-workers and provide good internal and external customer service
• Ability to use and care for general maintenance tools and equipment
• Ability to visually inspect and watch monitor control units for prolonged times
• Ability to locate and troubleshoot defects and problems; ability to work unsupervised after being instructed on tasks
• Basic computer skills preferred