Co-Gen Facility Operator

Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt.
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self, while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

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Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are.  We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

The Co-Gen Facility Operator’s role is part of the Vanderbilt University Maintenance and Operations (VUMO) and is an individual contributor responsible for maintaining the Power Plant. This position maintains a continuous, safe, and efficient plant operation, providing steam and electricity to Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. This position ensures the plant operates within specified energy use parameters to maintain the campus utility budget. Considerable independent judgment is required to ensure the safe and efficient operation of various equipment in electrical and mechanical systems, including operating levels, shutdown and emergency procedures, plant startups from emergency shutdowns, etc. 

VUMO provides facilities support for all construction, renovation, and routine maintenance of University Central space and facilities; housekeeping services for approximately 5.8 million square feet of academic, administrative, residential, and recreational space; grounds care for 330 acres that are a registered arboretum; turf care for athletic fields; and utilities for the University Central and the Medical Center. The Powerhouse supplies over 330 acres of University and Medical Center with steam and electricity in the most safe, up-to-date, and eco-friendly manner possible and is continually improving efficiencies and equipment as technology allows. 

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Control a variety of power-generation, superheated steam production equipment, and machinery during normal operation, scheduled and preventative maintenance, and emergency repair procedures
• Monitor meters, gauges, and control systems to verify operational parameters and adjust steam distribution, generator output, and voltage according to standard protocols and power grid requirements
• Utilize a variety of digital informational displays to understand operational performance variables and record information and repairs accurately into manual logs and computer databases
• Oversee machinery operation to determine the existence of malfunctions or suboptimal performance and initiate appropriate repair procedures and or work orders within a database when necessary
• Start and stop turbines and other power-generation equipment as necessary to maintain safe operation to allow for repair work and meet changing supply and demand variables
• Follow all relevant safety protocols and legal codes to ensure proper operation of equipment and minimize risk of damage to personnel and property 
• Participate in regularly provided computer-based training to improve performance, acquire professional licenses if necessary, and maintain certification required by company and government regulations as needed
• Communicate clearly and effectively with other power plant personnel, including managers, engineers, vendors, contractors, and repair technicians to encourage teamwork and coordinate tasks
• Operate, repair, and maintain gas and oil-fired heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs)
• Perform plant operations in such a way that operational procedures and operating parameters, including energy use guidelines, are followed
• Assist with outages for a turbine, boiler, HRSG, auxiliary equipment inspections, and any other major inspections
• Perform daily operational electronic rounds along with plant safety and housekeeping inspections
• Develop and Perform lock-out tag-out procedures, standard operating procedures, confined space entry permits, and hot work permits when necessary 
• May be required to operate vehicles such as a truck, forklift, and personnel lift (MEWP)

Candidates must be able to work in an energy plant operation environment that is subject to extremes of ambient temperatures, frantic activity, inactivity, heavy physical activity, and times of stressful decision-making. Training will be provided and is self-paced and must be completed to qualify as an operator within the 120-day probationary period.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibility, this position reports administratively and functionally to the Plant Assistant Manager.

Education and Certifications:

• A high school diploma or GED is Required.
• A Valid Driver’s License is required; must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records

Experience and Skills:

• One year of relevant experience is Required.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and climb ladders up to 40 or more feet.
• Maintain a level of professionalism verbally and visually.
• Teamwork skills are a must.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and use of hand tools.
• Basic computer skills including, but not limited to, Microsoft products.
• Basic Knowledge of how to read a schematic or P&ID is a plus.
• Highly self-motivated, self-starting, and being able to work with limited supervision is preferred.

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