Facilities/Utilities Technician
Mars · USA-Texas-Waco, United States
Job Description:
Facilities Technician
Shift Details:
8 Hour Rotation Shift - The 3 different shifts you will rotate are Midnights 11pm - 7:30am, Afternoons 3pm - 11:30pm, and Days 7am - 3:30pm. (1 week midnights, 1 week afternoons, 3 weeks on days)
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
Safety & Compliance (Operations-Focused)
- Operate all assigned utility systems in accordance with site safety rules and procedures including LOTO, confined space, hot work, line-breaking, PPE, and chemical handling.
- Support compliance programs applicable to utility operations (e.g., mechanical integrity, inspection/testing documentation, permits, audits), including participation in incident investigations and corrective actions.
- Follow site emergency response procedures and escalate abnormal conditions immediately (including refrigeration alarms or suspected NH₃ leaks).
NH₃ Refrigeration & Refrigeration Compressors
- Monitor and operate NH₃ refrigeration equipment (compressors, vessels, condensers/evaporators, pumps, valves, and controls).
- Perform routine system checks/rounds, trend key operating parameters, and identify early signs of failure (oil issues, vibration, valve/actuator issues, control deviations, abnormal pressures/temps).
- Support planned shutdown/startup activities and coordinate repairs with Maintenance and approved contractors.
Boiler / Steam System (150 PSI Natural Gas)
- Operate and monitor boilers and steam distribution/condensate return systems to meet plant demand safely and efficiently.
- Perform or support boiler water checks, blowdown activities, and water treatment program tasks per site standards.
- Troubleshoot steam pressure/quality issues and coordinate corrective work on burners, feedwater, controls, traps, and related components.
Compressed Air & Plant Pneumatics
- Operate and monitor air compressors, dryers, filters, receivers, and distribution systems to maintain required pressure and air quality.
- Identify and respond to air system issues affecting production (pressure drop, excessive moisture, unusual compressor cycling, leaks).
HVAC / AHUs / Building Utility Systems
- Monitor AHUs, make-up air systems, ventilation, exhaust, and other building support utilities impacting environment and process reliability.
- Perform basic troubleshooting and coordinate repairs related to motors, belts, bearings, dampers, sensors, and controls.
Fire Protection & Security Systems Support
- Conduct routine checks and coordinate service/impairments for fire protection systems (fire pumps, valves, panels, inspections/testing support).
- Support operational continuity for site security systems (access control, alarms, cameras) by coordinating with vendors/IT/site security as required.
- Maintain documentation for inspections, impairments, and corrective actions.
Preventive Maintenance, Work Management, and Contractor Coordination
- Execute assigned PMs, operator care tasks, and basic corrective repairs; generate work orders for follow-up maintenance.
- Coordinate contractor activity in utility areas (permits, safety requirements, scope clarity, verification of completion).
- Maintain accurate shift logs, readings, and handoff notes; document work in CMMS.
Reliability & Continuous Improvement
- Track/communicate leading indicators (abnormal readings, repeat alarms, vibration/noise changes, leaks, degraded performance).
- Participate in root cause analysis and improvement actions to reduce downtime, energy waste, and recurring failures.
DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY
- Take immediate actions to stabilize utilities and protect personnel, product, and equipment during upsets.
- Escalate conditions requiring shutdown, isolation, or emergency response per site procedures.
- Recommend repairs, operating changes, PM improvements, and spare parts based on observed conditions and trends.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Effectiveness Competencies
- Safety-first mindset and operational discipline
- Troubleshooting / problem solving
- Clear communication and shift handoff quality
- Planning & prioritization during outages/upsets
- Team collaboration with Ops, Maintenance, and Contractors
Functional Competencies
- Working knowledge of industrial utility operations: NH₃ refrigeration, steam/boilers (150 PSI), compressed air, HVAC/AHUs, auxiliary systems
- Ability to interpret logs/trends; basic understanding of controls and instrumentation
- Ability to read equipment documentation and (preferred) P&IDs / schematics
- Competence in CMMS usage, documentation, and compliance recordkeeping
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
- High school diploma/GED required
- Technical school, apprenticeship, or relevant military/industrial training preferred
LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS
- NH₃ refrigeration credentialing (preferred; e.g., RETA-style certifications if you use them)
- Boiler operator credentials
EXPERIENCE
- 3+ years industrial utilities or plant operations experience preferred
- Hands-on exposure to at least two of the following strongly preferred: NH₃ refrigeration, boilers/steam, compressed air, industrial HVAC/AHUs
- Experience coordinating contractors and working in regulated manufacturing environments
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT AND GUIDANCE
- Industrial manufacturing environment; shift work may include nights/weekends/holidays
What can you expect from Mars?
Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.
Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.
A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.
An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.