Utilities Plant Operations Manager

High school diploma or equivalency and four years of experience in applicable utility operations, of which one year is supervisory; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Maintains required certification(s).

1. Education and Experience:
   • Associate's degree in mechanical engineering, industrial maintenance, power plant technology, or a related field; a bachelor's degree is preferred. Five (5) years of experience in high-pressure steam plant operations, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or lead role.

2. Technical Knowledge and Skills:
   • Proven knowledge of water tube boiler systems, condensate return systems, deaerators, and feedwater pumps. Ability to interpret technical drawings, piping schematics, and equipment manuals. Proficiency in using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for tracking work orders and preventive maintenance.
3. Energy Efficiency and Regulatory Knowledge:
   • Documented experience implementing energy efficiency measures in steam plants, such as boiler tuning and stack heat recovery. Familiarity with state and federal boiler safety regulations and environmental compliance requirements.
4. Leadership and Communication:
   • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with experience managing 24/7 shift-based operations and achieving measurable outcomes.
5. Troubleshooting and Development Commitment:
   • Hands-on experience troubleshooting control systems and integrating automation technologies (e.g., SCADA or PLC systems). Evidence of commitment to staff development and operational excellence through training programs or process improvements.

• Operations and Maintenance of Boilers: Insure proper operation of sufficient number of boilers to meet steam demand. Perform corrective maintenance on electronic boiler controls. Run routine tests and make adjustments to maintain correct limits, responds and pressures. Coordinates multi-trade work with other trade supervisors on all repair projects within the steam plant. Oversees outside contractor performance to insure bid specifications are met and report any deviation to immediate supervisor. Directs all corrective maintenance actions performed by in-house personnel. Directs all preparations for annual pressure vessel inspections as required by state law.
• Water Testing, Treatment and Feed Systems; Fuel and Repair Supply Procurement and Storage: Insure daily water testing is accomplished and correct chemical mixtures are prepared to insure proper feed rates. Determine need for and procure sufficient quantities of secondary fuel(oil) to insure continued operation in the event of loss of primary fuel (natural gas). Identify and procure repair supplies required for both preventative and corrective maintenance on all in-plant equipment. Maintain running inventory of all repair supplies, testing reagents, water treatment chemicals and consumable supplies.
• Condensate, Blowdown, Heat Recovery, Preheat and Pumping System: Direct and perform adjustments and repairs to insure proper operation of these vital support systems. Administer an in-plant steam trap maintenance program. Determine need for outside assistance relating to these systems and work with repair organizations to build the expertise of in-house personnel.
• Preventive Maintenance Program: Conduct inventory of installed equipment and assign equipment identification codes and provide relevant information to facilitate verification and updating of the PM data base in the facilities CMMS. Identify PM schedules for each equipment item and insure scheduled maintenance actions are completed as scheduled. Prepare and submit required PM reports and records to be entered into the facilities CMMS. Continue to study the PM program and recommend changes to improve and enhance the program as it applies to the Steam Plant.

• Responsible for all aspects of the safety program for the department. Ensure that safety is the number one priority for employees and contractors. Ensure that employees exhibit safe work behaviors.
• Through staff training and awareness, responsible for managing the safety of the Steam Distribution staff at all times and especially when they enter manholes for maintenance and repair of 2 miles of the underground distribution system under conditions that may include high ambient temperatures, high pressure steam, scalding water and high noise levels. Responsible for ensuring and stressing the importance/presence of a safety observer above ground when staff works in confined space (manholes); use of safety gear, adherence to lockout/tagout procedures.
• Through staff training and awareness, emphasizes the importance of observing safety and health laws and regulations in the operation, maintenance and repair, etc. of high-pressure boilers. Demonstrates knowledge of emergency procedures and plans necessary work and safety procedures to be followed during a disaster, utility failure, fire or other emergency situation. Plans and schedule safety awareness classes (driver, chemical safety, confined space, lock out/tag out) requiring staff attendance and participation. Schedules and requires staff to take annual auditory tests.
• Investigates accidents to correct conditions or behaviors to prevent future accidents.

• Through consultation with unit supervisors, creates and maintains a productive, effective, diversified, and knowledgeable work force through an effective recruitment, interview, selection and orientation process.
• Ensures a safe and effective work force by providing or supporting training for professional growth and work safety. Conduct training sessions to ensure technical competence and knowledge of current steam plant personnel and boiler operations practices.
• Oversees assignment of balanced workload and overtime and processes on Kronos. Assists unit supervisors with assessments, performance evaluations and/or resolution of disciplinary problems/dismissals.
• Participates in interview and selection of prospective employees; make recommendation for dismissals. Establishes and demonstrates appropriate work and training standards or procedures; observe supervisor hands-on practice sessions.
• Conduct training sessions for personnel to ensure technical competence and knowledge of current boiler operation/steam distribution practices. Plans, schedules and requires staff attendance and participation in safety training sessions and/o r training seminars made available by suppliers.

• Prepare budget in conjunction with the Physical Plant Director to ensure effective and efficient management for power plant operations. Monitors budget to assure expenditures, materials and services provided are appropriate. Develops budget estimates for projects, including labor and material costs by developing resources to prepare preliminary estimated budget figures on proposed projects for management review. Manages budgets from estimate to completion making adjustments as necessary.
• Maintains records using an appropriate filing system. Prepares and submits daily, monthly, annual and special reports as may be required currently or in the future.

• Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees
• Community Service Leave
• Aetna - State Health Benefits of North Carolina
• NCFlex - Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
• Optional Supplemental Plans - 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Campus Recreation Center Discount
• University Bookstore Discount