Heat Plant Supervisor

Location: Northfield, VT Category: Staff Posted On: Tue Oct Job Description:

Fulfills the mission of Norwich University by managing operations at the Central Heat Plant including complex biomass and oil systems, and all associated components for steam and electricity production to meet continuous campus demand; overseeing the Kreitzberg Arena compressor room maintenance and refrigeration operations; overseeing and monitoring the Goodyear Pool water and chemical treatment.

Manages regulatory compliance, equipment operation/scheduling, fuel procurement, and system reliability. Must be able to work independently with little or no supervision. Must be comfortable making quick but well-reasoned decisions about complex operations after processing a variety of inputs.

Central Heat Plant operates 24/7/365. Weekends and holidays are included in work schedule. Ability to work Saturdays and Sundays as part of regular weekly shift.

Essential Functions

• Assigns work duties to Heating Plant Operators, orienting staff to new or revised procedures and equipment. Responsible for ensuring all plant staff are trained in and dutifully follow all safety procedures.
• Coordinates and maintains oversight of all plant maintenance activities.
• Coordinates preventative maintenance programs and systems to ensure plant reliability.
• Manages plant feed water and steam condensate chemical treatment program and vendor for optimum performance and cost.
• Ensures all plant fuels deliveries of #2 oil and wood chips.
• Ensures plant housekeeping is exceptional.
• Oversees maintenance and refrigerant operations at the Kreitzberg Arena compressor room, working with the hazards of ammonia.
• Oversees pool water maintenance.
• Balances chemicals and stabilizers to pool water.
• Monitors and add water when needed.
• Performs chemical testing on a weekly schedule.
• Ensures compliance with all conditions of Air Pollution Control permit.
• Maintains records and submits permit paperwork for the Central Heat Plant, to stay in compliance with laws and requirements of the EPA, OSHA and the State of Vermont.
• Manages all plant process data records for reporting and evaluation in coordination with Facilities Operations.
• Operates boilers and auxiliary equipment for generation of 25 psi to 125 psi steam.
• Operates steam-driven turbines and auxiliary equipment for 480 volts, 3 phase power generation (when operational).
• Collects plant process data and logs throughout shift.
• Performs maintenance on equipment as required.
• Performs standard tests on water and steam condensate and chemical treatments as needed.
• Properly cleans, maintains, and inspects boiler steam drums and fireside.
• Follows procedures and safety rules. Implements lockout/tag-out and confined entry policies to comply with OSHA regulation.
• May cross-train in other mechanical/electrical trade shops and support other Facilities Operations department needs.
• Must have a demonstrated record of quickly and independently making decisions regarding complex plant operations after processing a variety of information/data points from monitoring devices.
• Must be flexible with work schedule. Plant operates 24/7/365. Weekends and holidays are included in work schedule.
• Must demonstrate initiative in heating plant operator training program and pass all health and wellness standards.
• Assists with shoveling snow.
• Performs all duties in a safe and professional manner and in accordance with established Norwich University and departmental policies and procedures.

Other Functions

• Assesses the performance of direct reports and provides frequent feedback to optimize their performance.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive or private information.
• Communicate with employees, students, and others in a respectful and clear manner.
• Serves on University committees, councils, workgroups, or other designated bodies as assigned.
• Achieves, maintains proficiency in, and utilizes computers, telephones, and other job-related equipment, including related systems and software.
• Speaks, reads, and writes in English.
• Communicates by telephone, email, letter, in person, or other means or device.
• Performs other tasks as assigned by supervisor.

Job Requirements:

• 5 years of experience required in boiler operation of 125 psi steam and turbine generator operation.
• Knowledge of steam generation and distribution systems.
• Knowledge of electrical generator and distribution systems preferred.
• Must have strong knowledge of thermodynamics, including but not limited to steam properties, steam system sizing, steam maintenance and steam measurement.
• Must have strong knowledge of hydraulics to include but limited to pump designs, load curves, sizing, installation, maintenance of feed water system, fuel system, condensate pumps and wastewater system.
• Must have mechanical knowledge of variable frequency drive (VFD) and drive system, bearings and all the parts related to boiler plant operation, including trouble shooting and repairing motors, gear boxes and fans.
• Ability to repair electrical systems which may include control system both DDC and hard wired, generator and control/safety system interfaced with boilers and fuel delivery system.
• Ability to understand wiring diagrams and blueprint.
• Must know spill prevention, control, and countermeasure process for heating plant.
• Trouble shooting and maintenance skills for heating plant electrical, steam, condensate, oil, feed water, air systems and equipment.
• Basic math skills required.
• Valid state drivers license required.
• Must pass a post-offer, pre-employment physical exam
• Able to operate "bobcat" style equipment.
• Basic proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and Outlook)
• Able to sit, squat, reach, push, pull, and manipulate related equipment; lift 80 pounds; travel outdoors to various parts of the campus
• Work evening or weekend hours
• Travel as needed (public or private transportation)

Environmental Conditions

• Indoor work at a computer workstation and heating plan.
• High level of exposure to noise, dust, fumes, vibrations, and temperature changes.

Additional Information:

Norwich University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing a positive education and work environment that recognizes and respects the dignity of all students, faculty and staff. Reasonable accommodations will be made for the known disability of an otherwise qualified applicant. Please contact the Office of Human Resources at for assistance.

All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring immigration sponsorship, including but not limited to non-immigrant visas such as H1B, STEM, or F1, now or in the future. A post offer, pre-employment background check will be required of the successful candidate.

Salary : $90,000 - $120,000