Chilled Water Plant Supervisor

Posting date: March 11, 2026

002498SR

1. Job Type Full-time

2. Location Cambridge

3. School/Unit Harvard University Central Administration

4. Salary Grade 058

5. Job Function Facilities

6. FLSA Status Exempt

7. Term Appointment No

8. Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Job Description

Energy & Facilities (E&F) operates and manages Harvard’s energy supplies, district energy plants, and utility infrastructures on the Cambridge/Allston campuses, as well as a 24/7 facilities-related call, alarm monitoring, and dispatch center. E&F also provides a broad portfolio of labor-based services, including building maintenance, landscaping, and custodial, to a large portion of the University, as well as engineering, technical, and sustainability services. Within E&F, Engineering & Utilities (E&U) operates and manages energy supplies, district energy plants, and utility infrastructure on the Cambridge/Allston campuses; provides a 24/7 facilities-related call, alarm monitoring, and dispatch center; and provides engineering and technical services.

This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of two chilled water plants: a 13,000-ton Central Utility Plant (CUP) and a 7,500-ton satellite Northwest Plant (NWP) that together serve over 85 buildings on the Cambridge campus. This position supervises all aspects of the daily operation and maintenance of plant production infrastructure, including seven chillers, two plant-and-frame heat exchangers, thirteen cooling towers, and all associated pumping and water-treatment equipment. This position also participates in initiatives to strengthen institutional collaboration and efficiency, provides support for special projects and strategic planning, and helps develop strategies and policies.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Directly oversee and supervise all aspects of plant operations, personnel, maintenance, safety, environmental compliance and desired operational performance.
• Ensure plant production, capability, flexibility, reliability, safety, and economic operation.
• Responsible for all communications and coordination between the plant and other areas of Campus Services.
• Supervises, directs, assigns, and coordinates the work of the Chiller Operators, including work assignment and scheduling of staff.
• Monitors team productivity and provides constructive feedback, mentorship, and disciplinary action when needed.
• Manages to and ensures compliance with union contracts, University procedures and policies, and regulations.
• Directly responsible for supervising unscheduled, emergency repairs to or restoration of chilled water production facilities, and overseeing outside contractors to ensure safe and proper coordination of plant operations, maintenance, and construction activities.
• Responsible for participation in emergency management and response (e.g., planning, training, simulation, activation, actual response, and leadership), including advanced training and drills as required.
• Responsible for on-the-job training of staff in safety and environmental practices and procedures necessary to job performance.
• Oversee and monitor service provider/vendor performance under all operating agreements or contracts and ensure compliance with all contractual provisions of such service/operating agreements or contracts.
• Notify service providers/vendors immediately upon discovery of any contractual shortcomings and develop and execute corrective action plan.
• Ensures workforce compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g. environmental, workplace safety, OSHA, ADA requirements, etc.).
• Partners with others across Campus Services groups, customers, and the University community at large to achieve optimal delivery of E&F services and efficient use of resources.
• Demonstrates and promotes the mission, vision, and values of the organization; providing stewardship, strategies, and services that create an excellent customer experience.
• Acts in the University’s best interest at all times.
• As a Harvard University representative, exhibits appropriate professional conduct at all times such that harmonious business relationships are developed and maintained.
• Utilizes the Campus Services asset management system as a management tool to monitor plant operations and manage maintenance work and operational tasks; and to generate automated reports.
• Manages the development and maintenance of an accurate and detailed inventory of all plant equipment, including detailed equipment attributes.
• Responsible for the proper and effective utilization of this system.
• Coordinate with other Campus Services divisions to formulate the best delivery of services to the University’s faculties and departments.
• Assist in the implementation of new departmental policies and procedures to improve the delivery of services, execution of work, and operational as well as financial efficiencies.
• Perform special assignments/projects as directed.
• Participates in planning, design and construction processes associated with capital projects and is responsible for integration of completed projects into plant operations.
• Leads and/or provides support for special projects (short and long-range), initiatives, and tasks as assigned.

Work Format:

• This is an on-campus position (not hybrid or remote) based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• Work location is: responsive and subject to change based on business needs.
• Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel *(required to provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management).*
• May be required to work emergency coverage (nights, weekend, etc.) as needed.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be physically fit and mentally alert at all times.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment where necessary, including respiratory protection equipment (negative pressure or equivalent) and other equipment up to the level of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
• Must be able to enter various types of buildings, industrial plants, and/or construction sites and access non-handicap accessible work spaces/areas.
• Must be able to utilize ladders, scaffolds, high-lifts, and enter/work in confined spaces.
• Must be able to frequently walk up and down stairs, ladders, etc. on an on-going basis, in an industrial plant setting, ascending and descending up to 200 feet in total vertical elevation changes at one time.
• Will be required to participate in Hearing Conservation and medical surveillance programs.
• Must be capable of lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 65 pounds.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Must have at least seven years plant operations and progressive supervisory and management experience associated with industrial/campus/utility plant operations.
• In-depth knowledge of and direct experience in managing thermal energy production facilities (including code requirements, regulatory requirements, and environmental compliance) required.
• Valid MA driver’s license required.

Additional Qualifications:

• Must have strong organizational, interpersonal, and management skills.
• Must have experience working in a customer-oriented business, the ability to work well as a team member, and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Technology Skills Required:

• Must have computer skills including word-processing, electronic mail, database, and spreadsheet.
• Required to utilize management information systems and asset/work management systems (Maximo).

Driver Designation:

• Valid State driver’s license required.
• Driving history must meet University Campus Services standards.
• Must provide his/her personal vehicle to travel on and off campus.

Special Requirements:

• May be required to work emergency coverage (nights, weekend, etc.) as needed.

Certificates and Licenses:

• Valid MA driver’s license required.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule:

• 40 hours per week
• Monday – Friday from 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Saturday and Sunday Off

Compensation Range/Rate *(including Shift Differential if applicable):*

Salary Grade 058 - https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges

Visa Sponsorship Information:

Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening:

• Identity
• Criminal
• Motor Vehicle Record
• Drug Test
• CORI
• References

#LI-RC1

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.