"Cogeneration Plant Supervisor"

The Facilities Services Department at Union College is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Cogeneration Plant Supervisor to lead the operation and maintenance of the central plant, as well as the downstream distribution of chilled water and steam to campus buildings. This is a key leadership role for an individual passionate about energy efficiency and sustainability. The successful candidate will ensure the plant operates at peak performance, manage and maintain all campus steam and chilled water systems, and provide essential utility service. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the energy industry, a strong background in cogeneration and steam systems and possess exceptional technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills. If you are a collaborative leader with a passion for energy efficiency and have the qualifications to manage and inspire a diverse team, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity to contribute to Union College's mission.

The Cogeneration Plant Supervisor is a key leader, mentor, and role model within the Union College Facilities Services Department. This position is central to ensuring the safe and environmentally compliant operation of the central plant. The Supervisor directly manages all operational and maintenance activities and oversees the downstream steam and chilled water distribution throughout the campus.

Cogeneration Plant Supervisor

Pay Status and Classification: Non-Exempt, Regular full-time. This is a 12-month position.

Supervisor: Assistant Director of Facilities

Position Purpose: The Cogeneration Plant Supervisor is a key leader, mentor, and role model within the Union College Facilities Services Department. This position is central to ensuring the safe and environmentally compliant operation of the central plant. The Supervisor directly manages all operational and maintenance activities and oversees the downstream steam and chilled water distribution throughout the campus.

The Supervisor oversees all aspects of the plant's operations, focusing on safety, efficiency, and team management. Their key responsibilities include:

• Team Leadership & Management: Guiding the staff who operate the plant's systems for generating power, heat, and cooling. This includes managing daily schedules, conducting regular team meetings, providing training, and performing annual performance reviews.
• Operational Oversight: Ensuring the plant is maintained in a clean and organized condition. They are also responsible for establishing and managing all operational data, logs, and reports required for both internal review and external environmental regulations.
• Communication & Development: Serving as the main point of contact for project updates and schedules. The Supervisor also provides ongoing training to their team to ensure their skills and knowledge of plant equipment are always up to date.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Responsible for all aspects of the plant's budget, from preparation to ongoing management. This includes creating the plant's operating budget, as well as forecasting expenses for both routine operational needs and long-term deferred maintenance projects for both the plant and the campus.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties:

• Operations:
• Monitors plant performance metrics and adjusts operations to meet energy demands.
• Coordinate the startup, shutdown, and emergency procedures for all plant systems.
• Assists in the creation, development, and review of standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for all plant equipment.
• Performs required water tests for boiler feed water and condensate and collaborates with vendors on the care and treatment of cooling towers.
• Assist in planning, implementing, and overseeing plant upgrades and system modifications.
• Operates 24/7 plant facility utilizing the gas compressor, turbine, Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), D-type steam boiler, absorption and centrifugal chillers, and cooling towers.
• Maintenance:
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance for a wide range of plant equipment including boilers, chillers, the HRSG, turbine, generators, cooling towers, and air compressors.
• Diagnoses problems and abnormal conditions (such as leaks or unusual noise) by utilizing resources, collecting data, and interpreting P&IDs to develop effective repair plans.
• Coordinates plant shutdowns and vendor services for key equipment, including the gas compressor, turbine, and chillers.
• Manages all maintenance tracking and scheduling using the work order system (Performo).
• Environmental, Health, Safety, and Administration:
• Ensures Compliance: Manages all environmental and safety programs to guarantee the plant meets all federal, state, and local regulations. This includes monitoring air emissions, chemical controls, and all required permits.
• Promotes Safety: Leads the effort to maintain an accident-free workplace. The Supervisor sets the example for proper safety practices, including the use of protective gear and following procedures to prevent injury.
• Manages Emergencies: Is responsible for responding to all plant emergencies and ensuring the team follows the established response plan to protect people and property.
• The work area includes the Central Plant and all campus facilities.
• Position may require working varied shifts including nights, weekends, and holiday coverage, as well as covering open shifts, as needed.
• Complies with department and college policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Education:
• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred.
• Associates degree in facilities management, electrical, or mechanical engineering
• High School diploma.
• Relevant Military Training.
• Experience:
• Five to Ten years of operations and maintenance experience as a cogeneration plant supervisor at a natural gas-fired combined cycle power generation plant (turbine preferred).
• Five years’ experience as a boiler operator/nuclear, and or stationary, engineer.
• Experience in operating high pressure steam boilers and distribution.
• Experience aligning, switching, isolating, and paralleling electrical equipment and systems utilizing 13.2KV and 480V.
• Skills:
• Must have good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Computer skills including (Word, Excel, and Adobe).
• Knowledge of distributive control systems (DCS).
• Licenses:
• Valid New York State driver’s license.
• Licensed as a Stationary Engineer, and or Navy plant operator preferred.

Compensation:

The hourly range for this position is $38-42 per hour. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location: Schenectady, NY

We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities unless they meet every qualification in the position description including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our preferred qualifications.

We offer exceptional benefits including:

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays
• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents