Full Time - Plant Operations Manager

Full Time - Plant Operations Manager

The Blinn College District is searching for a Full Time - Plant Operations Manager at our Brenham Campus.

Job Summary

The Plant Operations Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership and daily management of the Blinn College District's central plant systems. This includes the operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of chillers, cooling towers, heating boilers, pumps, valves, and site distribution piping. The Plant Operations Manager ensures the reliable delivery of chilled and heating water to all district buildings and oversees service vendors and licensing requirements associated with plant operations.

Principal Accountabilities

• Manage the daily operations of central plant systems across all campuses, including chillers, boilers, cooling towers, pumps, and associated infrastructure.
• Ensure optimal performance, energy efficiency, and reliability of heating and cooling systems.
• Supervise and coordinate the work of external service vendors.
• Monitor and manage contracts for third-party maintenance and repair services.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including licensing and inspection requirements for boilers (heating and hot water) and chillers.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, inspections, and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with campus leadership and facilities planning teams to support capital projects and infrastructure upgrades.
• Working with the Directors of Facilities, develop and manage the plant operations budget, including forecasting, procurement, and cost control.
• Respond to emergencies and system failures, providing leadership in troubleshooting and resolution.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within the plant operations team.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications/ Required Degree, License or Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Facilities Management, or a related field. Significant years of related work experience will be considered in lieu of a Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in plant operations or facilities management.
• Approved EPA Certified License to handle and purchase refrigerants.

Minimum Competencies

• In-depth knowledge of chillers, boilers, pumps, valves, cooling towers, controls, and related mechanical systems.
• Experience managing vendor contracts and regulatory compliance.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Familiarity with building automation systems (BAS) and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS)
• Knowledge and ability to perform preventative maintenance services as well as minor repairs on plant equipment.
• Knowledge of safety procedures relating to central plant and boiler standards and adherence to all safety standards and work practices.
• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot plant equipment malfunctions.
• Ability to work inside and outside in all weather conditions.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with others as well as unsupervised.
• Must be able to manage, evaluate, and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Must be able to understand, evaluate, and manage multiple department schedules/timelines.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, allowing for occasional nights and weekends as needed to perform job duties.
• Knowledge and experience in Microsoft Office 365 and other related program packages
• Must possess professional knowledge of the built environment to include components and systems commonly used in commercial construction.
• Must be able to research, solve problems, and implement solutions.
• Must be able to read and understand construction documents and schematic diagrams.
• Texas driver's license class C in good standing or ability to obtain license.
• Ability to travel between all Blinn College District campuses

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Certified Energy Manager (CEM) designation
• Experience in higher education or multi-campus environment
• Experience in a leadership capacity.

Preferred Competencies

• Boiler Technician Certification
• Chiller Technician Certification
• Pump Technician Certification
• Energy Manager Certification
• OSHA 10 or 30 Hour Certifications
• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certifications

Special Notes To Applicants

This is a 12 month, benefits-eligible position. Blinn College pays 100% of health insurance for full-time employees, 50% for dependents, and two times your annual salary in life insurance benefits. Optional coverage can begin on your first active duty date. If you would like to review insurance benefits in advance, you can access the New Employee Benefits Guide online https://www.ers.texas.gov/PDFs/nebgs/py26-nebg-he-guide

Yearly leave time includes:

• 96 hours vacation
• 40 hours discretionary
• 16 hours personal
• 8 hours sick each month.

Paid leave for college designated holiday's, spring break, Thanksgiving, and Christmas break (approx. 25 days per year)

Job Type: Full Time

Employment Type: Exempt

Compensation: Annual Salary

Salary or Wage: $61,825 + DOQ

Grade: D61

Division: Business and Finance

Department: Facilities Maintenance

Location: Brenham Campus

Target Hire Date: 4/20/2026

The Blinn College District provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.