"Steam Plant Supervisor - 003058"

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is the Cullowhee, NC campus. The primary purpose of the Steam Plant Supervisor is to ensure the safe, reliable, and energy-efficient operation of Western Carolina University’s central Steam Plant, which operates three high-pressure water tube boilers using both natural gas and fuel oil, serving the campus 24/7/365. This role provides critical leadership in planning, assigning, and reviewing all plant operations and maintenance activities to maintain continuous 120 psi steam service for heating and domestic hot water across the University.

The position supervises a team of eight Boiler Operators. Responsibilities include coordinating daily operations, monitoring equipment performance, preparing operational and compliance reports, maintaining accurate records, ordering supplies, and managing staffing and payroll documentation.

The supervisor is key in enhancing plant performance through proactive system upgrades, implementing best energy efficiency and preventative maintenance practices, and supporting long-term infrastructure planning in collaboration with Facilities Management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this Position:

This position must know all methods, equipment, and materials used to operate, maintain, and repair a high-pressure steam plant. The supervisor must understand various water treatment systems, boiler feedwater processes, condensate return systems, and the overall layout and design of the steam distribution infrastructure. In addition to operational oversight, the position requires experience designing and installing new steam and hot water systems and updating and modernizing existing infrastructure to improve reliability and performance. A strong working knowledge of tools, equipment, and materials used for safe, cost-effective maintenance is essential. Familiarity with energy efficiency practices such as boiler tuning, steam trap surveys, heat recovery opportunities, and system optimization is also critical. The supervisor should understand basic thermodynamics and fluid dynamics as they relate to plant operations and be able to interpret technical drawings, schematics, and equipment manuals. Training should include coursework or certifications in industrial boiler operations, centrifugal pump systems, water chemistry, and safety programs, including lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and hazard communication. Knowledge of computerized control and maintenance management systems (CMMS) is essential.

Minimum Qualifications:

Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance. High school diploma or equivalency and four years of experience in applicable utility operations, of which one year is supervisory; or equivalent combination of training and experience. Requires certification(s).

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Education and Experience: Associates degree in mechanical engineering, industrial maintenance, power plant technology, or a related field; a bachelors 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.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire. Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information. For questions or additional information please contact Reid Conway at tconway@wcu.edu