Assistant Central Utility Plant Manager

DTE Energy•Dearborn, MI

112d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for overseeing, managing, and directing the day-to-day operation and maintenance activities for utility and energy-related assets located within the Central Energy Plant (CEP) located at Ford’s Research and Engineering campus. These assets are needed to supply Steam, Hot Water, Chilled Water, and Electrical Distribution to the campus, and supply electricity to the grid. The position will also lead field service engineers who are responsible for operating and maintaining ~90 MW of Backup Generation assets including diesel generators, a combustion turbine, and site switchgear at 8 locations Metro Detroit area. Plant equipment includes the following: (2) 15 MW Solar Titan 130 gas turbine generators with associated Rentech 185 KPPH Heat Recovery Steam Generator’s with Duct Burners and Fresh Air Firing capability (1) Siemens-Dresser Rand 5 MW steam turbine generator (3) 27,500 MBH, and (1) 10,000 MBH steam to hot water heat exchangers, economizers, deaerators, boiler feed water pumps, condensate pumps. Also included will be (4) 3,200-ton electric cooling only centrifugal chillers, and (2) heating/cooling chillers (one 1,200 ton, one 1,800 ton) with an associated 5.3 MM gallon thermal storage tank and a 10 cell, 12,500-ton Tower Tech cooling tower. Balance of plant equipment includes, air compressors, water treatment systems, filters, instrumentation, PLC controls and 15/5 kV, 480 V and 125 Vdc electrical systems.

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED
At least 8 years of supervisory or managerial experience in a Cogeneration power plant with a represented (Union) workforce
Thorough, demonstrated understanding of plant operations and maintenance, with strong knowledge of generating equipment, boilers, and water treatment processes
Ability to analyze and improve operations business processes
Proven planning and scheduling experience working with O&M, and other technical personnel involved with preventative/predictive maintenance and corrective maintenance
Solid knowledge of plant engineering and plant maintenance functions and how they relate to operations
Experience with accounting practices as it relates to analyzing cost impacts to budget
Demonstrated skill in planning, coordinating, and directing varied programs and tasks directly affecting the overall plant operation
Strong oral and written communication skills
Ability to work shifts and extra/irregular hours and to work under unusual and special conditions that can arise in a generation station
Ability to pass respirator fit tests to use respiratory protective equipment or self-contained breathing apparatus at all times

Nice To Haves

Additional consideration provided for technical degrees

Responsibilities

Maintains a strong safety culture. Complies with all site safety and environmental requirements and procedures. Identifies safety hazards and takes corrective actions as necessary. Assists with the development of and ensures that all site safety requirements and procedures are properly implemented, consistently observed and corrective actions are initiated when applicable
Develops, implements, and manages consistent plant operating philosophies and best practices to maximize plant availability, efficiency, and productivity
Ensures Contractors comply with all On-Site Business Unit and DTE Energy policies, procedures, and Safety requirements
Constantly reviews and improves operational processes and ensures that operating personnel are properly trained and adhere to established policies, procedures, and standards
Manages the O&M Technicians and Skilled Trades to ensure safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the plant while actively managing schedules to minimize overtime and comply with administrative guidelines
Establishes, reviews, and modifies as required all predictive/preventive maintenance requirements programmed into the maintenance management system in alignment with maintenance strategy
Develops performance goals and reviews in a comprehensive, open, and objective manner to align employee accountabilities and conduct with operational processes in accordance with administrative guidelines
Investigates operating abnormalities and incidents to improve equipment availability and performance and to minimize maintenance requirements
Prepares necessary plant operation reports in a timely manner and investigates all forced outages, reporting them in accordance with the BU practice through SharePoint
In collaboration with Plant Manager, prepares and continually evaluates the operating department’s budgets and/or makes recommendations to the Plant Manager relative to optimization of operations and maintenance costs
Assists with maintenance engineering evaluations and troubleshooting of equipment abnormalities
Maintains a consistent and effective level of communication with Plant Manager, Administrative staff, O&M Technicians and Skilled Trades on shift
Assist the Plant Manager with project management of all planned outage activities, including long term planning for capital improvements
In collaboration with the Plant Manager, drives continuous improvement of established metrics on the plant huddle board. Continually stretching goals toward the plants True North
Lead/support development of plant personnel in skillsets, equipment/system knowledge and solving critical operational concerns
Support management of change process to ensure traceability and collaboration on execution
Lead/support problem solving activities and coach and mentor the 4 CI capabilities within the team
Assures proper staffing, scheduling, orientation, and training of the plant staff, and manages compliance with all company policies and procedures. Supports recruiting, interviews, and assigns operations and maintenance employment candidates.