Central Plant Superintendent

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee•Milwaukee, WI

1d•$85,000 - $95,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Central Plant Superintendent oversees operation of the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Kenwood Campus Central Plant and six satellite plants under the general direction of the Central Plant Manager. The position ensures safe, reliable, and efficient production and distribution of steam, chilled water, and related utilities on a 24/7/365 basis. It supervises plant personnel, directs daily operations and maintenance, oversees contractors and projects, manages budgets and regulatory compliance, and maintains plant control systems, water treatment, fuel systems, and required records. The Superintendent also serves as the campus liaison for Department of Administration and Department of Facilities Development projects and maintains working relationships with university departments, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders. Off-hour and weekend response may be necessary based on operational needs or emergencies. The role includes supervisory authority over at least 2.0 FTE employees, including authority to hire, transfer, suspend, promote, manage conduct and performance, discharge, assign, reward, discipline, and approve hours worked. The position is part of Facilities, Planning and Management, whose mission is to provide a safe, sustainable, and accessible physical environment supporting learning, research, work, living, and recreation. The department promotes respect and civility and supports the academic and strategic objectives of UW–Milwaukee.

Requirements

Five years of progressive experience in power plant operations, including equipment specification, installation, commissioning, operation, testing, reporting, and licensing activities.
Experience leading teams and assigning, coordinating, or overseeing operational actions.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Experience developing and executing capital and operational projects while maintaining continuous plant operations.
Knowledge of power plant equipment functions, system integration, and interconnected plant systems.
Experience making operational decisions, prioritizing work, and implementing process improvements in a plant environment.
Ability to use required personal protective equipment in accordance with UWM policies and procedures.
Ability to lift 50 pounds without assistance.
Ability to work in confined spaces.
Ability to work at heights up to 35 feet while using fall protection equipment or ladders.
Ability to work overtime and rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, as operational needs require.

Nice To Haves

Five years of experience in utility or central plant systems leadership.
Ten or more years of progressive utility system supervisory experience.
DSPS and EPA certification for handling chlorofluorocarbon refrigerants.
Evidence of service on CFC-containing refrigeration equipment.
American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE) 2nd Class Power Plant Operators License or equivalent.
Ability to obtain and maintain Class A and Class B Underground Storage Tank System Operator certification as required by the US EPA and State of Wisconsin (s. Comm 10.80).
Direct experience managing construction projects of any size.
Prior experience scheduling plant personnel.
Prior experience with TMA or another computerized maintenance management system.
Experience with Workday or another computerized enterprise-wide personnel, budget, accounting, and procurement system.
Valid Wisconsin driver’s license or another operator’s permit recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, and ability to meet or exceed minimum requirements for driving on state business.

Responsibilities

Direct continuous 24/7/365 plant operations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient production and distribution of steam, chilled water, and related utilities.
Supervise, schedule, train, evaluate, and discipline staff; develop position descriptions, set performance expectations, and oversee payroll responsibilities.
Lead and mentor staff in safe work practices, operating procedures, and continuous improvement.
Make technical decisions and perform or oversee maintenance, repairs, inspections, and operational adjustments.
Develop, implement, and monitor standard operating procedures and adjust operations based on system conditions, requirements, and performance data.
Monitor and maintain plant control systems, including PLCs, MMIs, and VFDs; diagnose issues and implement corrective actions.
Plan, coordinate, and oversee daily work, emergency response, and operational activities to maintain continuous utility service.
Manage operational budgets, shop expenditures, and procurement of tools, equipment, fuel, and supplies.
Oversee water treatment and testing programs supporting boiler operation, efficiency, and equipment reliability.
Prepare operational reports, including monthly Central Plant reports, and maintain accurate plant documentation.
Maintain working relationships with campus partners, DOA/DFD personnel, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders.
Ensure operational coverage by remaining available or assigning coverage and responding to plant emergencies as needed.
Develop staff schedules, time reporting, absence approvals, and staffing plans to ensure adequate coverage.
Assign, coordinate, and verify maintenance and repair work; troubleshoot equipment and determine appropriate operational responses.
Train, mentor, and coach staff on plant operations, safety, equipment, and job responsibilities; develop training materials and support onboarding and technical development.
Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback on job performance and operational expectations.
Promote communication among staff and help resolve operational and workplace issues.
Conduct research, prepare technical documentation, and support operational improvement initiatives.
Identify energy-efficiency opportunities and recommend practices that improve plant performance; maintain knowledge of relevant industry practices and technologies.
Specify, procure, and manage contracted services when work exceeds in-house capabilities, requires specialized expertise, or needs expedited completion.
Review project plans and specifications, inspect completed work, and certify contractor performance for payment.
Serve as the DFD Project Liaison for Central Plant projects and coordinate project activities with campus stakeholders and contractors.
Plan, develop, and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs, including inspections, cleaning, testing, and repairs.
Plan and oversee major repairs, renovations, and contractor activities while coordinating work with plant operations and emergency needs.
Manage procurement, maintenance, and inventory of tools, equipment, spare parts, and test instruments; maintain inventory levels that support repairs and limit downtime.
Develop emergency response and contingency plans, evaluate system performance, and implement corrective actions.
Maintain knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations related to plant operations, safety, and environmental compliance.
Ensure compliance with requirements such as DNR fuel sampling, air permit certifications, DSPS inspections, and applicable insurance standards.
Maintain required operational, emissions, fuel, maintenance, and compliance records and reports.
Ensure staff maintain required licenses, certifications, and training, including applicable EPA refrigerant certifications.
Promote compliance with safety policies, procedures, and personal protective equipment requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned or directed.