Energy Plant Manager

Michigan Technological University•Houghton, MI

7d•$77,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Energy Plant Manager at Michigan Technological University leads the Central Energy Plant Operations team and provides reliable, efficient utility services to the university. The role promotes high-performance, procedure-driven plant operations, with an emphasis on consistent documentation and minimizing variability, and supports the Director of Energy Management on campus-wide energy-efficiency initiatives. The manager leads plant staff and the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and long-term planning of the Central Energy Plant, Building Automation System (BAS), and related utility infrastructure. The position oversees projects, compliance inspections and testing, energy-performance monitoring, staff development, safety, and continuous improvement. It also engages with students, faculty, researchers, and the campus community on technical energy and sustainability work. This is a 12-month, full-time-equivalent (100%) exempt position. The minimum salary is $77,500; final salary depends on experience and qualifications. The position reports to the Director of Energy Management. The work environment is a typical industrial-plant office, with noise that is usually moderate and occasionally high. The role may require flexible hours and availability for emergencies, including evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends.

Requirements

At least five years of steam boiler plant operating experience, experience with electrical power generators, and a strong understanding of precision maintenance methods and management.
Demonstrated work experience and/or training in personnel management in an industrial setting.
Experience managing energy-related projects.
Experience with basic functions of building automation and control systems.
Experience in power or central steam plant operations and maintenance.
Experience using personal computers and software, including spreadsheets, email, databases, work-order systems, and other electronic documents.
Ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff.
Demonstrated commitment to safety as a key professional value and essential component of daily practice.
Demonstrated commitment to customer service.
Strong technical knowledge of building steam, condensate, and electrical systems.
Ability to meet and manage deadlines and organize and prioritize multiple work assignments.
Ability and availability to be on call and/or work flexible hours, including evenings, nights, holidays, and weekends, when required for emergencies, work backlogs, or coverage for other personnel.
Ability to speak, read, and write in English and perform moderately complex mathematical calculations and estimations.
Ability to assess, understand, and rapidly develop actions to address urgent or emergency operational, maintenance, automation, safety, and environmental conditions without outside assistance.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Automation & Control Engineering.
Experience operating building automation and control systems.
Association of Energy Engineers certification, CEM, or BESA certification.
Experience in LEAN or other continuous-improvement efforts.
Advanced knowledge of standard practices, regulations, and theory applicable to building mechanical, electrical, and utility systems.
Advanced knowledge and understanding of building pneumatic and DDC HVAC control systems, HVAC components, and sequences of operation.
Working knowledge of ASHRAE standards and state energy codes.
Ability to apply ASME and Michigan Boiler Code to steam-boiler operation and maintenance.
Understanding of EPA/EGLE air-permitting processes.
Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with people with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints.

Responsibilities

Manage Plant Operators and Mechanic/Operators, including shift coverage, overtime equalization, and time off.
Recommend and participate in hiring, discipline, and performance decisions for plant staff; recommendations carry significant weight.
Lead the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Central Energy Plant.
Manage long-term planning and maintenance for the Central Energy Plant and Building Automation System, including annual shutdown repairs.
Manage projects within the Central Energy Plant, steam distribution system, and associated areas.
Schedule and oversee inspections and testing required for environmental and safety compliance.
Monitor energy performance and identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve the efficiency of heating, cooling, and other process utilities.
Assist and train personnel in troubleshooting and diagnosing building HVAC equipment problems.
Interface with student groups, Engineering, and campus researchers on technical energy or sustainability projects.
Promote campus energy conservation and sustainability through educational programs, plant tours, and presentations.
Promote a culture of safety within the department and apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices in daily work.
Apply LEAN principles and continuous-improvement strategies, engage in university improvement initiatives, and continue learning improvement practices.