Energy Production Operations Manager

Miami University Alumni Association•Oxford, OH

About The Position

The position is directly responsible for leading and managing the day-to-day operations of the steam plant, electrical generation plant, remote boilers, and associated distribution via the utility tunnels and underground piping to campus facilities. The position requires managing personnel, budgetary planning, creation and implementation of short and long-term capital and operational improvements, assisting with contract negotiations, and conducting continuous system monitoring to ensure efficient operation and environmental compliance of plant and generation systems. The position requires a high level of analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to proactively identify and address potential issues before they escalate. The unique nature of providing continuous utility service may also require responding to matters outside of regular business hours.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related degree with five (5) years of experience in facility or plant management, including expertise in electric and steam production and equipment maintenance OR Associate’s degree in engineering or related degree with seven (7) years of experience in facility or plant management, including expertise in electric and steam production and equipment maintenance OR Ten (10) years of experience in facility or plant management, including expertise in electric and steam production and equipment maintenance.
Possess a valid driver’s license.
Specific Knowledge: Deep working knowledge of electrical and steam generation systems, including boilers, boiler chemistry, boiler feedwater and condensate systems, electrical production and synchronization to electrical grid. Familiarity with PJM transmission systems and retail energy procurement is highly desirable.
Technical Understanding: Proven ability to read and interpret complex one-line diagrams, electrical schematics, and construction blueprints for planning and troubleshooting purposes.
Leadership & Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, at all levels within the organization and with third-party vendors. Must be able to lead a technical team and respond quickly and effectively during time-sensitive situations.
Managerial Complexity: Must be able to successfully handle multiple tasks at once, determine appropriate priorities, and make independent decisions consistent with the objectives of upper management. Strong budgeting and administrative abilities are required.
Physical Requirements: Physical effort requires considerable walking and standing, with some lifting of materials weighing 25 to 50 pounds. Must be able to withstand warm temperatures and perform work in campus tunnel systems. Periodically, assignments are given that entail dealing with modestly unpleasant physical conditions. Working on ladders and heights may sometimes be required.
Computer Skills: Must be proficient in the use of business application software and experienced in the use of a computerized maintenance management software (CMMS). Demonstrate proficiency in using business application software (Microsoft applications, google documents).

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related degree with five (5) years of experience in facility or plant management, including expertise in electric and steam production and equipment maintenance.
Direct experience managing a complex electrical or steam generation facility at a university, hospital, or power plant.
Experience managing a unionized technical staff.
Class Three Stationary Engineers License in State of Ohio.
Professional certification such as Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Energy Management Professional (EMP), or Certified Energy Procurement Professional (CEP).

Responsibilities

System Operations & Maintenance: Responsible for the safe and reliable operation and maintenance of the electrical and steam production systems.
Develops and documents comprehensive preventive and corrective maintenance activities to produce electric and steam.
Responsible for all operational aspects of electrical generation, maintenance, steam production and associated distribution systems.
Responsible for coordinating and contracting with external consultants and contractors as needed to operate and maintain energy systems.
Provide technical support in emergency equipment operation and failure situations as needed on a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week basis.
Evaluate existing and new operating strategies to ensure optimum efficiency and reliability.
Perform continuous monitoring of all equipment to meet operational expectations.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOP) for equipment operation and maintenance.
Assist in the development and implementation of preventative maintenance activities.
Schedule and coordinate steam outages and major overhauls of electrical generation equipment.
Schedule and coordinate monthly, quarterly and yearly environmental testing.
Develop and maintain lock out tag out (LOTO) for equipment operation and maintenance.
Develop, maintain, and analyze appropriate trends and historical data to quickly and effectively identify and correct system abnormalities to mitigate future failures.
Maintain required documentation for reporting purposes.
Supervision & Leadership: Provides direct supervision and technical leadership to University Stationary Steam Engineers.
Oversees electrical and steam production operations, sets priorities, reviews completed jobs, and manages the unit budget.
Purchases and maintains adequate inventory to ensure continuous operation.
Responsible for following and applying rules in personnel contracts, departmental standard operating procedures, and University policies.
Conduct regular team meetings to discuss operational performance, safety protocols, and schedules.
Communicate and coordinate system operations and needs with the Director of Energy Systems.
Manage generating plant expenditures to balance reliability and fiscal responsibility.
Assists in the creation of departmental budgets.
Coordinates training and provides guidance to staff.
Inspect work in progress and at completion to ensure that the standards of workmanship and safety are maintained.
Perform administrative activities related to personnel management, purchasing, and contracting.
Emergency Response & System Integrity: Provides expert technical support for emergencies, including loss of steam or electrical production, on a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week basis.
Creates, reviews, and executes complex operating procedures for operations, maintenance activities, outage mitigation, and service restoration.
Project Management & Design Review: Reviews the design of projects related to steam and hot water for new construction and renovation projects.
Creates and maintains written standards for the procurement and installation of steam, hot water and electrical production equipment per applicable codes and the preferences of Miami University.
Strategic Planning & Financial Management: Contributes to departmental operational and financial efficiency by creating and executing electrical energy procurement and generator dispatch strategies.
Safety & Compliance: Monitors the use of personal protective equipment and procedures to ensure all operations, maintenance and testing operations are conducted in a safe manner.
Coordinates and documents safety training for key university employees to maintain high operational standards.
Ensures lock out tag out (LOTO) procedures are being followed.