Utilities Operations Power Plant Manager

University of Arkansas System • Fayetteville, AR

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Arkansas is seeking a Utilities Operations Power Plant Manager to provide leadership and overall management of its central utility operations. This role oversees four utility plants, the Operations and Maintenance Divisions, and approximately 25 employees. The primary responsibility is to ensure the safe, reliable, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective production and distribution of essential utility services, including chilled water, steam, compressed air, and medium-voltage electrical power, to the Fayetteville campus. The position involves directing plant operations and maintenance, personnel development, managing preventive and predictive maintenance programs, ensuring regulatory and environmental compliance, overseeing workplace safety, leading emergency response efforts, managing operating and capital budgets, handling procurement and contractor activities, managing equipment lifecycle and asset management, planning for utility capacity and capital renewal, and driving continuous improvement in plant reliability and efficiency. The manager will develop and implement operating procedures, maintenance strategies, performance standards, training programs, and contingency plans to maintain continuous utility service. This includes analyzing system performance, identifying improvements, coordinating outages, and participating in the planning, design, construction, commissioning, and turnover of utility infrastructure. A key aspect of the role is developing and coaching staff, establishing clear expectations, maintaining qualifications, and fostering a culture of safety, accountability, reliability, teamwork, and continuous improvement. The position requires close collaboration with Facilities Management leadership, campus departments, engineers, contractors, vendors, regulatory agencies, and utility providers. As a critical member of the University’s utility emergency-response organization, the manager is subject to call-back for emergencies and other situations requiring oversight outside normal working hours. Regular, reliable attendance and the ability to maintain positive working relationships are essential job duties.

Requirements

• Formal education equivalent of a high school diploma
• 5 years equivalent experience in central utility plant, district energy system or manufacturing plant operations and maintenance to include troubleshooting and repair experience/capability with any or all of the following: Integrated Utility Plant Operations, Industrial Chiller Maintenance, Industrial/Commercial Boiler Maintenance, Pump and Valve Mechanical Operation and Repair, Industrial Control Systems such as Niagara, Delta-V and Emerson
• 2 years Supervisory or Leadership experience
• Valid Driver's License
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Arkansas Boiler Operator License within 6 months.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Gas Operations License within 6 months.
• Knowledge and practical application of the principles, practices, methods, and safety precautions in plant operations
• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and codes relating to plant operations
• Knowledge and practical application of management and supervisory principles and techniques
• Knowledge of the state budgetary process
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, manuals, schematics, building plans, and/or work drawings
• Manage procurement process, materials ordering and inventory management
• Ability to supervise skilled trades workers and/or supervisors
• Ability to plan and coordinate all phases of service, repairs, installation, and/or construction projects in one or more of the skilled trades
• Basic use and understanding of Microsoft Office products and CMMS systems for Work order management
• Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or related field
• 4 Years Master Level HVAC, Outside Machinist or equivalent Experience
• 4 Years of supervisory experience
• 10 Years’ Experience with advanced troubleshooting and repair of Industrial Chillers, Boilers, Gas Turbines, Pumps, Valves, Drives and Diesel Generators
• Experience with Natural Gas Pipeline OQ Tasks Training, Qualification and PM Performance
• Experience with FAMIS (departmental software) or equivalent CMMS System
• Experience with Korterra Utility Location Process and Performance
• Experience with gas turbine operations and maintenance
• Significant cross-trade technical versatility between Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Instrumentation, Control and Water Chemistry

Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and overall management of the University of Arkansas central utility operations, including four utility plants, the Operations and Maintenance Divisions, and approximately 25 employees.
• Ensures the safe, reliable, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective production and distribution of chilled water, steam, compressed air, and medium-voltage electrical utility services supporting the Fayetteville campus.
• Directs plant operations and maintenance; personnel development and performance; preventive and predictive maintenance programs; regulatory and environmental compliance; workplace safety; emergency response and utility restoration; operating and capital budgets; procurement and contractor activities; equipment lifecycle and asset management; utility capacity and capital renewal planning; and continuous improvement of plant reliability and efficiency.
• Develops and implements operating procedures, maintenance strategies, performance standards, training programs, and contingency plans necessary to maintain continuous utility service to the University.
• Analyzes system performance and utility demand, identifies operational and capital improvements, coordinates planned and emergency outages, and participates in the planning, design, construction, commissioning, and turnover of utility infrastructure and equipment.
• Develops and coaches plant operators, maintenance personnel, and supervisors; establishes clear performance and safety expectations; maintains required employee qualifications and training; and promotes a culture of safety, accountability, reliability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Works closely with Facilities Management leadership, campus departments, engineers, contractors, vendors, regulatory agencies, and utility providers to ensure campus utility needs are met safely and reliably.
• Serves as a key member of the University’s utility emergency-response organization and is subject to call-back for utility emergencies, outages, severe weather, and other conditions requiring management oversight outside normal working hours.
• Maintains regular, reliable and non-disruptive attendance.
• Creates and maintains collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Benefits

• University contributions to health insurance
• University contributions to dental insurance
• University contributions to life insurance
• University contributions to disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED