Utility Plant Supervisor (Utility Plant Operator II)

State of Colorado•Golden, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for supervising plant operations and staff while ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient steam production across campus. The position blends hands-on plant operations (45%) with people leadership and operational oversight (50%), plus field response and support (5%). Join a high-performing facilities team supporting a premier research university.

Requirements

6+ years of progressively responsible utility plant experience (two of which must have been at the journey level)
2+ years of supervisory experience
ADD-ASOPE or other Nationally recognized Boiler/Stationary Engineer License
Strong communication and customer service skills
Experience with computerized systems (e.g., work orders, plant controls)
Valid Colorado driver’s license
Must be physically able to perform strenuous physical labor including lifting 100 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a central utility plant or campus/district energy system
Advanced experience operating dual-fuel boilers (natural gas and fuel oil)
Hands-on experience with SCADA systems, PLCs, and Boiler Plant Manager software
Demonstrated success supervising union or shift-based teams in a 24/7 operation
Strong background in preventative maintenance planning and reliability programs
Experience managing water treatment and chemical dosing programs
Knowledge of Colorado air quality regulations (e.g., APEN reporting)
Ability to lead teams through emergency response situations and system failures
Experience training or mentoring operators in technical systems and safety practices
Familiarity with steam distribution systems, tunnels, traps, and condensate systems
Previous experience in a higher education, research, or large institutional environment

Responsibilities

Provide leadership for utility plant operations and a team of 5 operators to ensure uninterrupted steam service.
Direct daily boiler and plant operations; communicate decisions to operators and leadership.
Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff performance, including performance plans, quarterly evaluations, skill development, and cross-training.
Create and manage staff schedules to ensure 24/7 plant coverage.
Assign and prioritize work based on operational needs, employee skillsets, and development goals.
Ensure accurate timekeeping, leave tracking, and compliance with FLSA requirements.
Lead monthly safety training and enforce all safety and organizational policies.
Participate in hiring processes, including defining role requirements and interviewing candidates.
Oversee tools, equipment tracking, and compliance.
Develop and manage preventive maintenance programs and quality standards.
Optimize staffing and shift coverage during absences or operational disruptions.
Analyze daily logs to detect anomalies and implement corrective actions without impacting service.
Allocate personnel and materials during system failures.
Establish performance standards for maintenance and documentation.
Identify training and safety needs for the team.
Serve as a lead technical expert responsible for operating and maintaining plant systems.
Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and repair boilers, steam generators, pumps, compressors, and control systems (SCADA/PLC).
Maintain plant efficiency by adjusting operations based on demand, weather, and system performance.
Generate logs, production data, and preventive maintenance schedules.
Coordinate annual inspections and ensure regulatory compliance.
Order parts and materials based on equipment needs and usage trends.
Train operators on equipment operation and calibration, and system updates and control procedures.
Perform water and chemical testing and adjust treatment processes accordingly.
Utilize plant management software to compensate for system or sensor failures.
Determine optimal boiler configurations to meet campus demand efficiently.
Respond to system alarms and diagnose mechanical, electrical, or piping issues.
Adjust chemical treatment systems based on analysis results.
Troubleshoot complex equipment failures and determine safe corrective actions.
Respond to fuel supply interruptions (e.g., switching from natural gas to fuel oil).
Maintain plant operations during equipment or control system failures.
Perform corrective maintenance across campus facilities.
Operate university vehicles to transport tools and equipment.
Inspect steam systems, piping, traps, meters, and safety devices.
Support after-hours emergency response (e.g., leaks, HVAC issues, flooding).
Provide technical guidance to other facilities teams during off-hours.
Assess urgency and determine whether to respond directly or escalate.
Diagnose issues such as leaks or system failures and coordinate appropriate repairs.