The Cogeneration Plant Supervisor is a key leader, mentor, and role
model within the Union College Facilities Services Department. This
position is central to ensuring the safe and environmentally
compliant operation of the central plant. The working supervisor
directly manages and actively participates with all operational and
maintenance activities and oversees the downstream steam and
chilled water distribution throughout the campus.
Cogeneration Plant Supervisor
Pay Status and Classification: Non-exempt, Regular
full-time, In-person. This position is not eligible for relocation
assistance or visa sponsorship.
Supervisor: Assistant Director of Facilities
Position Purpose: The Cogeneration Plant Supervisor is a key
leader, mentor, and role model within the Union College Facilities
Services Department. This position is central to ensuring the safe
and environmentally compliant operation of the central plant. The
working supervisor directly manages and actively participates with
all operational and maintenance activities and oversees the
downstream steam and chilled water distribution throughout the
campus.
The Supervisor oversees steam, chilled water, and power generation
of the plant's operations, field utility distribution, while
focusing on safety, efficiency, and team management. Their key
responsibilities include:
- Team Leadership & Management: Guiding the staff who operate
the plant's systems for generating power, heat, and cooling. This
includes managing daily schedules, conducting regular team
meetings, providing training, and performing annual performance
reviews.
Operational Oversight: Ensuring the plant is maintained in a
clean and organized condition. Responsible for establishing and
managing all operational data, logs, and reports required for both
internal review and external environmental regulations.
Communication & Development: Serving as the main point of
contact for project updates and schedules. The Supervisor also
provides ongoing training to their team to ensure their skills and
knowledge of plant equipment are always up to date.
Budgeting and Forecasting: Responsible for all aspects of the
plant's budget, from preparation to ongoing management. This
includes creating the plant's operating budget, as well as
forecasting expenses for both routine operational needs and
long-term deferred maintenance projects for both the plant and the
campus.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties:
Operations:
- Monitors plant performance metrics and operations to meet
energy demands.
- Coordinate startup, shutdown, and emergency procedures for all
plant systems.
- Assists in the creation, development, and review of standard
operating procedures for plant equipment and ensures testing
(water, cooling tower, etc) is compliant.
- Performs required water tests for boiler feed water and
condensate and collaborates with vendors on the care and treatment
of cooling towers.
- Assist in planning, implementing, and overseeing plant upgrades
and system modifications.
- Operates 24/7 plant facility utilizing the gas compressor,
turbine, Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), D-type steam boiler,
absorption and centrifugal chillers, and cooling towers.
Maintenance:
- Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance for a wide range
of plant equipment including boilers, chillers, the HRSG, turbine,
generators, cooling towers, and air compressors.
- Diagnoses problems and abnormal conditions (such as leaks or
unusual noise) by utilizing resources, collecting data, and
interpreting P&IDs to develop effective repair plans.
- Coordinates plant shutdowns and vendor services for key
equipment, including the gas compressor, turbine, and
chillers.
- Manages all maintenance tracking and scheduling using the work
order system (Performo).
Environmental, Health, Safety, and Administration:
- Ensures Compliance: Manages all environmental and safety
programs to guarantee the plant meets all federal, state, and local
regulations. This includes monitoring air emissions, chemical
controls, and all required permits.
- Promotes Safety: Leads the effort to maintain an accident-free
workplace. The Supervisor sets the example for proper safety
practices, including the use of protective gear and following
procedures to prevent injury.
- Manages Emergencies: Is responsible for responding to all plant
emergencies and ensuring the team follows the established response
plan to protect people and property.
- Position may require working varied shifts including nights,
weekends, and holiday coverage, as well as covering open shifts, as
needed.
- Complies with department and college policies and
procedures.
Qualifications:
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree (in Mechanical,
Electrical, or related field) or Navy equivalent education and
experience is required.
- Experience: 5-10+ years experience of operations and
maintenance experience as a Plant Operator with relevant
understanding of high-pressure steam boilers, steam generators,
power generation equipment (turbines preferred), and utility
distribution required. Experience with aligning, switching,
isolating, and paralleling electrical equipment and systems
utilizing 13.2kV and 480V is preferred.
- Skills: Knowledge of control systems and operating
mechanical systems conforming to SOP’s as developed for the plant.
Good organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills are
required. Computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, Adobe, Google
Platform programs, Metasys (preferred), and Plant Control Systems
for operation of physical plants preferred.
- Leadership: Provide staff with leadership and ensure
accountability and safety are followed within college procedures as
well as safety within the plant. Train, lead, and elevate staff to
ensure safe operations of the plant.
- Availability: Ability to respond to on-campus
emergencies, inspect, evaluate, and deploy staff and contractors
for corrective measures.
- Licenses: Valid New York State Driver’s license is
required. License as a Stationary Engineer and/or valid Navy or
plant operator is preferred.
Compensation:
The hourly range for this position is $38.00-$42.00. Except
for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist
selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors,
including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications,
experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The
stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and
reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at
the time of posting.
Location: Schenectady, NY
We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities
unless they meet every qualification in the position description
including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in
hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a
successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path.
We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every
one of our preferred qualifications.
We offer exceptional benefits including:
- Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
- Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance
with policy)
- Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision
Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
- Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for
On-Campus Wellness Programs
- Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
- Tuition Exchange
Background Checks: In accordance with our
background check policy , finalists for hire will undergo a
background check that includes education, employment, and criminal
convictions.
E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in
E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9
information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the
United States. Learn more about
E-Verify and your
Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar) .
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