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).
