Assistant Power Plant Manager

Apply now Job no:521432
Work type:Staff Full Time
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Utility Power Plant
Union: PSU
Categories:Facilities/Grounds, PSU A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Assistant Power Plant Manager provides leadership to the plant operations and maintenance groups for the safe and efficient operation of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Central Heating Plant. This position manages the daily operation of the Central Heating Plant, assuring all plant operations are done in compliance with all permits, laws and regulations. This position plans and has significant input to the scheduling of preventative, predictive, corrective and overhaul maintenance of all Central Heating Plant equipment and systems.

Essential Functions

Plant Operations:

• In the absence of the Central Heating Plant Manager, this individual shall be the acting Central Heating Plant Manager for the Central Heating Plant.
• Directs Plant Lead Operators and Power Plant Operators to ensure that electric and steam generating requirements of the UMass campus are satisfied; Central Heating Plant efficiency & reliability are maintained; and that local, state, and federal safety and operational environmental standards are met.
• Develop and implement work schedules to ensure 24-hour coverage of plant operations with properly licensed personnel.
• Recruit, interview, hire, and train new operating personnel as required to ensure proper staffing.
• Establishes and maintains the Central Heating Plant operating procedures.
• Continuously reviews and improves operational processes and ensures that operating personnel are trained and adhere to established procedures and practices.
• Responsible for writing and maintaining necessary plant operation reports concerning equipment efficiency, energy consumption rates, and operational logs as required in a neat, professional, and timely manner.
• Investigates and resolves operating abnormalities and incidents to improve equipment availability and performance and to minimize maintenance requirements.
• Responsible for scheduling the repair and maintenance of the gas turbines, boilers, generators, and all support equipment of the central Heating Plant In accordance with standard Industry practice and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and Inspection requirements.
• Requisition and verify receipt of fuel oil, chemicals, equipment, consumables, and ammonia inventory at the Central Heating Plant.
• Coordinates the Central Heating Plant's gas usage nomination with Berkshire Gas Company and the University's suppliers.
• Coordinates the Central Heating Plants electrical production, campus electrical grid consumption, Demand Response Participation, and Forward Capacity Market Program requirements, with ISO New England.

General:

• Makes recommendations to the Central Heating Manager relative to operations, maintenance, and capital budgets.
• Provides support for environmental, health, and safety reporting of the Central Heating Plant.
• Develops and recommends budget and schedule for Central Heating Plant's employee training.
• Meets with and strives to maintain harmonious relationships with union representatives.
• Understands, is committed to, and supports affirmative action and non-discrimination goals.
• Performs other related technical duties and administrative tasks assigned by the Central Heating Plant Manager.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or Business Administration with four to five years of supervisory or managerial experience in a Power Plant; or an Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or Business Administration with five to seven years of supervisory or managerial experience in a Power Plant.
• Possession of a First Class Stationary Engineer's license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety pursuant to Chapter 146 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
• Thorough understanding of generating plant operations and maintenance, with strong knowledge of generating equipment; operation of a gas turbine, steam turbine, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG) and boilers; and boiler water treatment processes.
• Knowledge of plant engineering and plant maintenance functions and how they relate to operations.
• Experience with coordinating electric generation and fuel supply with vendors and Local Distribution Companies.
• Experience with budgeting and reporting practices.
• Demonstrated skill in planning, coordinating, and directing varied programs and tasks directly affecting the overall plant operation.
• Strong oral and written communication and computational skills. Ability to work with a personal computer and word processing, spreadsheet and drawing software.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Ability to work under unusual and special conditions that can arise in a power plant.

Additional Details

• Ability to obtain a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities Certified Operator, Grade 2-1 License within the probational period.
• Receives assignments from the Central Heating Plant Manager; however, the incumbent is expected to work independently and consult with his/her supervisor when clarifications or interpretations of State, University and departmental policies, procedures and standards are required.
• May functionally supervise drafting personnel and other engineers in performing duties for a specific project(s).

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday 7AM-3PM.
• Ability to work extra/irregular hours, including shift coverage as business needs dictate. 

Salary Information

Level 31

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

 In addition to the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three (3) professional references. 

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised:Nov 9 2023 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:Feb 9 2024 Eastern Standard Time