Central Utility Plant Operations Supervisor

21-Jun-2024

Central Utility Plant Operations Supervisor

Campus Services

66173BR

Job Summary

Energy & Facilities (E&F) operates and manages Harvard’s energy supplies, district energy plants, and utility infrastructures on the Cambridge/Allston campuses, as well as a 24/7 facilities-related call, alarm monitoring, and dispatch center.  E&F also provides a broad portfolio of labor-based services, including building maintenance, landscaping, and custodial, to a large portion of the University, as well as engineering, technical, and sustainability services.  Within E&F, Engineering & Utilities (E&U) operates and manages energy supplies, district energy plants, and utility infrastructures on the Cambridge/Allston campuses, a 24/7 facilities-related call, alarm monitoring, and dispatch center, and provides engineering and technical services.  

This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of two chilled water plants: a 13,000 ton Central Utility Plant (CUP) and a 7,500 ton satellite Northwest Plant (NWP) that together serve over 85 buildings on the Cambridge campus. This position supervises all aspects of the daily operation and maintenance of plant production infrastructure including seven chillers, two plant and frame heat exchangers, thirteen cooling towers and all associated pumping and water treatment equipment. This position also participates in initiatives to strengthen institutional collaboration and efficiency, provides support for special projects and strategic planning, and participates in developing strategies and policies.  
 

Position Description

• Directly oversee and supervise all aspects of plant operations, personnel, maintenance, safety, environmental compliance and desired operational performance.  Ensure plant production, capability, flexibility, reliability, safety and economic operation. Responsible for all communications and coordination between the plant and other areas of Campus Services. 
• Supervises, directs, assigns and coordinates work of the Chiller Operators, including work assignment and scheduling of staff. Monitors team productivity and provides constructive feedback, mentorship, and disciplinary action when needed. Manages to and ensures compliance with union contracts, University procedures and policies, and regulations
• Directly responsible for supervising unscheduled, emergency repairs to or restoration of chilled water production facilities, and overseeing outside contractors to ensure safe and proper coordination of plant operations, maintenance, and construction activities
• Responsible for participation in emergency management and response (e.g. planning, training, simulation, activation, actual response, and leadership), including advanced training and drills as required.  Responsible for on-the-job training of staff in safety and environmental practices and procedures necessary to job performance 
• Oversee and monitor service provider/vendor performance under all operating agreements or contracts and ensure compliance with all contractual provisions of such service/operating agreements or contracts.  Notify service providers/vendors immediately upon discovery of any contractual shortcomings and develop and execute corrective action plan.
• Ensures workforce compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g. environmental, workplace safety, OSHA, ADA requirements, etc.).  
• Partners with others across Campus Services groups, customers, and the University community at large to achieve optimal delivery of E&F services and efficient use of resources.  Demonstrates and promotes the mission, vision, and values of the organization; providing stewardship, strategies, and services that create an excellent customer experience.  Acts in the University’s best interest at all times.  As a Harvard University representative, exhibits appropriate professional conduct at all times such that harmonious business relationships are developed and maintained.  
• Utilizes the Campus Services asset management system as a management tool to monitor plant operations and manage maintenance work and operational tasks; and to generate automated reports. Manages the development and maintenance of an accurate and detailed inventory of all plant equipment, including detailed equipment attributes.  Responsible for the proper and effective utilization of this system.   
• Coordinate with other Campus Services divisions to formulate the best delivery of services to the University’s faculties and departments. Assist in the implementation of new departmental policies and procedures to improve the delivery of services, execution of work, and operational as well as financial efficiencies.
• Perform special assignments/projects as directed. Participates in planning, design and construction processes associated with capital projects and is responsible for integration of completed projects into plant operations.
• Leads and/or provides support for special projects (short and long-range), initiatives, and tasks as assigned.
   

Basic Qualifications

• Must have at least seven years plant operations and progressive supervisory and management experience associated with industrial/campus/utility plant operations.  
• In-depth knowledge of and direct experience in managing thermal energy production facilities (including code requirements, regulatory requirements, and environmental compliance) required. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Additional Qualifications: 

• Must have strong organizational, interpersonal, and management skills.  
• Must have experience working in a customer-oriented business, the ability to work well as a team member, and the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Technology Skills Required: 

• Must have computer skills including word-processing, electronic mail, database, and spreadsheet. 
• Required to utilize management information systems and asset/work management systems (Maximo).

Driver Designation: 

• Valid State driver’s license required.  
• Driving history must meet University Campus Services standards. 
• Must provide his/her personal vehicle to travel on and off campus.  

Special Requirements:  

• May be required to work emergency coverage (nights, weekend, etc.) as needed. 
   

Certificates and Licenses

• Valid State driver’s license required.  

Physical Requirements

• Must be physically fit and mentally alert at all times.  
• Required to wear personal protective equipment where necessary, including respiratory protection equipment (negative pressure or equivalent) and other equipment up to the level of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).  
• Must be able to enter various types of buildings, industrial plants, and/or construction sites and access non-handicap accessible work spaces/areas.   
• Must be able to utilize ladders, scaffolds, high-lifts, and enter/work in confined spaces.  
• Must be able to frequently walk up and down stairs, ladders, etc. on an on-going basis, in an industrial plant setting, ascending and descending up to 200 feet in total vertical elevation changes at one time.  
• Will be required to participate in Hearing Conservation and medical surveillance programs.  
• Must be capable of lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 65 pounds.

Working Conditions

Work Format: This is an on-campus position (not hybrid or remote) based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Work location is responsive and subject to change based on business needs.

Additional Information

Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel (required to provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management).

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Facilities

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

329058 Facilities & Oper Manager

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

Energy & Facilities

Salary Grade

058

Department

Engineering Utilities

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, DMV, Drug Testing, Education, Employment, Identity

Schedule

Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 4:00pm

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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