Job Description

Title: Power Plant Manager

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities Management

Department: Utility Power Plant

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

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

Essential Functions

Directs plant operations and maintenance to ensure that electric and steam generating requirements of the Amherst campus are satisfied, Central Heating Plant efficiency and reliability are maintained and that local, state and federal safety and operational environmental standards are met.

Develops and implements work schedules to ensure 24-hour coverage of plant operations with properly licensed personnel.

Recruits, interviews, hires and trains new Central Heating Plant personnel as required to ensure proper staffing.

Establishes and maintains the Central Heating Plant operating and maintenance procedures.

Continuously reviews and improves operational processes and ensures that the Central Heating Plant personnel are properly trained and adhere to established procedures and practices.

Responsible for writing and maintaining necessary plant operation and maintenance reports concerning equipment efficiency, energy consumption rates and operational logs as required.

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 turbine, 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.

Requisitions and verifies 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.

Other Functions

Makes recommendations to the Director of Utilities Engineering 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.

Performs other related technical duties and administrative tasks assigned by the Director of Utilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in engineering, technical, business, energy, or a related field and four (4) years' experience in a utility power generation or energy production facility;


Or, an Associate's Degree in engineering, technical, business, energy, or a related field and six (6) years' experience in a utility power generation or energy production facility.


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.


Demonstrated supervisory experience.


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.

Solid 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.

Ability to work extra/irregular hours, including shift coverage, and to work under conditions of a power plant.

Ability to obtain a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities Certified Operator, Grade 3-I License within the probational period.

Additional Details

This position is designated as on call and essential. This includes the obligation to work overtime, to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed, and to report to work during any delays, early departures, and closures.

This position is subject to final budgetary and administrative approval.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Mon - Fri, 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 33

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

Job Tags

Full time, Local area, Shift work

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