Central Plant Superintendent

Job Category: Academic Staff | Employment Type: Regular | Job Profile: Heating/Cooling Plant Superintendent | Department: Facilities, Planning and Management

About the role

Under the general direction of the Central Plant Manager, the Central Plant Superintendent oversees the operation of the UW–Milwaukee Kenwood Campus Central Plant and six satellite plants, ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient production and distribution of steam and chilled water on a 24/7/365 basis. The position supervises plant personnel; directs daily operations, maintenance, and contractor activities; manages projects, budgets, and regulatory compliance; and oversees plant control systems, water treatment, fuel systems, and required operational records. The Central Plant Superintendent serves as the campus liaison for Department of Administration (DOA) and Department of Facilities Development (DFD) projects and maintains effective working relationships with university departments, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders to support continuous utility operations. Off-hour and weekend response may be necessary in accordance with operational need or emergencies.

Responsibilities

Manage and Supervise UW–Milwaukee Central Plant Personnel and Operations (45%)

• Direct 24/7/365 plant operations to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient production and distribution of steam, chilled water, and related utilities.
• Supervise, schedule, train, evaluate, and discipline staff; develop position descriptions, establish performance expectations, and oversee payroll responsibilities.
• Lead and mentor personnel in safe work practices, operational procedures, and continuous improvement activities.
• Make technical decisions and perform or oversee maintenance, repairs, inspections, and operational adjustments to support equipment reliability and plant performance.
• Develop, implement, and monitor standard operating procedures; adjust operations based on system conditions, operational requirements, and performance data.
• Monitor and maintain plant control systems, including PLCs, MMIs, and VFDs; diagnose operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee daily operational activities, emergency response, and assigned work to maintain continuous utility service.
• Manage operational budgets, shop expenditures, and procurement activities for tools, equipment, fuel, and supplies.
• Oversee water treatment and testing programs to support boiler operation, efficiency, and equipment reliability.
• Prepare operational reports, including monthly Central Plant reports, and maintain accurate plant documentation.
• Maintain effective working relationships with campus partners, DOA/DFD personnel, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure 24/7/365 operational coverage by remaining available or assigning appropriate coverage and responding to plant emergencies as needed.
• Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
• Other duties as assigned or directed.

Plant Staff Scheduling, Training, and Operational Support (20%)

• Develop and manage staff schedules, time reporting, absence approvals, and staffing plans to ensure adequate operational coverage.
• Assign, coordinate, and verify completion of maintenance and repair activities; troubleshoot equipment issues and determine appropriate operational responses.
• Train, mentor, and coach staff on plant operations, safety procedures, equipment operation, and job responsibilities.
• Develop and maintain training materials and support employee onboarding and ongoing technical development.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback related to job performance and operational expectations.
• Promote effective communication among staff and assist with resolving operational and workplace issues.
• Conduct research, prepare technical documentation, and support operational improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements and recommend operational practices that support plant performance.
• Maintain knowledge of industry practices, technologies, and operational methods relevant to central plant operations.

Contract Work, Maintenance Planning, and Project Support (20%)

• Specify, procure, and manage contracted work when services exceed in-house capabilities, require specialized expertise, or require expedited completion.
• Review project plans and specifications, inspect completed work, and certify contractor performance for payment.
• Serve as the DFD Project Liaison for Central Plant projects and coordinate project-related activities with campus stakeholders and contractors.
• Plan, develop, and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs, including inspections, cleaning, testing, and repairs to maintain equipment reliability and compliance.
• Plan and oversee major repairs, renovations, and contractor activities; coordinate work schedules with ongoing plant operations and emergency needs.
• Manage procurement, maintenance, and inventory of tools, equipment, spare parts, and test instruments required for plant operations.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels to support timely repairs and minimize operational downtime.
• Develop emergency response and contingency plans; evaluate system performance and implement corrective actions.

Compliance and Safety (10%)

• Maintain knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations affecting central plant operations, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including DNR fuel sampling, air permit certifications, DSPS inspections, and applicable insurance standards.
• Maintain required operational, emissions, fuel, maintenance, and compliance records and reports.
• Ensure staff maintain required licenses, certifications, and training, including EPA refrigerant certifications where applicable.
• Promote compliance with safety policies, procedures, and required personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Requirements

• Five (5) years of progressive experience in power plant operations, including experience with equipment specification, installation, commissioning, operation, testing, reporting, and licensing activities
• Experience leading teams and assigning, coordinating, or overseeing operational actions
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Experience developing and executing capital and operational projects while maintaining continuous plant operations
• Knowledge of power plant equipment functions, system integration, and interconnected plant systems
• Experience making operational decisions, prioritizing work activities, and implementing process improvements in a plant environment
• Ability to use required personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with UWM policies and procedures
• Ability to lift 50 pounds without assistance
• Ability to work in confined spaces
• Ability to work at heights up to 35 feet while using fall protection equipment or ladders
• Ability to work overtime and rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, as required by operational needs

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience in utility or central plant systems leadership
• Ten or more years of progressive utility system supervisory experience
• Certification by the Department of Safety and Professionals (DSPS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the handling of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants; evidence of having performed service on CFC containing refrigeration equipment
• Possession of an American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE) 2" Class Power Plant Operators License or equivalent
• Obtain and maintain certification as a Class A and Class B Operator of Underground Storage Tank System as required by US EPA and the State of Wisconsin (s. Comm 10.80)
• Direct experience managing construction projects of any size
• Prior Experience Scheduling Plant Personnel
• Prior experience with TMA or other computerized maintenance management system
• Experience with Workday or other computerized enterprise wide personnel, budget, accounting and procurement system
• Possession of a valid Wisconsin Driver's license (or other such valid operator's permit recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation) and be able to meet or exceed the minimum requirements for driving on state business

Pay

Compensation: $85,000 - $95,000 (Final salary offer will be determined based on qualifications and experience)

Questions regarding this position can be directed to Angelee Vang (vangap@uwm.edu)