Power Plant Chief Engineer / Full-time / Day

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Full-time, regular position within the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. This role is not eligible for telework.

About the Role

The Power Plant Chief Engineer oversees the planning, management, and operation of the Veterans Home Minneapolis campus—a 24/7 skilled nursing facility on 53 acres. This position ensures campus facilities operate at full capacity through maintenance of high/low pressure steam boilers, emergency electrical power systems, hot/cold potable water, HVAC heating/cooling, and emergency power. Reporting to the Physical Plant Director, this role provides co-leadership and co-supervision to physical plant staff to ensure safe, efficient operations, facility maintenance, and repairs.

Responsibilities

• Direct the operation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of the power plant and equipment across the campus to ensure facilities are safe, properly climate-controlled, and operating at peak efficiency. Ensure compliance with all city, state, and federal regulations.
• Supervise, lead, and train staff to meet facility needs while adhering to collective bargaining agreements, safety protocols, emergency procedures, State and MDVA policies, licensing, and regulations.
• Monitor and track annual operation budgets for cost-efficiency and spending; assist the Physical Plant Director with budget requests.
• Develop and implement plans to reduce energy usage and ensure life safety of equipment through repair, maintenance, and required inspections.

Qualifications

To be considered, your resume must clearly demonstrate experience in the following areas:

• Current Minnesota Chief Engineer Grade C license or higher.
• A valid Minnesota Class D driver’s license.
• Extensive knowledge of principles and practices involved in the operation, distribution, and maintenance of high/low pressure steam systems, HVAC systems, cooling towers, chillers, pumps, process piping, and quality assurance/control protocols.
• Knowledge of building and safety codes (e.g., Life Safety) related to boilers, HVAC systems, steam traps, controls, pumps, process piping, and plant operations to establish accident prevention practices and ensure compliance.
• Knowledge of health, energy, natural resources, and environmental codes related to plant operations.
• Ability to prepare plans and specifications, including estimating labor and material costs, for construction and repair projects.
• Ability to provide effective supervision and leadership of licensed and unlicensed employees.
• Ability to troubleshoot central distribution systems and handle emergencies such as sewage backups, steam/water leaks, heating/cooling failures, power outages, sprinkler discharges, snow emergencies, etc.
• Proficiency in computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, email, calendar, internet) to produce reports and correspondence.
• Conflict resolution skills to communicate and resolve maintenance problems and coordinate campus-wide activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years of experience in the operation, distribution, and maintenance of high/low pressure steam systems, related pumps, piping, HVAC systems, cooling towers, chillers, and air-to-air systems.
• Two years of experience supervising, leading, directing, and reviewing the work of trades, construction, or maintenance staff.
• Experience using electronic work system software.

Additional Requirements

• Employment reference checks, including documentation review and contact with former employers.
• Tuberculosis (Mantoux) screening or chest x-ray prior to employment.
• Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background check for finalists.
• Driver’s license check for finalists.

Schedule

• Day shift: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday.
• Occasional on-call, weekends, holidays, and evenings for emergencies or operational needs.

Pay

$38.83 – $50.25/hourly; $81,077 – $104,922 annually.

Benefits

As a State of Minnesota employee, you’ll have access to comprehensive benefits, including:

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays per year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF, and diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks of paid leave for parents of newborns or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan providing retirement income (after three years of service).
• Employer-paid life insurance for family support in the event of death.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance for income protection during illness or injury.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources for physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
• Potential eligibility for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services, such as chore assistance, home repair, trip planning, and child/elder care.

Benefits eligibility varies based on employment type, agency, funding, union agreements, location, and length of service.