Power Plant Chief Engineer / Full-time / Day

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

About the role

The Power Plant Chief Engineer is responsible for the planning, management, and operation of the Veterans Home Minneapolis campus (a 24/7 skilled nursing facility on 53 acres). This position ensures that the campus and 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. This position reports to the Physical Plant Director and provides co-leadership and co-supervision to physical plant staff to ensure safe and efficient operations, as well as facility maintenance and repairs.

Responsibilities

• Direct the operation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of the power plant and equipment throughout the campus so facilities are safe, properly climate controlled, peak efficiency is maintained, equipment is kept in good working order, and all city, state, and federal regulations are followed.
• Supervise, lead, and train staff to ensure adequate staffing needs are met based on facility needs, while meeting collective bargaining agreements, safety, emergency, State and MDVA policies, licensing, regulations, and procedures.
• Monitor and track annual operation budgets for cost-efficiency and spending, while assisting the Physical Plant Director with budget requests.
• Develop and implement plans and goals to reduce over expenditure of energy usage, and ensure life safety of equipment are free from deficiencies through repair, maintenance, and required inspections.

The Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis provides skilled nursing care in a supportive environment that fosters a stable, healthy, and meaningful life for Veterans. We offer a creative, fun, collaborative, and stimulating work environment that encourages professional growth. The Minneapolis Home is located on Minnehaha Avenue, which has connecting highways and public transportation options for an easy commute. The beautiful 53-acre wooded campus includes mature oaks and pines, nature trails and biking paths overlooking the Mississippi River.

Requirements

• Current Minnesota Chief Engineer Grade C license or higher.
• A valid Minnesota Class D driver’s license.

Qualifications

Must demonstrate the following:

• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices involved in the operation, distribution, and maintenance of high-low pressure steam systems, HVAC systems, cooling towers, chillers, pumps and process piping and ability to apply quality assurance and/or quality control practices and protocols.
• Knowledge of building and safety codes and requirements (e.g., Life Safety) related to boilers, HVAC systems, steam traps and controls, pumps and process piping as well as plant operations to establish and maintain accident prevention practices and to 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 and water leaks, heating/cooling system failures, power outages, sprinkler system discharges, snow emergencies, etc.
• Computer skills such as word-processing, spreadsheet, email, calendar, internet sufficient to produce reports and correspondence.
• Conflict resolution skills sufficient to communicate and resolve maintenance problems and work in conjunction with management to coordinate campus-wide activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in the operation, distribution, and maintenance of high and low pressure steam systems, related pumps, piping and other accessories, HVAC systems, cooling towers, chillers, and air to air systems.
• Two (2) 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 will be conducted on finalists, including a review of documentation related to job performance and contact with the applicant's former employer(s).
• A Tuberculosis (Mantoux) screening (or chest x-ray) is required prior to employment.
• A Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background check will be conducted on finalists for this position; finalists must pass the DHS background check.
• Finalists will be required to pass a driver's license check.

Schedule

• Work Hours: Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, subject to flexibility outside of normal working hours in emergencies and/or operational needs.
• May include weekends, evenings, holidays, and being on-call.

Pay

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

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF.
• Diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years).
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Support to help you reach your career goals, including training, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, addressing mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services: chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care.

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.