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Utility Plant Operations Supervisor

Utility Plant Operations Supervisor

locationUnited States
PublishedPublished: 9/20/2024
Administrative Staff
Full Time

19-Sep-2024

Utility Plant Operations Supervisor

Campus Services

66927BR

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 the University’s Blackstone Steam Plant (BSP) and District Energy Facility (DEF), which operate within the E&U division of the University Campus Services Group.  Directly responsible, during assigned watch, for all aspects of plant operations (physical assets, production, personnel, etc.), maintenance, safety, environmental compliance, to ensure plant operations and performance.  Responsible for all communications and coordination between the plants and other areas of Campus Services.
 

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 oversight, coordination and reporting of all activities associated with the plant during assigned watch. Responsible for all communications and coordination between the plant and other areas of Campus Services.

  • Responsible and accountable for the regulatory compliance of the Blackstone Steam Plant and DEF, as well as compliance with any internal policies, procedures, or initiatives/directives. Directly responsible for supervising all compliance issues (federal, state, local, other) and taking appropriate corrective action in a timely manner during assigned watch.

  • 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.

  • Directly responsible for supervising unscheduled, emergency repairs to or restoration of utility production facilities, and outside contractors to ensure safe and proper coordination of plant operations, maintenance, and construction activities.  Required to fill in for/assume the role of the Utility Plant Maintenance Supervisor on an as needed basis (shifts may vary).

  • Oversee and monitor service provider/vendor performance under all operating agreements or contacts 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.

  • 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. Assists with 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.
     

Basic Qualifications

  • Must have High School diploma (or equivalent) and at least eight years plant operations/supervisory experience associated with industrial/campus/utility steam plant operations. 
  • Valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s Second Class Engineer’s License and Grade I or higher Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator’s license required.  
  • Must have, or successfully obtain within 6 months of hiring, EPA CFC technician certification (universal).  

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Additional Qualifications: 

  • In-depth knowledge of and direct experience in supervising steam and electricity production facilities (including generation, distribution, auxiliary systems, ancillary equipment, code requirements, regulatory requirements, and environmental compliance) required.  
  • Must have strong organizational, interpersonal, and supervisory 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 in 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 a rotating shift.  May be required to work overtime relief, off-shift, emergency coverage (nights, weekend, etc.) and /or other schedules, as needed. May be required to operate forklift or lifting devices.  

Certificates and Licenses

  • Valid Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s Second Class Engineer’s License and Grade I or higher Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator’s license required.  
  • Must have, or successfully obtain within 6 months of hiring, EPA CFC technician certification (universal).  
  • Valid State driver’s license

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 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.  
  • May 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, License/Cert.

Schedule

Sunday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm
Monday: OFF
Tuesday: OFF
Wednesday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm
Thursday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm
Friday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm
Saturday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm

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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