Manager, Cogeneration Plant

The Plant Manager position is part of the Plant Operations department at Vanderbilt University and is responsible for managing the operation and maintenance of the Central Utility Plant to ensure generation of sufficient quantities of steam and electricity to meet load demands. Reporting directly to the Director of Engineering and Technical Support the Plant Manager should possess the ability to work and make independent judgment and action within established policies and procedures.

Facilities annual budget exceeds $100 million in operating expenses and includes over 400 employees. Facilities manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$125 million annually and facility renewal, replacement and large maintenance project expenditures totaling ~$20 million annually. The Facilities Business Operations Center provides support to the entire Facilities department, specifically in regard to the areas of Finance, Employee Relations, Systems, Contracts and General Administration.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Schedules periodic maintenance and makes frequent inspections of steam and electricity generating units to ensure proper operation.
• Schedules major shutdowns for maintenance when possible. Coordinates efforts of outside contractors or University Personnel to achieve repairs.
• Arranges for the procurement of fuel, anticipating quantity, scheduling deliveries, keeping supporting records,
• Orders supplies and replacement parts used in the plant unsing the facilities' work management system
• Responds to emergencies and determines corrective actions using available resources. Coordinates with building occupants.
• Directs through working leaders the maintenance and operation of all Main Powerhouse systems, and all the primary distribution lines including those to the VU Medical Center complex.
• Review plans for new utility related items; collaborates in discussions with contractors, engineers, and architects regarding utility features of proposed buildings; attends construction field meetings, as necessary.
• Oversees expansion of Central Plant facilities
• Directs the administrative functions of the Plant.
  • Establishes and maintains office routines, to conduct Central Utility Plant business, and maintains sufficient records to show the plant operation history and costs.
  • Assists the BOC in the preparation of the Plant budget.
• Supervises a staff of about twelve Co-generation Plant Specialists, five Power Distribution Specialist, and 4 general maintenance staff.
  • Hires or makes the principal recommendation for hiring this staff and evaluates their performance. Makes recommendations on promotions, salary and other personnel matters.
• Coordinates activities by scheduling assignments, setting priorities, and utilizing the work order system to quantify work.
• Identifies staff training needs and ensures that training is obtained.
• Checks daily logs to determine proper operation and efficiency of operation.
• Inspects completed work on boiler repairs, plumbing, pipe fitting, generators, turbines, electrical gear and other electrical work.
• Prepares daily and monthly reports of power plant operation, power generation.
• Estimates labor and/or material for repair or new construction of plant systems.
• Reviews and approves employees time cards weekly
• Maintains overtime roster and on call pager schedules
• Performs other related duties as required.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to Director of Engineering and Technical Support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, or equivalent work experience, is necessary.
• 10 years as a steam plant operator, at least five of which were as a Working Leader or Assistant Chief Engineer.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation and maintenance of high-pressure boilers, electrical generating equipment, and related mechanical equipment in a steam or electrical generating power plant.
• Considerable knowledge of the power plant control system, and the ability to make adjustments to such that plant is operating at peak efficiency.
• Considerable knowledge of electrical circuits pertaining to boiler and balance of plant equipment.
• Highly knowledgeable of the occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to the work.
• Knowledge of labor relations and union contracts.
• Knowledge of high voltage distribution equipment including switchgear, breakers, relays, and metering
• Highly knowledgeable of the fields concepts, practices and procedures.
• Ability to train power plant operators and others in the operation and maintenance of the power plant and related systems.
• Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports.
• Ability to detect operating defects and faults.
• Ability to monitor program and plant performance in order to assess efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ability to maintain work schedules and uphold work standards.
• High computer skills in various applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both verbally and in writing in a professional manner.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.