Cogeneration Plant Operations Manager

The Trustees of Union College in the Town of Schenectady in the State of New York; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation time

Sick and personal time

Health insurance options

Retirement plan access

On-campus fitness facilities

Job summary

Union College in Schenectady, NY seeks a Cogeneration Plant Supervisor to lead daily plant operations, mentor staff, and ensure safe, compliant operation of the central plant and campus utility distribution. The role oversees budgets, training, and regulatory reporting, with emphasis on reliability and environmental responsibility.

The position requires 5–10+ years in plant operations/maintenance, a mechanical or electrical background, and appropriate licenses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related field or Navy equivalent education/experience.
• 5-10+ years of operations and maintenance experience as a Plant Operator with high-pressure steam boilers, steam generators, power generation equipment (turbines preferred).
• Experience with aligning, switching, isolating, and paralleling electrical equipment and systems utilizing 13.2kV and 480V is preferred.
• Knowledge of control systems and operating mechanical systems conforming to SOPs as developed for the plant.
• Good organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills are required.
• Computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, Adobe, Google Platform programs, Metasys (preferred), and Plant Control Systems for operation of physical plants preferred.
• Leadership: provide staff with leadership and ensure accountability and safety.
• Availability: respond to on-campus emergencies, inspect, evaluate, and deploy staff and contractors for corrective measures.
• Licenses: Valid New York State Driver’s license is required; License as a Stationary Engineer and/or valid Navy or plant operator is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitors plant performance metrics and operations to meet energy demands.
• Coordinate startup, shutdown, and emergency procedures for all plant systems.
• Assist in the creation, development, and review of standard operating procedures for plant equipment and ensures testing (water, cooling tower, etc) is compliant.
• Performs required water tests for boiler feed water and condensate and collaborates with vendors on the care and treatment of cooling towers.
• Assist in planning, implementing, and overseeing plant upgrades and system modifications.
• Operates 24/7 plant facility utilizing the gas compressor, turbine, HRSG, D-type steam boiler, absorption and centrifugal chillers, and cooling towers.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance for boilers, chillers, HRSG, turbine, generators, cooling towers, and air compressors.
• Diagnoses problems and abnormal conditions by utilizing resources, collecting data, and interpreting P&IDs to develop repair plans.
• Coordinates plant shutdowns and vendor services for key equipment, including gas compressor, turbine, and chillers.
• Manages maintenance tracking and scheduling using the work order system Performo.
• Ensures Compliance: manages environmental and safety programs to meet regulations.
• Promotes Safety: leads safety practices and accident-free culture.
• Manages Emergencies: responds to plant emergencies and implements response plans.

Skills

Control systems

Documentation

Team leadership

Communication

MS Word/Excel

Plant operations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or related field

Navy equivalent education and experience

Tools

Metasys

Plant Control Systems

Performo

Job description

Union College in Schenectady, NY seeks a Cogeneration Plant Supervisor to lead daily plant operations, mentor staff, and ensure safe, compliant operation of the central plant and campus utility distribution. The role oversees budgets, training, and regulatory reporting, with emphasis on reliability and environmental responsibility.

The position requires 5–10+ years in plant operations/maintenance, a mechanical or electrical background, and appropriate licenses.