Cogeneration Plant Supervisor

Union College; City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & Personal Time

403(b) Retirement Plan

Tuition Exchange

On‑Campus Fitness Access

Job summary

Union College seeks a Cogeneration Plant Supervisor to lead operations and maintenance of the central plant in Schenectady, NY. This non-exempt, in-person role oversees steam and chilled water distribution, ensures safety and regulatory compliance, and mentors staff across plant operations and upgrades.

The position involves 24/7 readiness, shift coverage including nights and weekends, and collaboration with vendors to maintain equipment performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical or Navy equivalent education/experience.
• 5–10+ years of operations and maintenance experience in plants with high‑pressure steam systems.
• Licenses: NY Driver’s license; Stationary Engineer license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant performance metrics to meet energy demands.
• Coordinate startup, shutdown, and emergency procedures for plant systems.
• Develop and review standard operating procedures for plant equipment.
• Perform water tests for boiler feed water and condensate; coordinate with vendors.
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance of boilers, chillers, HRSG, turbines.
• Respond to emergencies and oversee safety practices across the plant.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical or Electrical

Navy equivalent education/experience

Tools

MS Word

Excel

Adobe

Google Workspace

Metasys

Plant Control Systems

Job description

The Cogeneration Plant Supervisor is a key leader, mentor, and role model within the Union College Facilities Services Department. This position is central to ensuring the safe and environmentally compliant operation of the central plant. The working supervisor directly manages and actively participates with all operational and maintenance activities and oversees the downstream steam and chilled water distribution throughout the campus.

Cogeneration Plant Supervisor

Pay Status and Classification

Non-exempt, Regular full-time, In-person. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance or visa sponsorship.

Supervisor

Assistant Director of Facilities

Position Purpose

The Cogeneration Plant Supervisor is a key leader, mentor, and role model within the Union College Facilities Services Department. This position is central to ensuring the safe and environmentally compliant operation of the central plant. The working supervisor directly manages and actively participates with all operational and maintenance activities and oversees the downstream steam and chilled water distribution throughout the campus.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

Operations

• Monitors plant performance metrics and operations to meet energy demands.
• Coordinate startup, shutdown, and emergency procedures for all plant systems.
• Assists 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, Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), D-type steam boiler, absorption and centrifugal chillers, and cooling towers.

Maintenance

• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance for a wide range of plant equipment including boilers, chillers, the HRSG, turbine, generators, cooling towers, and air compressors.
• Diagnoses problems and abnormal conditions (such as leaks or unusual noise) by utilizing resources, collecting data, and interpreting P&IDs to develop effective repair plans.
• Coordinates plant shutdowns and vendor services for key equipment, including the gas compressor, turbine, and chillers.
• Manages all maintenance tracking and scheduling using the work order system (Performo).

Environmental, Health, Safety, and Administration

• Ensures Compliance: Manages all environmental and safety programs to guarantee the plant meets all federal, state, and local regulations. This includes monitoring air emissions, chemical controls, and all required permits.
• Promotes Safety: Leads the effort to maintain an accident-free workplace. The Supervisor sets the example for proper safety practices, including the use of protective gear and following procedures to prevent injury.
• Manages Emergencies: Is responsible for responding to all plant emergencies and ensuring the team follows the established response plan to protect people and property.
• Position may require working varied shifts including nights, weekends, and holiday coverage, as well as covering open shifts, as needed.
• Complies with department and college policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree (in Mechanical, Electrical, or related field) or Navy equivalent education and experience is required.
• Experience: 5-10+ years experience of operations and maintenance experience as a Plant Operator with relevant understanding of high-pressure steam boilers, steam generators, power generation equipment (turbines preferred), and utility distribution required. Experience with aligning, switching, isolating, and paralleling electrical equipment and systems utilizing 13.2kV and 480V is preferred.
• Skills: Knowledge of control systems and operating mechanical systems conforming to SOP’s 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 are followed within college procedures as well as safety within the plant. Train, lead, and elevate staff to ensure safe operations of the plant.
• Availability: Ability to 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.

Compensation

The hourly range for this position is $38.00-$42.00. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Location

Schenectady, NY

We offer exceptional benefits including

• Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
• Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance with policy)
• Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
• Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs
• Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
• Tuition Exchange

Background Checks

In accordance with our background check policy, finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions.

E-Verify Participation

Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar).