Facilities Operations Superintendent

Inside Higher Ed; Chapel Hill (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus of $7,500

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

A leading education organization seeks a Facilities Operations Superintendent in Chapel Hill, NC. The role demands expertise in cogeneration operations, managing a diverse team, and ensuring the facility's reliable performance. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership experience and a solid understanding of power plant operations, including steam generation and distribution. A sign-on bonus of $7,500 is offered for the successful applicant.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalency plus four years of experience.
• Three years of supervisory experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations, manpower, and budget planning.
• Manage a team of 37 FTE across four groups.
• Ensure adequate staffing levels and performance management.
• Prepare operational reports.
• Coordinate bi-annual outage plans.

Skills

Strong knowledge of cogeneration/power plant operations

Working knowledge of control systems

Experience with steam turbine generators

Ability to manage budget

Ability to prepare and present reports

Education

High school graduation or equivalency plus four years of experience

Job description

Facilities Operations Superintendent – Inside Higher Ed

Location: North Carolina, US
Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent
FTE: 1
Hours per Week: 40
Posting Open Date: 11/06/2025
Application Deadline: 12/08/2025

Position Summary

A SIGN-ON BONUS OF $7,500 IS AVAILABLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT OF THIS POSITION PAID IN 2 INSTALLMENTS WITHIN TWELVE (12) MONTHS OF HIRE: $3,750 WITHIN 30 DAYS OF HIRE DATE & $3,750 12-MONTHS AFTER HIRE DATE.
The Operations Superintendent holds a critical leadership role focused on the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the facility. The position bridges technical operations, personnel management, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

The Operations Superintendent serves as a member of the Cogeneration Systems Management Team and is a subject matter expert for power plant operations. Responsibilities include:

• Operational oversight, manpower and budget planning, and goal setting for the generation of steam used for heating, humidification, domestic hot water, sterilization and producing distilled water.
• Guiding the Operations Group of 37 FTE across four teams, supervising Shift Supervisors.
• Ensuring adequate staffing levels, administering performance management, and collaborating with HR on recruitment.
• Preparing monthly, quarterly and annual operational reports.
• Developing and reviewing operational guidelines and procedures.
• Coordinating bi‑annual outage plans with maintenance and instruments & controls groups to ensure safe and reliable supply of steam and electricity.
• Working across Energy Services with other work groups within the department.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalency plus four (4) years of experience in applicable Utility operations/maintenance, including three (3) years of supervisory experience with formal performance management; or an equivalent combination of experience, training, and education.

Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Demonstrated strong knowledge of cogeneration/power plant operations: boilers, turbines, steam generation, steam distribution, and auxiliary equipment.
• Working knowledge of control systems (DCS, SCADA), instrumentation & controls, safety systems, and ability to understand high‑pressure steam systems.
• Experience with steam turbine generators, coal/gas/oil‑fired CFB boilers, gas/oil‑fired package boilers, and/or a 1 MW generator and flare skid.
• Knowledge of the methods, principles, practices and techniques used in operating a cogeneration and/or steam plant.
• Ability to prepare and maintain routine records and/or reports and present findings when requested.
• Ability to manage budget, purchase requisitions, and/or contractor oversight.

Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience

• Extensive power plant operations experience in a cogeneration and/or steam facility(s).
• Experience working in varying environmental conditions, including dusty, hot, humid, cold, confined spaces, heights, and handling hazardous materials.
• Ability to move 50 pounds minimum and/or wear self‑contained breathing apparatus as required.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

• Continuous operation of the power plant (24/7-365 days) requiring evening, night, and weekend work occasionally.
• Exposed to hazardous materials, need for respirator, general use, shift work occasionally.
• Valid NC Driver’s License.
• Availability and response to operational emergencies outside normal business hours.
• Severe weather essential and communicable disease/public health mandatory commitments.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

• Eligibility for sign‑on bonus: candidates must not have worked in a North Carolina state government position subject to the State Human Resources Act in the last 12 months.
• Eligible employees must sign the Pay Back Agreement form.

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Industries

Online Audio and Video Media