MAJOR SYSTEMS SUPERVISOR-CHILLED WATER OPERATIONS

University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 64,000 - 104,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alabama at Birmingham seeks a seasoned supervisor to lead the safe, reliable operation of its chilled water plants and distribution system. You will provide 24/7 operational oversight, direct plant staff, and coordinate with maintenance for outages and projects.

The role requires extensive knowledge of BAS/SCADA, EH&S, and alarm management, with strong leadership and communication skills to ensure uninterrupted campus and hospital service.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field is required or four (4) years of relevant experience in lieu of education.
• Experience supervising Central Plant Operators and managing 24/7 utility operations.
• Strong knowledge of chilled water plant components, controls, and safety procedures.
• Familiarity with BAS, SCADA, CMMS and operator trend analysis for performance reporting.
• Commitment to EH&S requirements and safety culture in a 24/7 environment.
• Effective communication with campus stakeholders and contractors during outages or projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead safe, efficient operation of chilled water plants and distribution system.
• Supervise Central Plant Operators: assign work, schedule, train, and evaluate performance.
• Monitor plant ops via BAS/SCADA; respond to CAMS alarms and outages.
• Oversee chilled water distribution operations, including valve alignments and startups.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, policies, EH&S; promote safety culture.
• Maintain records, reports, payroll inputs, procurement support, and KPIs.

Skills

Chilled water plant ops

Staff supervision

BAS/SCADA operation

Operational safety (EH&S)

Alarm response & escalation

Data analysis & reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Engineering Technology or related field

Associate's degree + 6 years relevant experience

Accredited technical/vocational program + 7 years relevant experience

Tools

BAS/SCADA systems

CMMS

Job description

The primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

Job Summary

To supervise the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of UAB's chilled water plants and distribution system. To provide leadership, technical direction, and 24/7 operational oversight to ensure continuous service and compliance with applicable standards. To oversee chilled water production, systemmonitoring, alarm response, and operational adjustments while serving as the subject matter expert for chilled water operations. To coordinate closely with maintenance leadership to support planned maintenance, outages, repairs, and uninterrupted chilled water service for campus and hospital customers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS TO INCLUDE

• Lead the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of chilled water plants and the distribution system, directing equipment loading, system pressures, temperatures, flows, and operating strategies to maintain continuous service.
• Supervise Central Plant Operators by assigning work, scheduling staff, providing training, evaluating performance and ensuring compliance with operational and safety standards.
• Monitor plant operations through BAS, SCADA, and related systems; manage and direct responses to CAMS alarms, outages, and emergencies; and coordinate with maintenance and other trades to resolve operational issues.
• Oversee chilled water distribution operations, including valve alignments, system isolation, startup/shutdown activities, restoration efforts, and coordination of field operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, university policies, and EH&S requirements while promoting a strong safety culture and adherence to established procedures.
• Manage operational records, reports, logs, payroll inputs, procurement support, inspections, and performance metrics.
• Coordinate operational support for projects, outages, commissioning, and construction activities while communicating with campus departments, contractors, and hospital stakeholders.
• Evaluate operational performance and implement process improvements to enhance system reliability, efficiency, and operator effectiveness.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Comprehensive knowledge of chilled water plant operations, including chillers, cooling towers, pumps, distribution systems, water flow management, operating setpoints, and control strategies
• Ability to direct plant startup, shutdown, load management, alarm response, system restoration, and outage coordination while making sound operational decisions under pressure
• Skilled in interpreting technical drawings, specifications, sequences of operation, manufacturer documentation, and operational data to diagnose issues and implement effective solutions
• Knowledge of Building Automation Systems (BAS), SCADA, CMMS, and other system monitoring tools used to oversee plant performance, analyze trends, and support operational reporting
• Thorough knowledge of EH&S requirements and safe operating practices, including Confined Space Entry, Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO), emergency response procedures, and 5S principles
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, evaluate, and develop staff while managing multiple priorities in a 24/7 utility environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively with maintenance teams, contractors, campus stakeholders, and customers during routine operations, outages, and emergencies.

Starting Annual Rate

$63,875 - $103,800 (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field and four (4) years of relevant experience required; or an associate's degree in a related field and six (6) years of relevant experience; or completion of an accredited technical or vocational program in a related field and seven (7) years of relevant experience. Work experience may substitute for the education requirement.

Licenses/Certifications/Registrations

Driving record should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive vehicles in performance of University business. Current underwriting guidelines include possession a valid driver’s license, issued in the United States; at least 21 years of age; at least three years of driving experience; maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

• Master-level trade certification preferred (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, etc)
• EPA Section 608 Technician Certification (Type II or Universal) preferred.
• OSHA 30-hour Certification or equivalent safety training (preferred).

PERSONAL

• Possess the necessary physical requirements, with or without the aid of mechanical devices, to safely perform the duties and responsibilities of this position to include:
• Lifting and carrying a minimum of fifty (50) pounds.
• Perform tasks requiring climbing stairs, bending, stooping, crawling, kneeling, pulling and/or pushing, and extensive walking significant distances between and within buildings on campus.
• Working in the rain and in unfavorable weather conditions, hot, cold, wet, etc.
• Working in confined spaces
• Working within extreme temperature ranges
• Incomplete job profiles will not be processed. Please be certain to showcase depth and breadth of experience, as it relates to the needs of this job announcement.

For more information about UAB Facilities, please visit: http://www.uab.edu/facilities/.

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

Organization

112802010 Chilled Water

Employee Status

Regular

Shift

Day/1st Shift

Work Arrangement (final schedule to be determined by the department/hiring manager)

Onsite