Plant Operations Manager

Freedom Behavioral Hospital of Bunkie; Marksville (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Freedom Behavioral Hospital of Bunkie is seeking a Plant Operations Manager to oversee the facility's physical plant, equipment, and safety systems. You will supervise the maintenance team, manage building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), and coordinate with other departments to ensure operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will be organized, safety-conscious, and experienced in facilities operations.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Facility Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Experience: 3–5 years in facilities/plant operations; prior supervisory/management experience; experience with building systems; basic computer knowledge.
• Certifications: OSHA 10/30 a plus (willingness to obtain); EPA Universal Refrigerant a plus; trade certifications advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the plant and facility systems
• Manage and schedule preventative maintenance and repair activities
• Lead and supervise the maintenance team, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and to standard
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety standards (OSHA, fire codes, etc.)
• Maintain accurate records of equipment, inspections, and maintenance logs
• Coordinate with outside contractors for specialized work when necessary
• Assist in budgeting for operations, repairs, and capital improvements
• Respond to facility emergencies and troubleshoot system issues promptly
• Collaborate with department heads to prioritize facility needs and minimize downtime
• Implement energy-saving initiatives and sustainability practices

Skills

Supervisory experience

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Energy management

Vendor coordination

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Overview

NOTE: This position is currently filled. However, it is the policy of Freedom Behavioral to continue to take applications so that we can ensure there is no disruption in patient care if a vacancy occurs.

Freedom Behavioral will provide services to adult civil commitment psychiatric patients in Bunkie, LA. The facility is a new 60-bed center that is or will be completed soon.

The Plant Operations Manager is responsible for the overall maintenance, functionality, and safety of the facility's physical plant and equipment. This role includes supervision of maintenance personnel, management of building systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.), and coordination with other departments to ensure operational excellence.

The ideal candidate is organized, safety-conscious, and experienced in facility operations. While HVAC knowledge and experience are highly valued, they are not required for this position.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the plant and facility systems
• Manage and schedule preventative maintenance and repair activities
• Lead and supervise the maintenance team, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and to standard
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and safety standards (OSHA, fire codes, etc.)
• Maintain accurate records of equipment, inspections, and maintenance logs
• Coordinate with outside contractors for specialized work when necessary
• Assist in budgeting for operations, repairs, and capital improvements
• Respond to facility emergencies and troubleshoot system issues promptly
• Collaborate with department heads to prioritize facility needs and minimize downtime
• Implement energy-saving initiatives and sustainability practices

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Facility Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred
• Experience:
  • Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in facilities or plant operations
  • Prior supervisory or management experience required
  • Experience with building systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.) strongly preferred
  • Basic Computer Knowledge
• Certifications:
  • OSHA 10/30 Certification is a plus (willingness to obtain)
  • EPA Universal Refrigerant Certification a plus
  • Trade certifications (e.g., electrical, plumbing) are advantageous

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of HVAC systems
• Experience in healthcare, industrial, or large commercial facilities
• Project management experience