Utilities Supervisor

Hickory Foods Inc.; Nebraska; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hickory Foods Inc. is seeking a Utilities Supervisor in Hastings, Nebraska. The role involves overseeing the operation and maintenance of plant utility systems, including HVAC, boilers, and electrical systems. Strong leadership and experience in industrial environments are essential.

The ideal candidate will have more than 5 years of maintenance experience, with an emphasis on safety and efficiency. The position requires a High School Diploma, with a preference for degrees in Engineering or related fields.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industrial utilities, maintenance, or plant operations experience.
• 2+ years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of industrial safety practices and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operation and maintenance of plant utility systems.
• Lead and develop utility technicians and maintenance personnel.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and company safety policies.

Skills

Leadership skills

Troubleshooting abilities

Project management skills

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

CMMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location

Hastings, Nebraska

Department

Operations / Maintenance / Engineering

Reports To

Plant Manager or Maintenance Manager

Position Summary

The Utilities Supervisor is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and maintenance of all plant utility systems. This position oversees utility personnel and contractors while ensuring continuous support of production operations through effective management of boilers, steam systems, refrigeration, compressed air, water treatment, wastewater treatment, HVAC, and electrical distribution systems. The Utilities Supervisor drives safety, regulatory compliance, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operation and maintenance of plant utility systems.
• Lead and develop utility technicians, operators, and maintenance personnel.
• Schedule preventive and predictive maintenance activities to maximize equipment uptime.
• Monitor utility system performance and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, state environmental regulations, and company safety policies.
• Manage boiler, steam, water treatment, wastewater treatment, refrigeration, compressed air, and HVAC systems.
• Coordinate maintenance shutdowns and utility-related capital projects.
• Develop standard operating procedures and maintenance practices.
• Maintain utility records, permits, inspections, and regulatory documentation.
• Analyze utility consumption and identify opportunities for energy savings and cost reduction.
• Manage outside contractors and vendors supporting utility operations.
• Support plant production goals through reliable utility services and rapid response to operational issues.
• Participate in emergency response and provide after-hours support as required.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Technology, Utilities Management, or related field preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of industrial utilities, maintenance, or plant operations experience.
• 2+ years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing, food processing, ethanol, agricultural processing, or power generation environments is highly desirable.

Technical Knowledge

• Boilers and steam generation systems.
• Water treatment and wastewater systems.
• Refrigeration and HVAC systems.
• Electrical distribution and motor control systems.
• PLCs, instrumentation, and process controls.
• Preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Energy management and utility optimization.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Project management and planning skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond to emergencies.
• Strong knowledge of industrial safety practices and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency with CMMS, Microsoft Office, and plant control systems.

Working Conditions

• Industrial manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, chemicals, and moving equipment.
• Ability to climb ladders, work at heights, and enter confined spaces.
• On-call availability for utility emergencies and plant support.
• Occasional weekend and overtime work may be required.

Preferred Certifications

• Boiler Operator License.
• Ammonia Refrigeration Certification (if applicable).
• Wastewater or Water Treatment Operator Certification.
• OSHA 30-Hour Training.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or similar credential.