Utility Plant Management

University of Utah; Campus (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah is seeking a Manager for Utility Plant Management to oversee daily operations of the campus heating and cooling plants, coordinate staffing, and ensure reliable utility services. You will lead the Plant Operations and Building Operations teams, manage budgets, and drive safety and efficiency initiatives across all plant sites.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) plus 6 years, or a master’s degree (or equivalent) plus 4 years of directly related experience,

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalency with 6 years of related work experience or a master’s degree with 4 years of related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversees operation of the university's two main heating and cooling plants and several remote cooling plants.
• Provides resources and direction to staff; coaches and mentors staff for professional development.
• Manages maintenance contracts, budgeting, procurement, and regulatory compliance; responds to emergencies 24/7.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Other documents - Copies of any pertinent certifications or licenses held.

Announcement

Details

Open Date

Open Date 08/14/2026

Requisition Number

Requisition Number PRN45935B

Job Title

Job Title Utility Plant Management

Working Title

Working Title Utility Plant Management

Career Progression Track M00

Track Level M3 - Manager

FLSA Code

FLSA Code Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code?

Patient Sensitive Job Code? No

Standard Hours per Week 40

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Shift

Shift Day

Work Schedule Summary

Monday – Friday 7:30am – 4:00pm. Also required to respond to emergencies or significant abnormal conditions as needed.

VP Area

VP Area President

Department

Department 01742 - Central Plant

Location

Location Campus

City

City Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment External Posting

Pay Rate Range

Pay Rate Range $85,250 - $101,750

Close Date

Close Date 11/14/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

Manage daily operations within a specific area of the utility plant, overseeing tasks to be completed efficiently and safely. Provide coaching and training to staff, monitor performance, and identify minor inefficiencies. Report operational performance to the upper management and address any issues as they arise. Act as a point of contact for both front-line staff and higher management, facilitating communication and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience. Assumes work equivalency (1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience). Must have a valid driver’s license.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

Responsibilities

This position reports directly to the head of the University’s Utility Department and oversees the operation of the two main heating and cooling plants on campus as well as several remote cooling plants. Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provides resources and direction to the assistant plant manager who oversees the heating and cooling systems maintenance staff.
• Directly supervises the Plant Operations and Building Operations staff personnel.
• Ensures the safe and efficient operation of all hydronic heating and cooling equipment and distribution system components as well as some limited power generation equipment.
• Tracks and analyses plant performance noting trends and making suggestions to improve both plant reliability and efficiency.
• Prepares the annual central plant budget and manages same.
• Coaches and mentors the staff to ensure professional development and increased operational flexibility.
• Manages all personnel issues including hiring, disciplinary action, pay increase recommendations, performance reviews, etc.
• Works with plant personnel and other entities both internal and external to ensure all regulatory and preventive maintenance and testing requirements are met.
• Follows all state and university procurement regulations and policies.
• Manages maintenance contracts as applicable.
• Submits and manages Capital Improvement and Deferred Maintenance funding requests.
• Collaborates with project managers to oversee plant improvements and new plant construction and provides input to same.
• Collaborates with other departments to minimize adverse impacts due to both planned and unplanned utility service interruptions and works diligently to minimize the latter.
• Responds to plant emergencies and abnormal conditions 24/7/365 as needed and keeps the department head updated during said events.
• Maintains the physical plant conditions and stocks necessary tools and a reasonable inventory of spare parts to minimize down time.
• Manages use of fleet vehicles assigned to plant staff.
• Holds self and subordinates accountable for their stewardship of public funds and assets.

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT : 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Manager, Utility Plant Management: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

• Experience and in-depth knowledge of OSHA regulations.
• Experience with and knowledge of a variety of Building Automation Systems.
• Experience with and knowledge of large (up to 2,000 tons), water-cooled chiller and cooling tower systems (operations, maintenance and troubleshooting).
• Experience with and knowledge of high temperature heating water systems.
• Experience with managing groups of technical maintenance personnel.
• In-depth knowledge of heat transfer and fluid flow theory.
• EPA Universal Certification (A2L a significant plus).

Type

Special Instructions Summary

Other documents – Copies of any pertinent certifications or licenses held.

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at [phone] for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at [phone] or [phone] or University Human Resource Management at [phone] if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX ( OEO ). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.

Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu

https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.

As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * What is your highest level of completed education?
  • None
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • Doctorate Degree
• * How many years of related work experience do you have?
  • Less than 2 years
  • 2 years or more, but less than 4 years
  • 4 years or more, but less than 6 years
  • 6 years or more, but less than 8 years
  • 8 years or more, but less than 10 years
  • 10 years or more, but less than 12 years
  • 12 years or more, but less than 14 years
  • 14 years or more

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Applicant Document - Other

Optional Documents

University Human Resource Management
250 East 200 South, Suite 125 Salt Lake City, UT 84111
Contact us: [phone] By Email: [e-mail]