Utility Plant Management

University of Utah; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah is seeking a Utility Plant Management leader to oversee daily operations within a central plant area. You will coach staff, monitor performance, ensure safety protocols, and report to upper management on operational metrics.

The role requires a bachelor's degree with 6 years or a master's with 4 years of directly related experience, plus a valid driver's license. Work schedules include standard hours with on-call emergencies as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalency) + 6 years or Master's degree (or equivalency) + 4 years of related work experience.
• Equivalency substitutions allowed (1 year of higher education equals 1 year of related work).
• Must have a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Supervises the assistant plant manager and staff overseeing heating and cooling systems maintenance.
• Directly supervises Plant Operations and Building Operations staff.
• Ensures safe and efficient operation of hydronic heating and cooling equipment and distribution systems.
• Tracks and analyzes plant performance; suggests improvements for reliability and efficiency.
• Prepares and manages the annual central plant budget.
• Coaches staff for professional development and flexibility.
• Handles hiring, disciplinary actions, and performance reviews.
• Collaborates with internal/external teams to meet regulatory and preventive maintenance requirements.
• Adheres to procurement regulations and manages maintenance contracts.
• Submits Capital Improvement and Deferred Maintenance funding requests.
• Works with project managers on plant improvements and new construction.
• Minimizes downtime by coordinating with other departments during service interruptions.
• Responds to plant emergencies 24/7/365 and informs department head accordingly.
• Maintains plant conditions and inventories of tools and spare parts; manages fleet vehicles.

Skills

Coaching

Communication

Budgeting

Leadership

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree or equivalent

Job description

Utility Plant Management

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

The department may choose to hire at any of the below joblevels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

• 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 side events.
• Maintains the physical plant conditions and stocks necessary tools and a reasonable inventory of spare parts to minimize downtime.
• 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 joblevels: 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).

Special Instructions

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

Requisition Number

PRN45935B

Full Time or Part Time?

Full Time

Work Schedule Summary

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

Department

01742 - Central Plant

Location

Campus

Pay Rate Range

$85,250 - $101,750

Close Date

11/14/2026

Open Until Filled