Utility Plant Supervisor (Utility Plant Operator II)

Department Information

Make a difference in higher education!

Colorado School of Mines (Mines) is an internationally preeminent teaching and research university dedicated to meeting the resource development needs of a rapidly evolving, technology-based society. Mines was selected by the Colorado State Legislature as the state's first "exemplary institution" of public higher education due to our "high degree of responsibility and capability with regard to academic and administrative functions."


Colorado's oldest public university, Mines is located in Golden, Colorado at the gateway of the Rocky Mountains, 13 miles west of downtown Denver and 21 miles south of Boulder.

MINES IS PROUD TO OFFER EXCELLENT BENEFITS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN EXTRAORDINARY TALENT. OUR PERKS INCLUDE:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Generous vacation and sick leave plus 13 paid holidays
• State retirement plan (PERA)
• Parental Leave
• Reduced cost tuition for employee and family members
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Professional growth and training opportunities
• Access to technology and equipment
• Colorado State Employee Assistance Program
• Access to a world-class recreation center
• Interaction with an international population and cultural events

Description of Job

Join a high-performing facilities team supporting a premier research university. This role is responsible for supervising plant operations and staff while ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient steam production across campus. The position blends hands-on plant operations (45%) with people leadership and operational oversight (50%) , plus field response and support (5%) .

Key Responsibilities

1. Plant Operations Leadership & Supervision (50%)

Provide leadership for utility plant operations and a team of 5 operators to ensure uninterrupted steam service.

What You’ll Do

• Direct daily boiler and plant operations; communicate decisions to operators and leadership
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff performance, including:
  • Performance plans and quarterly evaluations
  • Skill development and cross-training
• Create and manage staff schedules to ensure 24/7 plant coverage
• Assign and prioritize work based on operational needs, employee skillsets, and development goals
• Ensure accurate timekeeping, leave tracking, and compliance with FLSA requirements
• Lead monthly safety training and enforce all safety and organizational policies
• Participate in hiring processes, including defining role requirements and interviewing candidates
• Oversee tools, equipment tracking, and compliance
• Develop and manage preventive maintenance programs and quality standards

Decision-Making Impact

• Optimize staffing and shift coverage during absences or operational disruptions
• Analyze daily logs to detect anomalies and implement corrective actions without impacting service
• Allocate personnel and materials during system failures
• Establish performance standards for maintenance and documentation
• Identify training and safety needs for the team

Typical Challenges

• Adjusting schedules due to absences while maintaining continuous operations
• Balancing operational needs with staff development and compliance requirements
• Identifying and addressing safety or skill gaps across the team

2. Supervising Plant Operator (45%)

Serve as a lead technical expert responsible for operating and maintaining plant systems.

What You’ll Do

• Operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and repair:
  • Boilers, steam generators, pumps, compressors, and control systems (SCADA/PLC)
• Maintain plant efficiency by adjusting operations based on demand, weather, and system performance
• Generate logs, production data, and preventive maintenance schedules
• Coordinate annual inspections and ensure regulatory compliance
• Order parts and materials based on equipment needs and usage trends
• Train operators on:
  • Equipment operation and calibration
  • System updates and control procedures
• Perform water and chemical testing and adjust treatment processes accordingly
• Utilize plant management software to compensate for system or sensor failures

Decision-Making Impact

• Determine optimal boiler configurations to meet campus demand efficiently
• Respond to system alarms and diagnose mechanical, electrical, or piping issues
• Adjust chemical treatment systems based on analysis results

Typical Challenges

• Troubleshooting complex equipment failures and determining safe corrective actions
• Responding to fuel supply interruptions (e.g., switching from natural gas to fuel oil)
• Maintaining plant operations during equipment or control system failures

3. Facilities Support & Emergency Response (5%)

Support broader campus facilities operations and after-hours response.

What You’ll Do

• Perform corrective maintenance across campus facilities
• Operate university vehicles to transport tools and equipment
• Inspect steam systems, piping, traps, meters, and safety devices
• Support after-hours emergency response (e.g., leaks, HVAC issues, flooding)
• Provide technical guidance to other facilities teams during off-hours

Decision-Making Impact

• Assess urgency and determine whether to respond directly or escalate
• Diagnose issues such as leaks or system failures and coordinate appropriate repairs

What Success Looks Like

• Reliable, uninterrupted steam production across campus
• Strong team performance, engagement, and skill development
• Safe operations and full compliance with policies and regulations
• Effective, timely response to system issues and emergencies

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:



Educational Requirements:

• 
  6+ years of progressively responsible utility plant experience (two of which must have been at the journey level)

• 2+ years of supervisory experience

• ADD-ASOPE or other Nationally recognized Boiler/Stationary Engineer License

• Strong communication and customer service skills

• Experience with computerized systems (e.g., work orders, plant controls)

• Valid Colorado driver’s license

Special Requirements:
A current Colorado Driver License is required and must be maintained during employment. Must have a clean driving record with no DUI/DWAI convictions within the past five years.(A copy of your current motor vehicle record (MVR) will be required as a condition of hire). Must be physically able to perform strenuous physical labor including lifting 100 pounds.



Substitutions
Successful completion of a formalized utility plant operations apprenticeship program or higher level course work from an accredited, non-correspondence, vocational or trades school may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis. YOU MUST SUBMIT A COPY OF YOUR UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THIS SUBSTITUTION.



CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Background check
• Pre-employment physical
• Pre-Employment drug screen
• Motor Vehicle Record check

Desired Qualifications

In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in a central utility plant or campus/district energy system
• Advanced experience operating dual-fuel boilers (natural gas and fuel oil)
• Hands-on experience with SCADA systems, PLCs, and Boiler Plant Manager software
• Demonstrated success supervising union or shift-based teams in a 24/7 operation
• Strong background in preventative maintenance planning and reliability programs
• Experience managing water treatment and chemical dosing programs
• Knowledge of Colorado air quality regulations (e.g., APEN reporting)
• Ability to lead teams through emergency response situations and system failures
• Experience training or mentoring operators in technical systems and safety practices
• Familiarity with steam distribution systems, tunnels, traps, and condensate systems
• Previous experience in a higher education, research, or large institutional environment

APPEAL RIGHTS:
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.


An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (View email address on jobs.institutedata.com), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed View phone number on jobs.institutedata.com) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.


For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at View phone number on jobs.institutedata.com; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:
The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at View email address on jobs.institutedata.com or call View phone number on jobs.institutedata.com.

Supplemental Information

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator at View email address on jobs.institutedata.com.