Utility Plant Operations Supervisor

Overview Utility Plant Operations Supervisor at the University of New Mexico (UNM) — lead the Utility Services Department to maintain uninterrupted utility services across campus. You’ll oversee and coordinate operations at main and remote utility plants, ensuring delivery of steam, chilled water, potable water, natural gas, electricity, and compressed air. Responsibilities Lead with Purpose : Supervise and inspire a team of utility plant operators and technicians, handling scheduling, training, evaluations, and daily support. Ensure 24/7 Reliability : Manage operation of high-pressure boilers, large-capacity chillers (700 to 2000 tons), 7.7 MW gas turbine generators, and related auxiliary systems. Maintain Top Performance : Monitor performance, analyze operational data, investigate abnormal events, and adjust systems to maximize efficiency and reliability. Enforce Safety & Compliance : Ensure operations comply with University policies, engineering specifications, and local/state/federal safety and environmental standards. Develop Your Team : Provide hands-on training, coordinate internal knowledge transfer, and support ongoing technical development and certification. Drive Collaboration : Partner with other departments, vendors, and engineering teams to ensure timely maintenance and strategic improvements. What You Bring Experience : Experience operating and maintaining complex utility systems, including boilers, chillers, gas turbines, and auxiliary equipment. Leadership : Proven ability to supervise rotating shifts, manage overtime fairly, mentor junior staff, and foster a culture of accountability and safety. Technical Expertise : Deep understanding of utility plant engineering, water systems, chemical treatment, and energy distribution. Communication Skills : Ability to coach, report, document, and collaborate across diverse teams and management levels. Computer Proficiency : Comfortable using software tools for maintenance tracking, reporting, and procedural documentation. Qualifications Minimum : High school diploma or GED; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties. Certification/Licensure: New Mexico CID Low Pressure Boiler License; New Mexico CID High Pressure Boiler License; and New Mexico Environment Division (NMED) Water Supply Level 3 (WS3) certificate. Preferred Qualifications Overtime Management : Schedule, coordinate, and track overtime to support 24/7/365 operations with fairness and audit-ready records. Training Coordination : Experience organizing in-house training programs to develop less experienced operators. Work Order Oversight : Ability to assign, monitor, and ensure timely completion of maintenance work orders. Team Leadership : Coach, support, and discipline direct reports while fostering a safe, inclusive work environment. Managerial Collaboration : Willingness to accept direction and feedback constructively. Cross-Department Communication : Excellent communication for collaboration across utilities team and departments. Technical Experience : Minimum five years of hands-on experience with high-pressure boilers, large chillers, gas turbines, and related systems. Details Campus : Main - Albuquerque, NM Department : Utility Services Dept Main-Overhead (821D5) Employment Type : Staff Staff Type : Regular - Full-Time Status : Non-Exempt Pay : Hourly: $22.18 - $31.15 Benefits Benefits Eligible : Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance; tuition remission and dependent education programs; see Benefits page for more information. ERB Statement : Retirement contributions for eligible employees; see Benefits Eligibility grid. Application and Compliance Applicants must apply through the official UNMJobs site. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A pre-employment background check is required. #J-18808-Ljbffr The University of New Mexico