Supervisor, Plant Operations

Supervisor, Plant Operations

Are you a skilled leader who enjoys solving complex challenges and keeping critical systems running at peak performance? Auburn University is seeking a Plant Operations Supervisor to lead the operation and maintenance of the campus district energy systems that provide heating and cooling to thousands of students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

In this role, you will oversee the Chilled Water, Hot Water, and Steam Plants serving Auburn University's main campus and College of Veterinary Medicine. You will lead a team of highly skilled Plant Operations Technicians responsible for maintaining and operating essential infrastructure that supports the university's daily operations. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine technical expertise, leadership, and strategic planning. You will manage personnel, budgets, procurement, maintenance programs, and contracted services while providing guidance on system reliability, efficiency, and long-term operational improvements. Your contributions will directly impact campus comfort, sustainability, and the continuous delivery of critical utility services. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with strong technical knowledge of utility plant operations, a commitment to safety and excellence, and a passion for developing employees and improving system performance.

Responsibilities

Operations & Reliability: Plan, organize, and evaluate daily operations of central plants; Ensure safety, reliability, and efficiency in all plant activities; Lead both routine operations and emergency/after-hours responses; Lead daily morning team meetings to review operations, safety concerns, project progress, preventive maintenance, and efficiency initiatives.

Supervision & Team Development: Direct Plant Operations technicians, assigning and overseeing work; Coach staff, conduct evaluations, and provide professional development; Foster teamwork, inclusion, and technician-led initiatives; Manage Kronos system and oversee technician timekeeping.

Maintenance & System Performance: Oversee corrective and preventive maintenance programs; Monitor logs and system performance for compliance and reliability; Implement resilience measures (valve databases, ultrasonic monitoring, Lockout/Tagout, equipment tracking); Champion leak reduction and conservation initiatives across campus.

Safety & Compliance: Model accountability through daily safety discussions and training; Ensure the safety subcommittee meets regularly and produces quality output; Ensure compliance with codes and standards; Verify contractor and staff work meets University requirements.

Resource & Budget Management: Maintain records of work, equipment, and supplies; Oversee Plant Operations warehouse and inventory management; Support budget development, monitor expenditures, and prepare specifications and purchasing documents.

Capital Projects & Infrastructure: Participate in design reviews and provide technical recommendations; Support chilled water, hot water, and steam system planning; Inspect contractor installations for compliance with standards; Launch and manage Plant Operations projects.

Collaboration & Communication: Coordinate with Facilities divisions, contractors, and clients to meet operational needs; Communicate system status and resolve issues promptly; Minimize and effectively manage planned outages to reduce inconvenience while proactively improving customer awareness and communication; Assist campus groups as needed with projects, outages, emergencies, and other support.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years of experience in maintaining, repairing, and operating thermal distribution systems and associated support equipment. Experience leading a multifunctional technician workforce. Valid Driver's License.

SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED FOR EXPERIENCE: Yes, when a candidate has the required education, but lacks the required experience, they may normally apply additional appropriate education toward the experience requirement, at a rate of one (1) year relevant education per year of required experience.