8872 Utility Plant Supervisor – Chilled Water Production & Building Automation Systems

POSITION IDENTIFICATION

TITLE Utility Plant Supervisor – Chilled Water Production & Building Automation Systems

CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 8872

GRADE 28

CLASSIFICATION Exempt

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Utilities Operations Manager

GENERAL FUNCTION

The Utility Plant Supervisor – Chilled Water Production & Building Automation Systems provides leadership, supervision and technical oversight for the University’s District Chilled Water System (DCWS), Building Automation System (BAS), metering infrastructure, HVAC controls, and related energy management functions.  This position supervises skilled trades personnel assigned to BAS, HVAC controls, metering, chilled water distribution support, and energy management activities, ensuring reliable, efficient, safe, and compliant operations.

The position plans, schedules, assigns, and supervises daily work activities using the campus computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) and coordinates DCWS and BAS activities with the Utilities Operations Manager, Utility Systems Supervisor – Steam Production & Utility Distribution Systems, Maintenance Supervisor, Planning, Design, and Construction Project Managers, contractors, and other Facilities Management units. The position supports BAS scheduling, monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization to meet the University’s academic calendar, event schedules, seasonal loads, and operational needs.

The position supports utility and energy management processes by ensuring accurate metering, monitoring of chilled water production and building system performance, providing operational data, identifying usage discrepancies, and assisting the Utility Operations Manager with analysis needed for budgeting, forecasting, infrastructure renewal, and conservation efforts.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Education: A high school diploma or the equivalent is required. An associate’s or technical degree in building automation systems, automation/controls technology, mechatronics, HVAC, electrical technology, emergency management, facilities management, engineering, or a related field is preferred. Completion of a recognized apprenticeship program in building automation systems, HVAC electrical technology, instrumentation, or a related field is required. Attainment of APPA’s Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) designation is preferred. Additional experience beyond the minimum requirements may be substituted for educational requirements.

Experience: A minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in building automation systems, HVAC controls, chilled water systems, utility distribution systems, energy management systems, or a closely related field is required. At least two (2) years of supervisory experience in a technical, skilled trades, utility, or industrial environment is preferred. Experience with district chilled water systems, BAS scheduling and optimization, metering systems, and CMMS-based work planning is preferred. Additional education beyond the minimum requirements may be substituted for either technical or supervisory experience.

Skills: Knowledge of utility distribution systems, including District Chilled Water, District Steam, Medium Voltage, Domestic Water, and Facility HVAC Systems, and how they are configured and function is required. Knowledge of BAS, HVAC controls, metering systems, chilled water distribution operations, cooling towers, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, building-level chilled water interfaces, and energy management systems is required. The ability to monitor system performance, analyze operational data, identify deficiencies, coordinate corrective action, and implement adjustments to improve efficiency and reliability is required. Documented supervisory skills, including the ability to analyze, instruct, and delegate to others, are required. Proven ability to establish performance expectations, evaluate outcomes, manage conflict, administer corrective action, and foster employee development. Exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills, as well as strong verbal and written communication skills are required. Work in a unionized work environment is preferred. Strong operational planning, resource allocation, and workload prioritization skills are required. The ability to understand budgets and the operational impact of energy use is required. A working knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, CMMS, BAS software, energy management software, and standard office computer applications is required.

Effort: This position requires traveling to buildings throughout campus, utility distribution system tunnels, and all floors to read meters and evaluate issues and work activities. The ability to lift and transport materials and equipment weighing up to fifty (50) pounds and to perform activities such as standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and climbing stairs and ladders is required. Subordinate employees work indoors and out-of- doors, occasionally in environments that are dusty, noisy, or which could have work hazards.

Other: A valid driver’s license is required. The scope of the position will require occasional response to emergencies or other unforeseen situations around the clock. This position is designated as an essential employee who must report to work as scheduled when University offices are closed, when required. The supervisor will communicate the situations when the position is required to report to work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SUPERVISION

The Utility Plant Supervisor – Chilled Water Production and Building Automation Systems supervises full-time skilled trade, technical, part-time, student, and other employees as assigned.

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

REVISED AUGUST 2026