Careers at UMass Amherst

About UMass Amherst

The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.

Job Summary

The Assistant Power Plant Manager provides leadership to the plant operations and maintenance groups for the safe and efficient operation of the University of Massachusetts Amherst Central Heating Plant. This position manages the daily operation of the Central Heating Plant, assuring all plant operations are done in compliance with all permits, laws and regulations. This position plans and has significant input to the scheduling of preventative, predictive, corrective and overhaul maintenance of all Central Heating Plant equipment and systems.

Essential Functions

Plant Operations:

• In the absence of the Central Heating Plant Manager, this individual shall be the acting Central Heating Plant Manager for the Central Heating Plant.
• Directs Plant Lead Operators and Power Plant Operators to ensure that electric and steam generating requirements of the UMass campus are satisfied; Central Heating Plant efficiency & reliability are maintained; and that local, state, and federal safety and operational environmental standards are met.
• Develop and implement work schedules to ensure 24-hour coverage of plant operations with properly licensed personnel.
• Recruit, interview, hire, and train new operating personnel as required to ensure proper staffing.
• Establishes and maintains the Central Heating Plant operating procedures.
• Continuously reviews and improves operational processes and ensures that operating personnel are trained and adhere to established procedures and practices.
• Responsible for writing and maintaining necessary plant operation reports concerning equipment efficiency, energy consumption rates, and operational logs as required in a neat, professional, and timely manner.
• Investigates and resolves operating abnormalities and incidents to improve equipment availability and performance and to minimize maintenance requirements.
• Responsible for scheduling the repair and maintenance of the gas turbines, boilers, generators, and all support equipment of the central Heating Plant In accordance with standard Industry practice and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and Inspection requirements.
• Requisition and verify receipt of fuel oil, chemicals, equipment, consumables, and ammonia inventory at the Central Heating Plant.
• Coordinates the Central Heating Plant's gas usage nomination with Berkshire Gas Company and the University's suppliers.
• Coordinates the Central Heating Plants electrical production, campus electrical grid consumption, Demand Response Participation, and Forward Capacity Market Program requirements, with ISO New England.

General:

• Makes recommendations to the Central Heating Manager relative to operations, maintenance, and capital budgets.
• Provides support for environmental, health, and safety reporting of the Central Heating Plant.
• Develops and recommends budget and schedule for Central Heating Plant's employee training.
• Meets with and strives to maintain harmonious relationships with union representatives.
• Understands, is committed to, and supports affirmative action and non-discrimination goals.
• Performs other related technical duties and administrative tasks assigned by the Central Heating Plant Manager.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or Business Administration with 4 to 5 (four to five) years of supervisory or managerial experience in a Power Plant; or an Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering, or Business Administration with 5 to 7  (five to seven) years of supervisory or managerial experience in a Power Plant.
• Possession of a First Class Stationary Engineer's license issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety pursuant to Chapter 146 of the Massachusetts General Laws.
• Thorough understanding of generating plant operations and maintenance, with strong knowledge of generating equipment; operation of a gas turbine, steam turbine, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG) and boilers; and boiler water treatment processes.
• Knowledge of plant engineering and plant maintenance functions and how they relate to operations.
• Experience with coordinating electric generation and fuel supply with vendors and Local Distribution Companies.
• Experience with budgeting and reporting practices.
• Demonstrated skill in planning, coordinating, and directing varied programs and tasks directly affecting the overall plant operation.
• Strong oral and written communication and computational skills. Ability to work with a personal computer and word processing, spreadsheet and drawing software.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Ability to work under unusual and special conditions that can arise in a power plant.

Additional Details

• Ability to obtain a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Board of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities Certified Operator, Grade 2-1 License within the probational period.
• Receives assignments from the Central Heating Plant Manager; however, the incumbent is expected to work independently and consult with his/her supervisor when clarifications or interpretations of State, University and departmental policies, procedures and standards are required.
• May functionally supervise drafting personnel and other engineers in performing duties for a specific project(s).

Work Schedule

• Monday-Friday; 7am-3pm.
• Ability to work extra/irregular hours, including shift coverage as business needs dictate. 

Salary Information

Level 30

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.