DTE Energy

Assistant Central Utility Plant Manager

DTE Energy$85K — $110K *
Energy & Utilities
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • 8+ years of supervisory experience in a cogeneration power plant.
  • Demonstrated understanding of plant operations and maintenance.
  • Ability to analyze and improve business processes in operations.
  • Proven planning and scheduling experience with maintenance teams.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee day-to-day operations and maintenance activities of the Central Energy Plant.
  • Implement and manage consistent plant operating philosophies to enhance availability and efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance of contractors with safety policies and procedures.
  • Review and improve operational processes and personnel training.
  • Manage O&M Technicians to ensure efficient and safe plant operations.

Benefits

  • Inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and well-being.
  • Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development.
  • Support for community involvement and service initiatives.
Full Job Description
Job Summary

Location: Dearborn, MI

This position is responsible for overseeing, managing, and directing the day-to-day operation and maintenance activities for utility and energy-related assets located within the Central Energy Plant (CEP) located at Ford's Research and Engineering campus. These assets are needed to supply Steam, Hot Water, Chilled Water, and Electrical Distribution to the campus, and supply electricity to the grid. The position will also lead field service engineers who are responsible for operating and maintaining ~90 MW of Backup Generation assets including diesel generators, a combustion turbine, and site switchgear at 8 locations Metro Detroit area.

Plant equipment includes the following: (2) 15 MW Solar Titan 130 gas turbine generators with associated Rentech 185 KPPH Heat Recovery Steam Generator's with Duct Burners and Fresh Air Firing capability (1) Siemens-Dresser Rand 5 MW steam turbine generator (3) 27,500 MBH, and (1) 10,000 MBH steam to hot water heat exchangers, economizers, deaerators, boiler feed water pumps, condensate pumps. Also included will be (4) 3,200-ton electric cooling only centrifugal chillers, and (2) heating/cooling chillers (one 1,200 ton, one 1,800 ton) with an associated 5.3 MM gallon thermal storage tank and a 10 cell, 12,500-ton Tower Tech cooling tower. Balance of plant equipment includes, air compressors, water treatment systems, filters, instrumentation, PLC controls and 15/5 kV, 480 V and 125 Vdc electrical systems.

Key Accountabilities

*Maintains a strong safety culture. Complies with all site safety and environmental requirements and procedures. Identifies safety hazards and takes corrective actions as necessary. Assists with the development of and ensures that all site safety requirements and procedures are properly implemented, consistently observed and corrective actions are initiated when applicable
*Develops, implements, and manages consistent plant operating philosophies and best practices to maximize plant availability, efficiency, and productivity
*Ensures Contractors comply with all On-Site Business Unit and DTE Energy policies, procedures, and Safety requirements
*Constantly reviews and improves operational processes and ensures that operating personnel are properly trained and adhere to established policies, procedures, and standards
*Manages the O&M Technicians and Skilled Trades to ensure safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the plant while actively managing schedules to minimize overtime and comply with administrative guidelines
*Establishes, reviews, and modifies as required all predictive/preventive maintenance requirements programmed into the maintenance management system in alignment with maintenance strategy
*Develops performance goals and reviews in a comprehensive, open, and objective manner to align employee accountabilities and conduct with operational processes in accordance with administrative guidelines
*Investigates operating abnormalities and incidents to improve equipment availability and performance and to minimize maintenance requirements
*Prepares necessary plant operation reports in a timely manner and investigates all forced outages, reporting them in accordance with the BU practice through SharePoint
*In collaboration with Plant Manager, prepares and continually evaluates the operating department's budgets and/or makes recommendations to the Plant Manager relative to optimization of operations and maintenance costs
*Assists with maintenance engineering evaluations and troubleshooting of equipment abnormalities
*Maintains a consistent and effective level of communication with Plant Manager, Administrative staff, O&M Technicians and Skilled Trades on shift
*Assist the Plant Manager with project management of all planned outage activities, including long term planning for capital improvements
*In collaboration with the Plant Manager, drives continuous improvement of established metrics on the plant huddle board. Continually stretching goals toward the plants True North
*Lead/support development of plant personnel in skillsets, equipment/system knowledge and solving critical operational concerns
*Support management of change process to ensure traceability and collaboration on execution
*Lead/support problem solving activities and coach and mentor the 4 CI capabilities within the team
*Assures proper staffing, scheduling, orientation, and training of the plant staff, and manages compliance with all company policies and procedures. Supports recruiting, interviews, and assigns operations and maintenance employment candidates.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

  • A high school diploma or GED
  • At least 8 years of supervisory or managerial experience in a Cogeneration power plant with a represented (Union) workforce


Other Qualifications

Preferred:
  • Additional consideration provided for technical degrees


Other Requirements:
  • Thorough, demonstrated understanding of plant operations and maintenance, with strong knowledge of generating equipment, boilers, and water treatment processes
  • Ability to analyze and improve operations business processes
  • Proven planning and scheduling experience working with O&M, and other technical personnel involved with preventative/predictive maintenance and corrective maintenance
  • Solid knowledge of plant engineering and plant maintenance functions and how they relate to operations
  • Experience with accounting practices as it relates to analyzing cost impacts to budget
  • Demonstrated skill in planning, coordinating, and directing varied programs and tasks directly affecting the overall plant operation
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to work shifts and extra/irregular hours and to work under unusual and special conditions that can arise in a generation station
  • Ability to pass respirator fit tests to use respiratory protective equipment or self-contained breathing apparatus at all times


Physical Demands & Working Conditions

The physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.In order to properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is frequently required to:
  • Occasionally stand or walk and stoop or kneel
  • Frequently sit
  • Talk and hear, use hands and fingers; handle and feel' and able to reach with hands and arems extensively
  • Enter and work in confined space areas, including boilers, condensers, tanks, etc. to evaluate equipment condition or inspect work efforts by assigned resources
  • Frequently lift objects of up to 10 pounds in weight. Occasionally lift or move onjectos of up to 40 pounds in weight
  • Use computers with exposure to video display terminals; and some repetitive motion associated with data entry, the use of a computer mouse, and while using other office equipment
  • Possess the following vision requirements: close, color, distance, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus


Work both in a business office setting and a plant site. Occasionally be exposed to outside weather conditions, including wet and/or himid conditions, and may work near moving mechanical parts and/or machinery. Occasionally be exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration. Be in a work environment that is usually moderat but may become loud at the plant site

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities, and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.

About DTE Energy

DTE Energy provides gas & electric utility services to MI homes and businesses.

DTE Energy Careers

Join the vibrant team at DTE Energy, a leading energy company where innovation, leadership, and professional growth are at the forefront of our operations. As one of the most prominent energy providers, DTE Energy offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a diverse range of skills and experiences. Work You’ll Do At DTE Energy, we are committed to powering progress and are constantly on the lookout for talented individuals who are eager to drive change and excel in their careers. Our team enjoys a culture that fosters diversity, inclusion, and professional development through comprehensive diversity training programs. Join DTE Energy’s dynamic team to help innovate and lead in the energy sector. Our employees are not just part of a company; they are part of a path to a cleaner, energy-efficient future. Lead projects that make a real impact on our community and the environment. Transform Your Career With DTE Energy, you are positioned uniquely at the intersection of energy solutions and technological advancement. Work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who are leaders in energy innovation and committed to sustainability and efficient energy solutions. Explore a range of positions from entry-level to senior leadership roles. DTE Energy offers a robust career ladder, enriched with a variety of training and development programs, designed to help you excel at every stage of your career. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with DTE Energy’s internship programs. Gain invaluable industry experience, develop your skills, and network with professionals. Our internships provide a solid foundation for understanding the energy sector and help you build a strong resume. Benefits and Culture DTE Energy is dedicated to providing its employees with a supportive work environment and competitive benefits package that promotes health, well-being, and work-life balance. Our culture is built on mutual respect, collaboration, and the shared goal of excellence. Innovation and Growth Be part of a company that values innovation and supports your growth through continuous learning and leadership opportunities. At DTE Energy, we encourage creative solutions and forward-thinking ideas that lead to technological advancements and operational excellence. Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and driven team players who are ready to make a difference. Explore the various employment opportunities at DTE Energy and find where you fit best. Stay Connected Keep up to date with the latest career tips, industry insights, and company news—all from the people who work here. Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. DTE Energy is not just a company—it’s a community where you can build a lasting career. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await. Join us in powering a brighter future. SEARCH DTE ENERGY JOBS READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the diverse and dynamic career paths available at DTE Energy.
Learn more about DTE Energy
Size
10,300 employees
Market Cap
$22.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.3 billion
Founded
2009
5 Year Trend
+7.1%
Revenue
$12.1 billion
NASDAQ

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