Announcement
Details
Open Date
08/14/2026
Requisition Number
PRN45935B
Job Title
Utility Plant Management
Working Title
Utility Plant Management
Career Progression Track
M00
Track Level
M3 - Manager
FLSA Code
Administrative
Patient Sensitive Job Code?
No
Standard Hours per Week
40
Full Time or Part Time?
Full Time
Shift
Day
Work Schedule Summary
Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm. Also required to respond to emergencies or significant abnormal conditions as needed.
VP Area
President
Department
01742 - Central Plant
Location
Campus
City
Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment
External Posting
Pay Rate Range
$85,250 - $101,750
Close Date
11/14/2026
Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)
Job Summary
Manage daily operations within a specific area of the utility plant, overseeing tasks to be completed efficiently and safely. Provide coaching and training to staff, monitor performance, and identify minor inefficiencies. Report operational performance to the upper management and address any issues as they arise. Act as a point of contact for both front-line staff and higher management, facilitating communication and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.
Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience. Assumes work equivalency (1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience). Must have a valid driver's license.
Responsibilities
This position reports directly to the head of the University's Utility Department and oversees the operation of the two main heating and cooling plants on campus as well as several remote cooling plants. Specific duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Provides resources and direction to the assistant plant manager who oversees the heating and cooling systems maintenance staff.
- Directly supervises the Plant Operations and Building Operations staff personnel.
- Ensures the safe and efficient operation of all hydronic heating and cooling equipment and distribution system components as well as some limited power generation equipment.
- Tracks and analyses plant performance noting trends and making suggestions to improve both plant reliability and efficiency.
- Prepares the annual central plant budget and manages same.
- Coaches and mentors the staff to ensure professional development and increased operational flexibility.
- Manages all personnel issues including hiring, disciplinary action, pay increase recommendations, performance reviews, etc.
- Works with plant personnel and other entities both internal and external to ensure all regulatory and preventive maintenance and testing requirements are met.
- Follows all state and university procurement regulations and policies.
- Manages maintenance contracts as applicable.
- Submits and manages Capital Improvement and Deferred Maintenance funding requests.
- Collaborates with project managers to oversee plant improvements and new plant construction and provides input to same.
- Collaborates with other departments to minimize adverse impacts due to both planned and unplanned utility service interruptions and works diligently to minimize the latter.
- Responds to plant emergencies and abnormal conditions 24/7/365 as needed and keeps the department head updated during said events.
- Maintains the physical plant conditions and stocks necessary tools and a reasonable inventory of spare parts to minimize down time.
- Manages use of fleet vehicles assigned to plant staff.
- Holds self and subordinates accountable for their stewardship of public funds and assets.
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:
Manager, Utility Plant Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Preferences
Experience and in-depth knowledge of OSHA regulations.
Experience with and knowledge of a variety of Building Automation Systems.
Experience with and knowledge of large (up to 2,000 tons), water-cooled chiller and cooling tower systems (operations, maintenance and troubleshooting).
Experience with and knowledge of high temperature heating water systems.
Experience with managing groups of technical maintenance personnel.
In-depth knowledge of heat transfer and fluid flow theory.
EPA Universal Certification (A2L a significant plus).
Type
Benefited Staff
Special Instructions Summary
Other documents - Copies of any pertinent certifications or licenses held.
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
