Central Plant Superintendent

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Position Title:

Central Plant Superintendent

Job Category:

Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Job Profile:

Heating/Cooling Plant Superintendent

Job Duties:

Department:

Facilities, Planning and Management is committed to promoting respect and civility in the workplace. Our staff serves as role models by practicing exemplary behaviors when working with customers, fellow faculty and staff members, students, and visitors. The mission of the department is to provide a safe, sustainable, and accessible physical environment that supports learning, research, working, living, and recreation. The organization supports the academic and strategic objectives of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with commitment and pride in everything they do.

 

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Central Plant Manager, the Central Plant Superintendent oversees the operation of the UW–Milwaukee Kenwood Campus Central Plant and six satellite plants, ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient production and distribution of steam and chilled water on a 24/7/365 basis.

 

The position supervises plant personnel; directs daily operations, maintenance, and contractor activities; manages projects, budgets, and regulatory compliance; and oversees plant control systems, water treatment, fuel systems, and required operational records.

 

The Central Plant Superintendent serves as the campus liaison for Department of Administration (DOA) and Department of Facilities Development (DFD) projects and maintains effective working relationships with university departments, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders to support continuous utility operations.  Off-hour and weekend response may be necessary in accordance with operational need or emergencies.

Key Job Responsibilities:

45% Manage and Supervise UW–Milwaukee Central Plant Personnel and Operations

• Direct 24/7/365 plant operations to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient production and distribution of steam, chilled water, and related utilities.
• Supervise, schedule, train, evaluate, and discipline staff; develop position descriptions, establish performance expectations, and oversee payroll responsibilities.
• Lead and mentor personnel in safe work practices, operational procedures, and continuous improvement activities.
• Make technical decisions and perform or oversee maintenance, repairs, inspections, and operational adjustments to support equipment reliability and plant performance.
• Develop, implement, and monitor standard operating procedures; adjust operations based on system conditions, operational requirements, and performance data.
• Monitor and maintain plant control systems, including PLCs, MMIs, and VFDs; diagnose operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee daily operational activities, emergency response, and assigned work to maintain continuous utility service.
• Manage operational budgets, shop expenditures, and procurement activities for tools, equipment, fuel, and supplies.
• Oversee water treatment and testing programs to support boiler operation, efficiency, and equipment reliability.
• Prepare operational reports, including monthly Central Plant reports, and maintain accurate plant documentation.
• Maintain effective working relationships with campus partners, DOA/DFD personnel, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure 24/7/365 operational coverage by remaining available or assigning appropriate coverage and responding to plant emergencies as needed.
• Exercises supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees.
• Other duties as assigned or directed.

 

20% Plant Staff Scheduling, Training, and Operational Support

• Develop and manage staff schedules, time reporting, absence approvals, and staffing plans to ensure adequate operational coverage.
• Assign, coordinate, and verify completion of maintenance and repair activities; troubleshoot equipment issues and determine appropriate operational responses.
• Train, mentor, and coach staff on plant operations, safety procedures, equipment operation, and job responsibilities.
• Develop and maintain training materials and support employee onboarding and ongoing technical development.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide feedback related to job performance and operational expectations.
• Promote effective communication among staff and assist with resolving operational and workplace issues.
• Conduct research, prepare technical documentation, and support operational improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements and recommend operational practices that support plant performance.
• Maintain knowledge of industry practices, technologies, and operational methods relevant to central plant operations.

 

20% Contract Work, Maintenance Planning, and Project Support

• Specify, procure, and manage contracted work when services exceed in-house capabilities, require specialized expertise, or require expedited completion.
• Review project plans and specifications, inspect completed work, and certify contractor performance for payment.
• Serve as the DFD Project Liaison for Central Plant projects and coordinate project-related activities with campus stakeholders and contractors.
• Plan, develop, and manage preventive and predictive maintenance programs, including inspections, cleaning, testing, and repairs to maintain equipment reliability and compliance.
• Plan and oversee major repairs, renovations, and contractor activities; coordinate work schedules with ongoing plant operations and emergency needs.
• Manage procurement, maintenance, and inventory of tools, equipment, spare parts, and test instruments required for plant operations.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels to support timely repairs and minimize operational downtime.
• Develop emergency response and contingency plans; evaluate system performance and implement corrective actions.

 

10% Compliance and Safety

• Maintain knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations affecting central plant operations, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including DNR fuel sampling, air permit certifications, DSPS inspections, and applicable insurance standards.
• Maintain required operational, emissions, fuel, maintenance, and compliance records and reports.
• Ensure staff maintain required licenses, certifications, and training, including EPA refrigerant certifications where applicable.
• Promote compliance with safety policies, procedures, and required personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) years of progressive experience in power plant operations, including experience with equipment specification, installation, commissioning, operation, testing, reporting, and licensing activities
• Experience leading teams and assigning, coordinating, or overseeing operational actions
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing and executing capital and operational projects while maintaining continuous plant operations.
• Knowledge of power plant equipment functions, system integration, and interconnected plant systems.
• Experience making operational decisions, prioritizing work activities, and implementing process improvements in a plant environment.
• Ability to use required personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with UWM policies and procedures.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds without assistance.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work at heights up to 35 feet while using fall protection equipment or ladders.
• Ability to work overtime and rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, as required by operational needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience in utility or central plant systems leadership. 

• Ten or more years of progressive utility system supervisory experience.
• Certification by the Department of Safety and Professionals (DSPS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the handling of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerants.  
• Evidence of having performed service on CFC containing refrigeration equipment
• Possession of an American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE) 2" Class Power Plant Operators License or equivalent.
• Obtain and maintain certification as a Class A and Class B Operator of Underground Storage Tank System as required by US EPA and the State of Wisconsin (s. Comm 10.80).
• Direct experience managing construction projects of any size.
• Prior Experience Scheduling Plant Personnel
• Prior experience with TMA or other computerized maintenance management system
• Experience with Workday or other computerized enterprise wide personnel, budget, accounting and procurement system.
• Possession of a valid Wisconsin Driver’s license (or other such valid operator’s permit recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation) and be able to meet or exceed the minimum requirements for driving on state business as detailed here: https://uwm.edu/risk-management/drivers/

Compensation: 85,000 - 95,000 (Final salary offer will be determined based on qualifications and experience)

How to Apply:

Interested applicants are required to apply online and submit a resume and a one-page cover letter expressing your interest in the Central Plant Superintendent position and explaining how your experience aligns with the required and preferred qualifications outlined in the position description. Highlight Relevant technical expertise, leadership experience, project management, regulatory compliance, and operational achievements, including applicable license, certifications, and specialized skills. Where possible, please provide specific examples demonstrating your ability to lead staff, ensure safe and reliable plant operations, and drive efficiency and continuous improvement.

Note: Applicants must complete all required fields and attach all required documents prior to submitting the online application.

In instances where the Search and Screen Committee is unable to ascertain from the candidates' application materials whether they meet any of the qualifications, they will be evaluated as not meeting such qualifications. Additional documents submitted aside from a cover letter and resume will not be reviewed. 

This position does not offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. Selected candidates will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire. 

Finance & Administrative Affairs is required to conduct Post-Offer Pre-Employment screenings on the selected candidate for this role. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing the screening. 

Finalist candidate(s) being considered for hire will be required to provide three professional/supervisor references through an external reference checking tool. References will not be contacted prior to candidates being notified

This is a continuous recruitment with an initial review date of 11/11/2026. To ensure consideration, applications must be submitted by 11/10/2026. Applications submitted after 11/10/2026 may not be reviewed. 

Contact Information:

Questions regarding this position can be directed to Angelee Vang ([email protected])

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact [email protected] or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWM is a State agency and subject to Wisconsin’s Open Records Law. UWM will not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin’s Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of “final candidates” and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.

CBC and Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check. UWM takes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For the UWM Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, see http://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM’s Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.

Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.