Utilities Operations Power Plant Manager

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Closing Date:

09/18/2026

Type of Position:

Facilities Management and ServicesNo

Job Type:

RegularNo

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Appli­cants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Department:

Central Utility Operationshttps://fama.uark.edu/

Summary of Job Duties:

The Utilities Operations Power Plant Manager provides leadership and overall management of the University of Arkansas central utility operations, including four utility plants, the Operations and Maintenance Divisions, and approximately 25 employees. The position is responsible for the safe, reliable, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective production and distribution of chilled water, steam, compressed air, and medium-voltage electrical utility services supporting the Fayetteville campus.

The Power Plant Manager directs plant operations and maintenance; personnel development and performance; preventive and predictive maintenance programs; regulatory and environmental compliance; workplace safety; emergency response and utility restoration; operating and capital budgets; procurement and contractor activities; equipment lifecycle and asset management; utility capacity and capital renewal planning; and continuous improvement of plant reliability and efficiency.

The position develops and implements operating procedures, maintenance strategies, performance standards, training programs, and contingency plans necessary to maintain continuous utility service to the University. The manager analyzes system performance and utility demand, identifies operational and capital improvements, coordinates planned and emergency outages, and participates in the planning, design, construction, commissioning, and turnover of utility infrastructure and equipment.

The Power Plant Manager develops and coaches plant operators, maintenance personnel, and supervisors; establishes clear performance and safety expectations; maintains required employee qualifications and training; and promotes a culture of safety, accountability, reliability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

The position works closely with Facilities Management leadership, campus departments, engineers, contractors, vendors, regulatory agencies, and utility providers to ensure campus utility needs are met safely and reliably. University operations depend upon continuous utility service, this position serves as a key member of the University’s utility emergency-response organization and is subject to call-back for utility emergencies, outages, severe weather, and other conditions requiring management oversight outside normal working hours.

Regular, reliable and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• The formal education equivalent of a high school diploma
• At least five years equivalent experience in central utility plant, district energy system or manufacturing plant operations and maintenance to include troubleshooting and repair experience/capability with any or all of the following:
  • Integrated Utility Plant Operations
  • Industrial Chiller Maintenance
  • Industrial/Commercial Boiler Maintenance
  • Pump and Valve Mechanical Operation and Repair
  • Industrial Control Systems such as Niagara, Delta-V and Emerson
• At least two years Supervisory or Leadership experience
• Valid Driver's License
• Ability to obtain and maintain an Arkansas Boiler Operator License within 6 months
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Gas Operations License within 6 months

Applicable equivalencies may be considered on the above qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or related field from an accredited institution of higher education
• At least four Years Master Level HVAC, Outside Machinist, or related experience
• At least four Years of supervisory experience
• At least 10 Years Experience with advanced troubleshooting and repair of Industrial Chillers, Boilers, Gas Turbines, Pumps, Valves, Drives and Diesel Generators
• Experience with Natural Gas Pipeline OQ Tasks Training, Qualification and PM Performance
• Experience with FAMIS (departmental software) or equivalent CMMS System
• Experience with Korterra Utility Location Process and Performance
• Experience with gas turbine operations and maintenance
• Significant cross-trade technical versatility between Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Instrumentation, Control and Water Chemistry

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge and practical application of the principles, practices, methods, and safety precautions in plant operations
• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and codes relating to plant operations
• Knowledge and practical application of management and supervisory principles and techniques
• Knowledge of the state budgetary process
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, manuals, schematics, building plans, and/or work drawings
• Manage procurement process, materials ordering and inventory management
• Ability to supervise skilled trades workers and/or supervisors
• Ability to plan and coordinate all phases of service, repairs, installation, and/or construction projects in one or more of the skilled trades
• Basic use and understanding of Microsoft Office products and CMMS systems for Work order management

Additional Information:

$85,000; Commensurate with education and experienceResumeCover Letter/Letter of Application, License or Certificate (see special instructions for submission instructions), List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Proof of Veteran StatusTroy Vela, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, [email protected]

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check, Sex Offender Registry, Substance Abuse Testing

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Feeling, Grasping, Hearing, Reaching, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Driving, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Sitting, Standing, Walking

Occasional Physical Activity:

Crouching, Kneeling, Lifting, Repetitive Motion, Stooping

Benefits Eligible:

Yes