Central Power Plant Operations Coordinator

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Who We Are

Utilities is a division of Facilities and Operations, made up of 135 dedicated employees responsible for providing utilities services for the university 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Services include campus-wide utilities purchasing, generation, and distribution, as well as metering and billing energy consumption for all university buildings. Distribution includes the operations and maintenance of 300 miles of underground utility systems from outdoor lighting and high voltage circuits to water mains to tunnel piping. The division also provides a wide range of engineering services primarily dedicated to energy management, the operations and maintenance of university facilities, and the utilities infrastructure.

Responsibilities*

This position is responsible for assisting with the oversight of the operation of the Central Power Plant. This individual will be a member of the CPP management team, and will report directly to the Operations Superintendent. This person is expected to work with a variety of individuals at many levels of the organization, working both independently and as part of a team. The successful candidate will be self-directed, and is expected to provide insights into plant operation while enacting proactive improvements to process and programs.

Responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• Manage the lockout programs in the CPP. This includes determining scope of lockouts, updating lockout procedures, ordering needed supplies, and coordinating work with various groups inside and outside the plant.
• Assist with plant projects from conceptual ideas to implementation.
• Assist with startup and commissioning of new equipment.
• Assist with training of plant operations staff, as well as assist with oversight and implementation of the training program. 
• Write and update operating procedures.
• Revise, update, write, and communicate switching orders for high voltage switchgear, working in conjunction with the local utility and U-M High Voltage groups, as needed. 
• Assist with updating and correcting Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams for the plant, working closely with plant operators and engineering staff.
• Update log and rounds sheets as needed, working with the operations superintendent and plant operators. Review daily operating logs.
• Order needed supplies used by the plant operations group: lockout, bulk chemical, demineralizers, lab reagents, safety etc.
• Assist with creating, updating, and maintaining the overtime log, work schedule, vacation and overtime postings in accordance with union contractual requirements.
• Assist with oversight of the chemistry programs to ensure optimum efficiency and longevity of water systems, steam systems, boilers and waste water systems.
• Help ensure compliance with environmental compliance and reporting requirements, working closely with the University Environmental Health and Safety professionals. These programs include HAZWOPER, HAZCOM, wastewater discharge, storm water, hazardous waste management, and Safety Data Sheets, Pollution Incident Prevention Plan, Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure, etc.  
• Assist with management of waste stream and their proper disposal (used oil, etc.).
• Assist with management of contracted services involved in plant chemistry, including writing the bid specifications and reviewing bid responses, interfacing with vendors.
• Assist with inspections of plant equipment (boiler internals, turbines, chillers, heat exchangers, etc.) which requires traversing under and over obstacles, ascending/descending ladders, maneuvering into confined spaces, and occasionally moving powerhouse equipment and materials weighing up to 50lbs. Must be able to perform the full range of duties, with or without a reasonable accommodation, in an environment that has high levels of heat and noise.
• Monitor and maintain inventory of water treatment and laboratory chemicals.
• Monitor performance of water treatment systems and initiate corrective actions when needed. These systems include softeners, reverse osmosis units, polishers, cooling loops, wastewater systems, etc.
• Perform and/or provide oversight of chemical cleanings of reverse osmosis units.
• Assist with failure analysis helping with preliminary analysis and having metallurgical testing conducted as needed. 
• Order/contract needed services and supplies.
• Oversee the safe storage and handling of chemicals.
• Help maintain sodium analyzer, spectrophotometer, sample panel, and other analytical equipment.
• Generate reports detailing chemistry program compliance, plant performance, etc.
• Assist with timekeeping duties for the operations group. 
• Act in accordance with the Facilities and Operations' guiding principles: collaboration, respect, proactive, solutions-based, and responsibility to the environment. 

Required Qualifications*

• Associates Degree in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or other technical discipline, or equivalent technical training and experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience with power plant operations and water treatment.
• Experience operating and ability to troubleshoot: steam turbines, combustion turbines, DCSs, boilers, HRSGs, gas compressors, reverse osmosis units, condensate polishers, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, and other power plant equipment.
• Practical knowledge, ability and experience training others on the operation of power generation systems.
• Good trouble shooting skills and the ability to think of creative solutions for technical issues.
• Physical ability to conduct equipment inspections, obtain samples for analytical and failure analysis.
• Ability to proficiently use Microsoft Excel, Work, Power Point and Google software. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Desire for personal continuous growth and development. 
• Self-Directed: manage self with little supervision. 
• Experience working with power plant operations and maintenance groups.

Desired Qualifications*

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Sciences or other technical discipline.
• Ten (10) years of experience in a Power Plant, with Combined Cycle Cogen experience preferred.
• Ability to read and/or write logic for controls systems.
• Experience installing, commissioning, and testing electrical switchgear and controls.
• Ability to use special laboratory equipment such as Ion Chromatograph.
• Ability to develop and manage financial budgets.
• Experience developing and managing capital improvement projects.

Why Work at Michigan?

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.