Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace. The area's waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.
Summary
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The Energy Plant Manager at Michigan Technological University leads the Central Energy Plant Operations team, providing reliable, efficient utility services to Michigan Tech. This role drives high-performance, procedure-driven plant operations - with an emphasis on consistent documentation and minimized variability - while supporting the Director of Energy Management on campus-wide energy efficiency initiatives.
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Responsibilities and Essential Duties
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* Manage the Plant Operators and Mechanic/Operators, including scheduling shift coverage, overtime equalization, and time off for the team.
* Recommend and participate in hiring, discipline, and performance decisions for plant staff, with such recommendations given significant weight.
* Lead the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Central Energy Plant.
* Manage long-term planning and maintenance for the Central Energy Plant and the Building Automation System (BAS), including annual shutdown repairs.
* Manage projects being done within the Central Energy Plant and steam distribution system, and other associated areas.
* Schedule and oversee inspections and testing required for Central Energy Plant environmental and safety compliance.
* Monitor energy performance and identify opportunities to reduce waste and increase efficiency of heating, cooling and other process utilities.
* Assist and train personnel in troubleshooting and diagnosing problems in building HVAC equipment.
* Interface with student groups, Engineering, campus researchers on technical energy or sustainability projects.
* Promote energy conservation and sustainability within the campus community through educational programs, plant tours and presentations.
* Promote a culture of safety within the department.
* Apply LEAN principles and continuous improvement strategies.
* Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
* Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
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Required Education, Certifications, Licensures
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* At least 5 years of steam boiler plant operating experience, electrical power generators and a strong understanding of precision maintenance methods and management.
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Required Experience
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* Demonstrated work experience and/or training in management of personnel in an industrial setting.
* Experience in project management of energy related projects.
* Experience with basic functions of building automation and control systems.
* Experience in power or central steam plant operations and maintenance.
* Experience using personal computers and software packages including spreadsheets, email, databases, work order systems and other electronics documents.
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Desirable Education and/or Experience
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* Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Automation & Control Engineering
* Experience with operation of building automation and control systems.
* Association of Energy Engineers; CEM or BESA certification.
* Experience in LEAN or other continuous improvement efforts.
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Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
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* Ability to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries and work harmoniously with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff.
* Demonstrated commitment to a culture of safety by having established safety as a key professional value and essential component of daily practice.
* Demonstrated commitment to customer service.
* Strong technical knowledge of building steam, condensate and electrical systems.
* Ability to meet and manage deadlines.
* Ability to organize and prioritize multiple work assignments.
* Ability and availability to be on call and/or work flexible hours when required including evenings, nights, holidays and weekends to handle emergencies, work backlogs or to fill in for other personnel.
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Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
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* Advanced knowledge of standard practices, regulations and theory applicable to building mechanical, electrical and utility systems
* Advanced knowledge and understanding of building pneumatic & DDC HVAC control systems, HVAC components and sequence of operations.
* Working knowledge of ASHRAE standards and state energy codes.
* Ability to apply ASME and Michigan Boiler Code to the operation and maintenance of steam boilers.
* Understanding of EPA/EGLE air permitting processes.
* Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints.
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Language, Mathematics and/or Reasoning Skills
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Must be capable of speaking, reading and writing in English, performing moderately complex mathematical calculations and estimations. Ability to assess, understand and rapidly develop actions to address operational, maintenance, automation, safety and environmental urgent/emergency conditions without outside assistance.
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Work Environment and/or Physical Demands
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WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* The work environment is that of a typical 'industrial plant' office.
* The noise level in the workplace is usually moderate and occasionally high.
* Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. |
Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment
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Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following training courses:
* Employee Safety Overview
* Annual Data Security Training
* Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
* Annual Title IX Training
Additional training will be required by the department on a periodic basis.
Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.
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| Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%) |
1
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FLSA Status
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Exempt
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Appointment Term
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12 months
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Pay Rate/Salary
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The minimum salary for this position is $77,500. The final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.
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Title of Position Supervisor
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Director, Energy Management
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Posting Type
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Internal & External |
Dependent on Funding
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No |
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech's hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.
Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.
Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. Michigan Tech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the Michigan Tech Public Safety.
In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfree campus environment and actively promoting the health and safety of its community. Find our notice that outlines the University's policies, legal sanctions, health risks, and available support resources related to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.
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Michigan Technological University
Nov 03, 2026