Major Systems Supervisor - Chilled Water Operations The posting is intended to describe the general content and requirements of this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.
Position Summary: The Major Systems Supervisor - Chilled Water Operations is a leadership role responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of UAB's chilled water plants and chilled water distribution system. This position provides 24/7 operational oversight, technical direction, and personnel management to ensure system reliability, continuity of service, and regulatory compliance. As the subject matter expert (SME) for chilled water operations, the MSS leads the team of Central Plant Operators in the production of chilled water, system monitoring, alarm response, operating adjustments, and field coordination necessary to support both plant and distribution system performance. The MSS collaborates closely with the Major Systems Supervisor - Chilled Water Maintenance to ensure maintenance activities, outages, and repairs are properly coordinated and that uninterrupted chilled water service is maintained for campus and hospital customers.
Key Responsibilities: Chilled Water Distribution Operations & System Oversight (25%)Lead daily operation of chilled water generation and distribution systems, including chillers, pumps, cooling towers, valves, and associated controls, to ensure safe, efficient, and continuous utility service. Direct operating strategies for plant dispatch, equipment loading, system pressures, temperatures, and flows to maintain reliable chilled water service across the campus and hospital network. Personnel Management & Team Development (15%)Supervise Central Plant Operators, including scheduling, task assignment, training, performance evaluations, and accountability for operational standards. Lead onboarding, coaching, and technical development to strengthen operator proficiency in plant operations, system monitoring, emergency response, and safe work practices. System Monitoring, Alarm Response & Operational Readiness (15%)Oversee system monitoring through BAS, SCADA, and related operational tools to identify abnormal conditions, equipment deficiencies, and service risks. Direct operator response to alarms, operating upsets, outages, and emergencies and ensure timely escalation and communication with leadership and stakeholders. Coordinate with the MSS of Chilled Water Maintenance and other trades to resolve operational challenges. Distribution System Oversight & Field Coordination (15%)Provide operational oversight for chilled water distribution infrastructure, including coordination of valve alignments, system isolation, startup/shutdown activities, and restoration plans. Coordinate field operations and operational maintenance activities required to support reliable distribution system performance in partnership with Chilled Water Maintenance and other trades. Regulatory Compliance & Safety Coordination (10%)Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, university policies, and EH&S requirements related to plant operations, confined space entry, lock-out/tag-out, and emergency procedures. Promote and enforce a strong safety culture, operational discipline, and adherence to established procedures. Administrative, Documentation & Resource Management (5%)Manage operational documentation, logs, reports, payroll inputs, procurement support, and recordkeeping associated with chilled water operations. Maintain accurate records of inspections, operating data, system events, and operational performance metrics. Project Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement (5%)Participate in project planning, outage coordination, commissioning, and preconstruction meetings to assess operational impacts to chilled water generation and distribution service. Coordinate with internal departments, contractors, hospital representatives, and campus stakeholders regarding outages, restoration plans, and system operating constraints. Technology Evaluation & System Improvement (5%)Evaluate operational data, trends, and emerging technologies to improve plant efficiency, situational awareness, service reliability, and operator effectiveness. Support process improvement initiatives, root cause reviews, and standardization of operational practices. Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)
Qualifications: Associate degree in Engineering Technology, HVAC, Industrial Systems, or a related field and 6+ years of progressive experience in chilled water plant or utility system operations; ORCompletion of a relevant accredited vocational/technical program and 8+ years of relevant experience in chilled water, HVAC, or central utility operations. Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role is preferred. Experience supervising utility operators or shift personnel is preferred. Experience with centrifugal chillers, related mechanical systems and chilled water distribution systems preferred. Working knowledge of the Central Plant Operator role is required. Working knowledge of Chiller Mechanic and Central Plant Repairer responsibilities is preferred. Master level Certification in applicable trades (Plumber, Electrician, HVAC, Pipefitter, Welder) are a plus.
Certifications: Valid driver's license required. EPA Section 608 Technician Certification (Type II or Universal) preferred. OSHA 30-Hour Certification or equivalent safety training (preferred).The driving record should meet University underwriting guidelines to drive vehicles in performance of university business. Current underwriting guidelines include possession a valid driver's license, issued in the United States; at least 21 years of age; at least three years of driving experience; maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Technical Proficiency Expertise in chilled water plant operations including chillers, cooling towers, pumps, water flow management, operating setpoints, and control strategies. Working knowledge of chilled water distribution systems including piping networks, valves, pressures, temperatures, and flow management. Ability to direct plant startup, shutdown, load management, alarm response, and system restoration activities. Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, sequences of operation, and manufacturer documentation. Safety & Compliance Proficient in EH&S practices including Confined Space Entry, Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO), emergency response, and safe operating procedures. Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment and ensuring regulatory compliance. Working knowledge of 5S principles and operational housekeeping standards. Problem Solving & Critical Thinking Strong analytical skills to diagnose operating issues and implement effective solutions. Ability to evaluate operating trends, system risks, and service impacts and make informed decisions under pressure. Ability to lead or support root cause analysis and drive corrective actions. Commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence. Technology & Tools Proficiency with Building Automation Systems (BAS), SCADA, and CMMS platforms. Skilled in using system monitoring tools, instrumentation, control interfaces, and operational reporting software. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related digital tools used to support operations. Communication & Collaboration Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly during outages, emergencies, shift turnover, and stakeholder coordination. Ability to collaborate across departments and lead cross-functional coordination with maintenance teams, contractors, and affected customers. Organizational & Leadership Abilities Strong leadership and team development skills. Ability to mentor, coach, and evaluate staff performance. Ability to establish expectations, reinforce accountability, and maintain consistent operating standards. Project & Time Management• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a 24/7 utility environment. Experience coordinating outages, startup/shutdown sequences, restoration activities, and operational support for infrastructure projects.
Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Capable of climbing ladders, scaffolding, and working at heights above 30 feet. Able to bend, stoop, kneel, and walk long distances across campus facilities. Comfortable working in confined spaces and in extreme temperature/humidity conditions. Must meet physical demands with or without reasonable accommodation.
Compensation and Benefits
Starting Salary Range: $63,875 - 103,800 annually (commensurate with experience and qualifications). This position is not eligible for OT pay.
Benefits include: Multiple Health Care Plan options, Dental, Vision, Pre-tax Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Participate in the RSA Pension plan, 403(b) and 457(b) Retirement savings plans, Accident Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Benefits, Life/AD&D & Disability Insurance, UAB Employee Wellness, Employee Assistance and Counseling, Vacation, Sick Leave, 9 Paid Holidays/Year, 3 Personal Holidays Year, Educational Assistance for Employees and Families. Work Schedule
Standard Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule, including on-call, as required to support 24/7 operations. UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and veteran's status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB's Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

Also on the board Same function, level within a rung

Level

Manager

Salary

$63,875 - $103,800 per year

Location

Birmingham, AL

Occupation

Plant and System Operators, All Other

Industry

Steam and Air-Conditioning Supply

Posted

today

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