Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The Power Plant Supervisor is responsible for the efficient and safe operation, maintenance, and management of the university’s natural gas-fired power plant; ensures the reliable generation and distribution of electricity and steam to the University Park campus, supporting the energy needs of academic, research, and administrative buildings; leads a team of operators and technicians, ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards, while optimizing plant performance.

• Oversee the daily operations of the natural gas-fired power plant, ensuring the reliable and efficient generation of power and steam
• Supervise, lead, and mentor a team of plant operators, maintenance technicians, and maintenance workers; assign tasks, set performance goals, and monitor work progress
• Conduct regular team meetings to ensure communication and updates on ongoing projects or issues
• Monitor plant performance metrics and adjust operations to meet energy demands, ensuring stable and efficient power distribution to campus facilities
• Coordinate the startup, shutdown, and emergency procedures for plant systems
• Ensure the power plant operates within regulatory and environmental guidelines, including emissions and fuel efficiency
• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance for power plant equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, compressors, and related systems
• Plan and execute regular maintenance schedules to minimize downtime and optimize plant performance
• Oversee troubleshooting of equipment malfunctions, coordinating repairs or replacement of faulty components
• Ensure employees adhere to safety protocols, work schedules, and university policies
• Promote a culture of safety by conducting regular safety training and inspections
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including environmental and safety standards
• Maintain accurate records and reports for regulatory compliance, safety audits, and plant performance tracking
• Collaborate in the optimization of the plant’s energy production and consumption, reducing operational costs and improving efficiency
• Track fuel usage, monitor energy production, and provide recommendations for energy conservation initiatives
• Prepare and submit regular reports on plant operations, including system performance, maintenance activities, fuel consumption, and environmental compliance
• Assist in planning, implementing, and overseeing plant upgrades and system modifications.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for emergency situations, providing expertise and directing response efforts
• Assist in developing and managing the budget for power plant operations
• Ensure that appropriate inventory levels of materials and supplies are maintained
• Adhere to Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions; participate in grievance procedures

Level:

– Senior Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. May demonstrate subject matter expertise. Demonstrates intermediate to advanced planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Demonstrates the ability to coach assigned employees. Assigns and reviews completed work to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards. Trains, coaches, mentors, and motivates staff. Anticipates potential problems, issues, and opportunities; researches and recommends solutions within defined policies. May develop creative recommendations for solving problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Professional track, performs work at the Senior Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)
– May assist in planning and forecasting budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies general precedents and practices and specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– Organizes work of direct reports and sets team priorities
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 12
• Minimum – $76,700.00
• MidPoint – $95,900.00
• Maximum – $115,100.00