Penn State Job Catalog

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

The Steam Services Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and maintenance of the University Park steam, condensate, natural gas, and air distribution systems; ensures that systems function optimally to support campus operations, providing heating, steam, and compressed air distribution to buildings and facilities; supervises a team of technicians, operators, mechanics, and maintenance workers; coordinates daily operations; ensures compliance with safety and regulatory standards; oversees troubleshooting and repairs when necessary.

• Supervise, lead, and mentor a team; assign tasks, set performance goals, and monitor work progress
• Conduct regular team meetings to ensure communication and updates on ongoing projects or issues
• Ensure systems are operating efficiently to meet the needs of campus buildings and facilities; monitor system performance to maintain continuous service
• Plan and oversee preventive maintenance for all system components, including steam lines, condensate recovery, air compressors, and natural gas equipment
• Ensure team follows safety protocols and industry best practices when handling steam, gas, and other potentially hazardous systems
• Conduct regular safety audits and inspections of systems and work practices, ensuring that all staff are adhering to safety standards
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations related to steam, gas, and air systems
• Lead emergency response efforts in the event of system failures, leaks, or hazardous conditions; coordinate with emergency services when necessary
• Provide ongoing safety training and ensure staff are up to date with certifications and safety protocols, including lockout/tagout, confined space entry, and fire safety procedures
• Oversee the resolution of issues, minimizing downtime and service interruptions
• Track system performance metrics, including energy consumption, steam production, and efficiency to identify areas for improvement
• Prepare regular reports for senior management regarding system status, maintenance activities, and issues affecting system performance
• Make recommendations for improvements to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the steam and utility distribution systems
• Assist in developing and managing the budget for steam services, including equipment purchases, repairs, and routine maintenance costs
• Maintain an inventory of necessary tools, parts, and materials required for operation and repair
• Adhere to Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions; participate in grievance procedures

Level:

– Supervisor

Base Description:

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

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates appropriate knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. Demonstrates baseline planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Reviews completed work of others to verify accuracy and quality. Follows recommended approaches to assigned work. Supervises assigned staff and coordinates routine work activities. Monitors employee interactions and facilitates a productive working environment. Communicates instructions and policies in a consistent, effective and timely manner. Identifies and addresses concerns appropriately. Makes recommendations for possible solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

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

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– May monitor/track budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)

Problem Solving:

– Encounters generally routine problems with progressively more complex and/or varied problems
– Typically follows standard operating procedures to resolve problems
– May apply specialized knowledge and skills to resolve complex and/or varied problems
– Applies proven and tries new approaches when solving problems

Independence of Action:

– Works with minimal supervision on difficult work assignments, conferring with manager on unusual matters
– Follows precedents and procedures
– Organizes work of direct reports and may set priorities within general guidelines established by manager
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

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 and accurately both verbally and in written materials

• Comp Grade – 11
• Minimum – $68,200.00
• MidPoint – $85,200.00
• Maximum – $102,300.00