MAJOR SYSTEMS SUPERVISOR-CHILLED WATER OPERATIONS

The primary accountabilities below are intended to describe the general content and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.  

Job Summary

To supervise the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of UAB's chilled water plants and distribution system. To provide leadership, technical direction, and 24/7 operational oversight to ensure continuous service and compliance with applicable standards. To oversee chilled water production, systemmonitoring, alarm response, and operational adjustments while serving as the subject matter expert for chilled water operations. To coordinate closely with maintenance leadership to support planned maintenance, outages, repairs, and uninterrupted chilled water service for campus and hospital customers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS TO INCLUDE:

• Lead the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of chilled water plants and the distribution system, directing equipment loading, system pressures, temperatures, flows, and operating strategies to maintain continuous service.
• Supervise Central Plant Operators by assigning work, scheduling staff, providing training, evaluating performance and ensuring compliance with operational and safety standards.
• Monitor plant operations through BAS, SCADA, and related systems; manage and direct responses to CAMS alarms, outages, and emergencies; and coordinate with maintenance and other trades to resolve operational issues.
• Oversee chilled water distribution operations, including valve alignments, system isolation, startup/shutdown activities, restoration efforts, and coordination of field operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, university policies, and EH&S requirements while promoting a strong safety culture and adherence to established procedures.
• Manage operational records, reports, logs, payroll inputs, procurement support, inspections, and performance metrics.
• Coordinate operational support for projects, outages, commissioning, and construction activities while communicating with campus departments, contractors, and hospital stakeholders.
• Evaluate operational performance and implement process improvements to enhance system reliability, efficiency, and operator effectiveness.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

   

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of chilled water plant operations, including chillers, cooling towers, pumps, distribution systems, water flow management, operating setpoints, and control strategies
• Ability to direct plant startup, shutdown, load management, alarm response, system restoration, and outage coordination while making sound operational decisions under pressure
• Skilled in interpreting technical drawings, specifications, sequences of operation, manufacturer documentation, and operational data to diagnose issues and implement effective solutions
• Knowledge of Building Automation Systems (BAS), SCADA, CMMS, and other system monitoring tools used to oversee plant performance, analyze trends, and support operational reporting
• Thorough knowledge of EH&S requirements and safe operating practices, including Confined Space Entry, Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO), emergency response procedures, and 5S principles
• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, evaluate, and develop staff while managing multiple priorities in a 24/7 utility environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively with maintenance teams, contractors, campus stakeholders, and customers during routine operations, outages, and emergencies.

Starting Annual Rate: $63,875 - $103,800 (Commensurate with experience and qualifications)