CENTRAL UTILITY PLANT OPERATIONS MANAGER, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Position Title: CENTRAL UTILITY PLANT OPERATIONS MANAGER, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA, TAMPA, FL
SSC Services for Education is known for our expertise, commitment, and value; and we at SSC truly believe that our people are our greatest asset. By utilizing our associates’ knowledge and experience alongside SSC’s extensive training, providing supportive management, and offering unparalleled wage and benefit packages as well as career advancement opportunities, we have developed a workforce that differentiates us from our competitors.
SSC Services for Education is a Nationwide Best in Class Facility Service Provider. As a member of Compass Group, North America, we want you to be as great as you can be. We empower our associates to direct their own future, keeping them confident that we support them every step of the way. As a result, our associates embody greatness through their actions, natural passion for quality, and a can-do attitude. The opportunity for greatness is real at SSC and throughout the Compass world.
This position is eligible for an Employee Referral Bonus! If you know someone that is qualified for this role, please use the ‘job search’ in PeopleHub to refer your referral and email them a link to apply. Your referral will be able to apply by clicking the link in the email. You can check the status through your profile, accessible via Careers in PeopleHub, by clicking on ‘referral tracking.’ For Employee Referral guidelines, FAQs and the Compass Employee Referral Policy, email MyReferral@compass-usa.com.
Job Summary
Central Utility Plant Operations Manager
The Central Utility Plant Operations Manager oversees the safe, reliable, and efficient 24/7 operation of campus central utility systems in support of university operations and ESCO contractual obligations. This role provides leadership for plant operations, maintenance, union labor management, and Building Automation Systems (BAS), while ensuring compliance with safety, regulatory, and performance requirements. The Manager serves as the primary on‑site operational liaison to the client, delivering clear communication, reporting, and continuous improvement.
Plant Operations Oversee operation and maintenance of chillers, boilers, cooling towers, hot and chilled water systems, electrical distribution, generators, domestic water systems, campus lighting, street signal lights, and plant control systems. Optimize system reliability, efficiency, and asset life. Lead response to alarms, outages, and emergencies. Manage campus domestic meter reading and reporting. Collaborate with engineering, facilities, and ESCO partners to improve system performance.
Supervision & Labor Relations Lead a unionized workforce including plant operators, mechanics, controls technicians, generator technicians, and high‑voltage linemen. Ensure staffing, shift coverage, overtime control, and safe work practices in accordance with labor agreements. Support training, qualification, and development while maintaining strong labor relationships.
BAS, Maintenance & Compliance Oversee BAS operation, coordinate system upgrades, and ensure effective monitoring and trending. Ensure corrective, preventive, and predictive maintenance is planned, tracked, and documented in the CMMS. Monitor backlog and maintenance metrics. Ensure compliance with ESCO performance requirements, KPIs, audits, and reporting.
Client Communication Prepare and present reports on plant performance, maintenance activities, KPIs, risks, and improvement recommendations. Participate in client meetings and campus initiatives.
Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, or related field, or equivalent experience. 7–10 years of central utility plant experience preferred, including union leadership, BAS, CMMS, large mechanical systems, and performance‑based or ESCO contracts.
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SSC is a member of Compass Group USA.
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Associates at SSC are offered many fantastic benefits.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis
- Paid Parental Leave
- Personal Leave
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_SSC.pdf
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
SSC maintains a drug-free workplace.
Nearest Major Market: Tampa
