Plant Superintendent

Overview

Under general supervision, Bowie State University's Plant Superintendent provides comprehensive oversight of campus-wide mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and safety of all infrastructure. Responsible for the operation, preventive maintenance (PM), and work order management of critical building and plant systems, including HVAC, electrical distribution, plumbing, and building automation systems. Oversees MEP contracts, supports capital and deferred maintenance projects, and supervises specialized technical staff.

Founded in 1865, Bowie State University (BSU) is Maryland’s oldest Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and is one of 12 constituent institutions of the University System of Maryland. One of the nation's Top 20 HBCUs, and top 10 among public HBCUs. BSU provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities for students with ambitions to achieve and succeed. BSU offers 27 undergraduate majors, as well as 18 master’s, 2 doctoral programs, along with doctoral and advanced certification programs, with special focus on science, technology, business, education and related disciplines. BSU is the among the nation's top graduate school programs in Nursing (MSN), Computer Science, Education and Public Affairs (U.S. News & World Report).

With an enrollment of more than 6,000, BSU is a diverse university whose students, faculty and staff represent many ethnic and cultural backgrounds. BSU is centrally located in one of the nation’s most exciting metropolitan areas within easy reach of Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis, and boasts a serene campus on a 300-acre suburban wooden tract.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the operation, maintenance, and reliability of campus MEP systems, including HVAC plants, electrical distribution, and plumbing infrastructure.  
• Ensures effective execution of preventive maintenance programs and work order processes, including reviewing, updating, and optimizing PM tasks within the CMMS system.  
• Manages and monitors building automation systems (BAS) and directs controls contractors to ensure optimal system performance and energy efficiency.  
• Serves as primary manager for all MEP-related service contracts, ensuring contractor performance, compliance, and alignment with campus standards.  
• Supervises and provides technical guidance to specialized mechanics, technicians, and contractors performing MEP-related work.  
• Supports and coordinates MEP-related capital projects, deferred maintenance efforts, and special projects, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation.  
• Represents Operations & Maintenance in capital planning, construction, and renovation projects, ensuring system design and installation meet operational standards.  
• Reviews system performance data, prepares technical reports, and recommends operational improvements for efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.  
• Maintains project schedules to address deferred maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.  
• Collaborates with Facilities leadership and other departments to prioritize work orders, maintenance activities, and system improvements.  
• Assists in the development and delivery of training programs for staff related to MEP systems, safety, and operational procedures.  
• Ensures compliance with OSHA/MOSH regulations, applicable codes, and university safety standards.  
• Assists in coordination of campus events, emergency response, and critical system outages as needed.  
• May supervise additional maintenance or grounds personnel as required.  
• Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing industrial or commercial HVAC/MEP systems with a degree; 10 years without a degree.  
• At least 5 years of direct oversight of building mechanical and infrastructure systems, including chillers, boilers, pumps, air handling units, and distribution systems.  
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs, work order systems, and contractor management. 
• Maryland 1st Grade Stationary Engineer License (preferred or required based on assignment)  
• Journeyman License in HVAC, Electrical, or Plumbing (preferred) 
• DC / MD 1st or 3rd Class Engineer License (preferred)  
• Valid Maryland Non-Commercial Class C Driver’s License or equivalent 

Skills and Abilities  

• Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, including HVAC plants, chillers, boilers, pumps, air handling systems, and distribution infrastructure.  
• Knowledge of preventive maintenance programs, work order management systems (CMMS), and reliability-centered maintenance practices.  
• Experience with building automation systems (BAS) and controls integration.  
• Knowledge of construction, commissioning, testing, and operation of complex building systems.
• Familiarity with energy management practices, sustainability initiatives, and mechanical/electrical codes.  
• Ability to analyze system performance data and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.  
• Skill in preparing technical reports, project scopes, and operational documentation. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a complex campus environment.  
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with staff, contractors, and campus stakeholders.  
• Proficiency in computer applications, including CMMS systems, AutoCAD, spreadsheets, and energy modeling tools.  
• Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate technical staff. 
• Ability to work in hazardous environments, confined spaces, and varying weather conditions, and to use appropriate PPE. 

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work Environment

• Office based with exposure to elements and work sites
• Non-smoking environment
• Moderate to loud noise
• Maintain flexible hours for events that may occur on weekends and evenings

Physical Demands 

• Must be able to traverse throughout work sites, buildings, and campus. Regularly ascending/descending building levels and occasionally ladders or stools. 
• Must meet physical demands for lifting, climbing, confined spaces, hot/cold environments.
• Must be able to discuss, converse with, and exchange accurate information with event patrons, staff, stakeholders, etc.  

Candidates selected for employment may be subject to medical examination to determine ability to perform the job. Valid Maryland Non-Commercial Class C or equivalent driver’s license may be required.