Cogeneration Plant Manager - Bronx Zoo (Bronx)

Manager, Cogeneration Plant - Bronx Zoo Position: Manager, Cogeneration Plant Reports to: Cogeneration Plant, Assistant Director Position Managed: 1 Supervising Maintainer & 8 Maintainers Location: Bronx Zoo Department: Bronx Zoo Cogeneration Scope: Based at the Bronx Zoo Position Type: Full Time About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission. Position Summary The Bronx Zoo houses a 3.8MW Cogeneration Plant with Natural Gas Engines that produces 4,160V power that is distributed to campus buildings along with power export to the Con Edison Grid. Medium temperature hot water is circulated from the plant to 13 building boilers to offset the burning of natural gas. The Cogeneration Plant Manager oversees the daily operation of the Cogen plant operations and associated heat distribution, along with directly supervising cogeneration plant full-time union staff to safely maintain the efficient, compliant operation of the plant energy production. Responsibility also covers procurement of supplies and material, working with contractors and dealing with technical issues to optimize energy production and utility performance. Principal Responsibilities Direct and control the day-to-day operations, ensuring continuous production of electricity, engine operations and heat while maintaining quality standards and minimizing costs. Recruit, manage, and develop plant union staff, providing clear direction, building trusting relationships, fostering a productive team environment and addressing employee concerns. Responsible for staff orientation and training. Oversee maintenance, repairs, and preventative maintenance of plant equipment (waste heat boilers, pumps, cooling systems, generators, motors, etc.), enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols and environmental regulations. Monitor plant systems, troubleshoot technical issues, and implement strategies for plant optimization and continual improvement, such as improving the heat rate. Ensure the proper heat distribution to multiple buildings and associated heat transfer systems. Conduct repairs as necessary for plant equipment and provide guidance to Union staff in the overhaul, maintenance and installation of equipment including but not limited to pumps, piping, valves, motors, dry coolers, heat exchangers, air compressors, control systems and electrical equipment. Create and manage plant budgets, allocate resources effectively, maintain systems and conduct ordering of plant supplies and related inventory. Ensure the plant meets all applicable state and federal environmental regulations and codes, coordinating with regulatory bodies as needed. Contribute to strategic initiatives, including energy conservation projects, capital planning, and sustainability efforts. Collect & analyze data to monitor performance, identify areas for waste reduction and drive efficiency improvements. Qualification Requirements Minimum 5 years’ experience working in a power plant or similar industrial systems operation. College degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, or a related field is preferred. High school diploma required. Strong background in electrical installation, working with medium voltage, Transformers, Motor Control Centers, Variable Frequency Drives, fluid handling/pumping systems, and strong preference for experience with controls, air compressors, equipment, and cooling towers. Ability to diagnose and service plant auxiliary equipment, including pumps, motors, heat exchangers, air compressors, control systems, and other types of small electrical equipment. Must be available to respond to emergencies 24/7. Proficient in the use of electrical test equipment, hand tools, power tools, shop equipment, and in pipe fittings utilizing PVC, FRP, and tubing. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate well in both written and oral reports. Proficiency in computer applications and software such as MS Office (incl. Excel), and ability to design and manipulate spreadsheets. Physical Demands The physical demands include but are not limited to the use of a Keyboard, 10-key, Mouse, and Telephone Use, Handwriting, Sitting, Standing, Crouching, Kneeling, Bending, Walking, Stair Climbing, minimal Driving, and Lifting up to 50lbs. Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies. Note: The salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work. Note: SERIOUS INQUIRES ONLY: PLEASE APPLY WITH A COVER LETTER AND RESUME VIA WCS JOB BOARD: www.wcs.org.