Foremn Utilities - Steam Plant Operations

Argonne National Laboratory is seeking a Steam Plant Operations Foreman. Under the general direction of the Utility Systems Operations Supervisor, the Steam Plant Operations Foreman supervises and participates in the operation, maintenance, and monitoring of Argonne’s central steam and combined heat and power (CHP) plant. The Foreman ensures reliable, safe, and efficient production of steam, electricity, and condensate return in accordance with Argonne National Laboratory policies, DOE orders, and applicable codes and regulations.

The Foreman provides technical direction to operating personnel on shift, coordinates plant activities with maintenance and engineering teams, oversees water chemistry, combustion control systems, and emission compliance, and ensures all operating logs, records, and reports are accurate and timely. This role is a key front-line leader responsible for maintaining 24/7 operational continuity and high reliability (>99.99%) of the Laboratory’s critical utility systems.

This job description documents the general nature of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Specific Duties

• Supervises, schedules, and directs daily activities of Stationary Engineers and Auxiliary Equipment Operators in the Steam Plant and CHP facility.
• Ensures safe and efficient operation of all steam plant and CHP systems, including boilers, HRSG, natural-gas turbine generator, compressors, feedwater systems, fuel delivery, and auxiliary equipment.
• Coordinates major repairs and technical support with the Maintenance Foreman and  Utilities Steam Plant Engineer
• Conducts regular drills with the steam plant staff
• Initiates request for purchase requisitions and contract call orders
• Ensures proper staffing levels for efficient plant operation
• Coordinates plant operations with laboratory load demands, maintenance outages, and other Utilities Division operations.
• Monitors system performance, analyzes data trends, and implements corrective actions to maintain peak plant efficiency and environmental compliance.
• Reviews and approves operational logs, reports, and shift handovers to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Conducts or oversees training, qualification, and performance evaluation of plant operators.
• Enforces Environment, Safety & Health (ES&H) standards, Lockout/Tagout, confined space, and other safe work practices.
• Responds to plant upsets, alarms, and emergency conditions, directs corrective actions, and communicates significant events to management.
• Coordinates with the Utilities Maintenance and Engineering groups on repairs, capital improvements, and equipment testing.
• Maintains readiness for regulatory inspections and internal audits.
• Performs operational duties as required to maintain shift coverage or during emergencies.
• Distributes monthly reports as required
• Initiates Facility Event Notifications for planned and unplanned events as required

Position Requirements

• Minimum of five (5) years experience in steam plant or combined heat and power operations, including supervisory or lead experience.
• Thorough knowledge of boiler, turbine, and combustion control systems, mechanical and electrical auxiliaries, and water chemistry control.
• Valid Stationary Engineer’s License issued by an authorized certifying body.
• Demonstrated leadership and team coordination skills in a 24/7 operational environment.
• Strong understanding of environmental, safety, and reliability standards applicable to large institutional energy plants.
• Proficiency in computer-based monitoring and control systems (DCS/SCADA) and basic PC applications.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Ability to work shifts, weekends, and respond to after-hours emergencies as required.
• Ability to work with other Foreman and customers to schedule preventive maintenance and repairs to plant equipment to maintain reliability of waste treatment plants and distribution systems
• Ability to model Argonne's core values of Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity and Teamwork.

Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection

All activities, as they apply to work performed by self and working with others will be executed in compliance with Environment, Safety & Health (ES&H) and security responsibilities established by Argonne National Laboratory's ES&H policies, Safeguards and Security policies, work rules, and safe practices.

Job Family

Support Technical (ST)

Job Profile

Building and Utility Infrastructure Services 3

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full time

The expected hiring range for this position is $35.73 - $55.74.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.