Utility Plant Operations Manager
DTE· Industrial Automation· Sep 17, 2026 · 1mo ago
Stockton, CA, US
In office
Full-time
Manager
$100K–$129K est.
6+ years exp
Job description
DTE is one of the nation’s largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer’s homes and Michigan’s progress for more than a century. And as Michigan’s largest source of renewable energy, we’re creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We’re also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states. But we’re more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities. When you join us, you’ll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences , and values everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing. Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things. The pay range for this position is $112,000.00 - $168,000.00 .
Job Summary
Location: Stockton, CA
Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and management of staff at the generating plant. Provides direct supervision and leadership of the operations group under the general direction of the Assistant Plant Manager. The person holding this position provides leadership to the operations group on the daily operation of generating equipment under the general direction of the Assistant Plant Manager. Responsibilities include managing the daily operation of the facility to ensure the environment and plant personnel are safe. Requires knowledge of all environmental and compliance permits and how they are implemented in an operating plant, as well as demonstrated knowledge of the maintenance management function of a wood-fired stoker power plant. Results are reviewed through the achievement of set goals and adherence to these policies, procedures, and practices.Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and management of staff at the generating plant. Provides direct supervision and leadership of the operations group under the general direction of the Assistant Plant Manager. The person holding this position provides leadership to the operations group on the daily operation of generating equipment under the general direction of the Assistant Plant Manager. Responsibilities include managing the daily operation of the facility to ensure the environment and plant personnel are safe. Requires knowledge of all environmental and compliance permits and how they are implemented in an operating plant, as well as demonstrated knowledge of the maintenance management function of a wood-fired stoker power plant. Results are reviewed through the achievement of set goals and adherence to these policies, procedures, and practices.
Key Accountabilities
• Directs plant operations and operating personnel to ensure that generating requirements and plant efficiency are maintained, and that local, state and federal safety and operational environmental standards are met.
• Develops, implements and manages consistent plant operating philosophies and best practices to maximize plant availability, efficiency and productivity.
• Constantly reviews and improves operational processes and ensures that operating personnel are properly trained and adhere to established procedures and standards in accordance with prudent industry practices.
• Manages the fuel yard, including safe and efficient storage and mixing of biomass fuel, maintains positive fuel supplier relationships and overall quality control of fuel supply.
• Manages safety and environmental compliance and reporting to federal, state and local government authorities.
• Develops performance goals and reviews to align employee accountabilities and conduct with operational processes.
• Investigates operating abnormalities and incidents to improve equipment availability and performance and to minimize maintenance requirements.
• Prepares necessary plant operation reports in a timely manner and investigates all forced outages.
• Prepares and continually evaluates the operating department’s budgets and/or makes recommendations to the Assistant Plant Manager relative to optimize Operations cost effectiveness, work quality, outage time, and capital budgets.
• Reviews and provides operational input to maintenance and assists with maintenance engineering evaluation and troubleshooting of equipment abnormalities. Maintains a consistent and effective level of communications with Assistant Plant Manager, Maintenance Manager, Administrative staff, and O&M Technicians on shift.
• Establishes department and group goals based on market dynamics and the needs of customers, employees, the owners and other stakeholders
• Assures proper staffing, scheduling, orientation and training of the plant staff, and manages compliance with all company policies and procedures. Recruits, interviews and assigns Operations employment candidates.
• Performs all other duties as assigned
Minimum Education & Experience Requirements
• High School Diploma or equivalent and knowledge and capabilities typically acquired through at least 6 years supervisory experience in a solid fuel fired power plant, or
• Associate degree or industry-recognized certificate (i.e., the completion of a core group of course designated by the institution) in a related discipline is preferred and knowledge and capabilities typically acquired through at least 4 years supervisory experience in a solid fuel fired power plant, or
• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with a minimum of 3 years supervisory experience in a solid fuel fired power plant
Other Qualifications
Preferred
• Wood fired boiler and Steam Turbine Generator operating experience is highly desired to provide for the following: A thorough, demonstrated understanding of power plant operations, with strong understanding of the maintenance function. Understanding of steam turbine technology, mechanics, hydraulics, electricity and electronics.
Other Requirements
• Thorough, demonstrated understanding of plant operations, with strong knowledge of generating equipment, biomass fired boilers, and water treatment processes.
• Ability to analyze and improve operations business processes, utilizing information about market dynamics and competitors' processes and achievements.
• Working knowledge of operations and engineering functions and their interrelation to maintenance.
• Demonstrated skill in planning, coordinating and directing varied programs and tasks directly effecting the overall plant operation.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and direct varied programs and tasks directly involved with the maintenance component of the plant, but directly influencing the entire plant operation.
• Understanding of accounting systems as it relates to work orders.
• Experience with accounting practices as it relates to analyzing cost impacts to budget.
• Ability to analyze and improve maintenance business processes, utilizing information about market dynamics and competitors' processes and achievements.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Understanding of Risk-Based Asset Management (RBAM) strategies.
• Solid knowledge of plant engineering and plant maintenance functions and how they relate to operations and income.
• Ability to work shifts and extra/irregular hours and to work under unusual and special conditions that can arise in a biomass fired generation plant.
• Proficient in the use of MS applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint in a Windows environment. Extensive experience with computer-based maintenance management programs and Internet.
• Ability to pass respirator fit tests to use respiratory protective equipment or self-contained breathing apparatus at all times.
Physical Demands & Working Conditions
The physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In order to properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is required to:
• Frequently sit, stand, or walk for a minimum of 8-hour shifts, including walking long distances and on uneven ground.
• Frequently climb stairs and ladders, balance and occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and maneuver in awkward positions.
• Frequently lift objects of up to 25 pounds in weight and carry objects of up to 25 pounds in weight. Occasionally the employee will have to push or pull objects of up to 25 pounds in weight.
• Talk & hear; use hands & fingers; handle & feel; and able to reach with hands and arms extensively.
• Vision requirements for this position include close vision, color vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• Enter and work in confined space areas.
Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, including wet and/or humid conditions, and heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in the office but may become loud at the plant site. Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and/or machinery and equipment with high temperatures. Exposed to protected and unprotected heights, which requires the use of a personal fall protection system (harness/lifeline). Occasionally exposed to vibration and fumes or airborne particles which will require the use of personal protective equipment including respirators; fire retardant clothing; self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), etc.
Additional Information
Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.
PRIVACY NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA JOB APPLICANTS
At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity, employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws.
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