Job Details

Boiler Plant Heating Systems Supervisor

At the Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA), we're proud to be the largest housing and redevelopment authority in Virginia and a leader in real estate development and property management across the country. Since 1940, we've been working to revitalize and improve neighborhoods in Norfolk.

We also acknowledge that public housing has a complicated history, tied to issues of social injustice and racial inequality. While we haven't always gotten it right, we're committed to making positive change by offering quality housing options that support diverse, mixed-income communities. Our vision is to provide quality housing choices in neighborhoods where people want to live. Our mission is to provide quality housing opportunities that create sustainable, mixed-income communities.

Position Summary

Oversees and coordinates assigned heating and plumbing shop operations. Supervises subordinate technical staff to ensure effective operations. Operates, maintains, repairs, replaces, and inspects industrial, commercial, and residential boiler plant heating systems at assigned communities and buildings. Monitors boiler plant activity and records data. Supervises the full array of plumbing tasks. Responds to emergency and routine boiler systems problem calls. Oversees the installation, repairs, and replacement of water piping. Supervises lesser-skilled staff in performing complex boiler system installations. Applies for and secures mechanical and plumbing permits from City of Norfolk. Prepares and submits annual budget for heating and plumbing shop.

Performance Standards

• Operational Efficiency: Maintains timely completion of work orders and preventive maintenance; minimizes downtime and service disruptions.
• Team Leadership: Ensures staff meet performance expectations; fosters skill development, accountability, and positive morale.
• Safety Compliance: Adheres to OSHA, NRHA, and industry safety standards; prevents workplace accidents and enforces PPE use.
• Quality of Work: Ensures all boiler and plumbing repairs, installations, and maintenance meet professional standards and pass inspections.
• Problem Resolution: Responds promptly to emergencies; accurately diagnoses issues and restores systems effectively.
• Budget Accountability: Stays within approved budget limits; makes cost-effective purchasing and resource decisions.
• Documentation Accuracy: Maintains complete, up-to-date, and accurate logs, reports, and permits.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures all permits, inspections, and legal requirements are met without violations.
• Customer & Stakeholder Satisfaction: Communicates clearly and professionally with residents and internal teams; resolves concerns effectively.
• Continuous Improvement: Identifies operational inefficiencies or risks; proposes and implements solutions to improve shop performance and conservation initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED). High School vocational program or vocational/technical school training in boiler plant heating system maintenance, general heating, and plumbing. Seven to ten years of boiler plant and related system operation and maintenance experience.

Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience necessary to obtain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certification as a master plumber, master mechanic, or master gas fitter is required.

Personal heating and plumbing tools are required.

Special Requirements

• Must possess a valid VA or NC driver's license.
• Personal heating and plumbing tools are required.
• Subject to a background check, pre-employment health check, and reference verification prior to hire.
• Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to NRHA's code of conduct and ethics policies.
• Considered essential personnel as referenced in HR 425 Adverse Conditions policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Comprehensive and current knowledge of heat system installation, repair and replacement principles, methods, and techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of heat circulation methods; combustion, heat transfer, pneumatics, and electrical operations.
• Operational knowledge of fire alarm system maintenance, repair, and replacement.
• Considerable knowledge of standard and power tools associated with HVAC, including their use and care.
• Considerable knowledge of safety standards and procedures associated with repair and maintenance.
• Ability to read, interpret and work from sketches, blueprints and schematics.
• Requires ability to maintain records, logs, and proper reports.
• Requires ability to follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to use technical manuals, manufacturer's manuals, and special instructions to determine the proper procedure for maintenance, repair, or replacement of parts in boiler heating systems.
• Skill in the use of precision measuring devices such as micrometers, calipers, and dial indicators; pipe fitting techniques and rigging setups for large components.
• Basic oral communication skills to receive instructions and convey information.
• Human relations skills to interact with supervisor, maintenance staff, and housing residents; includes skill in working effectively in a team environment, and skill in leading and training lesser-skilled maintenance staff.
• Analytical ability to diagnose common repair problems and determine a solution based on standard practices and precedents.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment to estimate time to complete an assignment, select an appropriate work method, determine if additional assistance is needed, and complete an assignment without immediate supervision.
• Ability to exercise independent initiative to identify and resolve unanticipated maintenance, repairs, and replacements.
• Purchase authority of up to $1,000.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk, smell, see, or hear. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 60 pounds, such as bathtubs, pumps, motors, compressors, etc. Job requires depth, color, and texture perception.

Drug Free Workplace: NRHA maintains a drug free workplace.

VRS Contribution: All full-time employees are required to contribute 5% of annual salary toward their retirement account; in accordance with VRS retirement provisions. This will be handled through a pre-tax payroll deduction.

The Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law. We value diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.