Scheduled Hours
37.5
Position Summary
Washington University (WashU) seeks a collaborative technical leader to serve as the Director of Utility Operations for the 169-acre Danforth Campus, home to most undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at WashU. The Director is responsible for all energy-related services necessary to support the university’s educational and research mission. They ensure the delivery of the highest-quality services in the most reliable, environmentally friendly, and economical manner possible.
The Director reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities Planning and Management and directs a team of two Zone Managers, 10 engineers, and 20 multi-craft mechanics. The Director is visible in overseeing daily operations of a complex environment, including the maintenance and operation of boiler and chiller plants, high-voltage electrical switchgear, transformers, distribution systems, and sanitary and storm sewer systems. They provide 24/7 operational coverage of all utility systems and respond to associated emergencies.
The Director manages relationships with key external stakeholders, including utility companies, government agencies, and regulatory bodies, to ensure uniform code compliance and to resolve issues. They work with and present to key internal stakeholders, including the Chancellor, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Provost, and members of the Board of Trustees.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Development of the long-range master utility plan highlighting equipment and infrastructure ready for upgrades. Development and implementation of a utility system replacement plan to phase out aged, unreliable, and inefficient systems.
- Oversee the generation and distribution of steam, heating hot water, and chilled water to campus buildings. Maintain and operate boiler and chiller plants, high-voltage electrical switchgear, transformers, distribution systems, and sanitary and storm sewer systems.
- Develop and implement utility system expansion plans and capacity increases in collaboration with the university architect and the capital projects teams.
- Develop and manage the annual utility budget. Purchase electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, and chilled water for campus buildings.
- Provide 24/7 operational coverage of all utility systems. Respond to associated emergencies promptly and oversee necessary repairs/remediation.
- Build productive relationships with local utility companies, government agencies, and regulators to ensure uniform code compliance and to collaborate on key projects/issues.
- Develop energy usage policies and design standards for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems and ensure compliance.
- Assist university architects in designing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems for new buildings and renovations.
- Support and assist in implementing campus environmental sustainability initiatives. Proactively seek ways to reduce carbon emissions and implement green energy solutions where appropriate.
- Coordinate, plan, and execute energy-related communications to faculty, staff, and students in concert with communications leaders.
- Maintain environmental integrity and comply with all requirements for air emissions, refrigerant inventory management, and fuel oil spill prevention.
- Assist in troubleshooting problems with building HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.
- Oversee the maintenance of all outdoor lighting systems.
- Manage utility metering and usage reporting.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
- Work is generally performed in an office environment and in an open space among other employees.
- Work will also be performed in the field (equipment rooms, utility tunnels, outside, etcetera).
- Occasional after -hours duty will be required to assist in unscheduled utility emergencies, etc.
- Requires extensive safety training.
- High noise environment.
- On-Call 24/7.
- Requires protective devices.
- Dust, dirt, grease or other disagreeable elements.
- Exposure to moving machinery.
- Ability to travel to various on- and off-campus locations.
Physical Effort
- Employee must be capable of physically walking the campus, walking through congested equipment rooms/tunnels, climbing ladders to access equipment for inspection, and being in hot/cold environments for extended periods of time.
- Typically sitting at desk or table.
- Typically standing or walking.
- Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement.
Equipment
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
B.S. - Bachelor Of Science
Certifications:
No specific certification is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Management/Supervisory (5 Years), Engineering Operations And Diagnostic Analysis Or “Hands-On” Engineering Design (10 Years)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with highly technical, complex operations (facilities management).
- Ability to navigate in a matrixed environment with many stakeholders.
- Team player who leads with clear communication, transparency, and collaboration.
- Broad exposure to multiple utilities such as gas, power, water, sewer, boiler, chiller, and steam operations.
- Excellent problem solver with the ability to make quick decisions as needed.
- Financial acumen with the ability to model energy costs and recover operating costs.
- Assertive personality with the ability to influence without direct authority.
- Excellent communication skills, including oral and written.
- Hands-on, visible leader who enjoys working closely with field operations.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
B.E.E. - Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, Bachelor's degree - Mechanical Engineering
Certifications:
No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Work Experience:
No additional work experience beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.
Skills:
Collaboration, Leadership, Oral Communications, Utility Maintenance, Utility Operations, Utility Systems, Written Communication
Grade
G17
Salary Range
$110,300.00 - $194,200.00 / AnnuallyThe salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please emailCandidateQuestions@wustl.eduor call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.
