Energy Utility Operations Manager

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

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Summary:

The Energy Utility Operations Manager position manages, directs, and provides leadership to Operating Engineers and other trade staff within the Energy Management unit. The activities of this unit includes the inspection, efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of campus thermal systems, related plant equipment, water treatment systems as well as maintenance and repair of campus domestic water & sewer distribution systems, and campus gas utility distribution systems within the domain of the Facilities Management Division. This position may act in the capacity of the Director of Energy and Engineering in the event of their absence. The Manager, Energy Utility Operations works independently to manage department and unit objectives, while ensuring good public relations and a positive department image through personal contacts and assurance of quality standards, exceptional customer service, and a safe, functional, clean, efficient and attractive living and learning environment. Prepares performance appraisals, develops, counsels assigned personnel and coordinate their training and evaluations. Manages department resources and utility systems to meet reliability and energy efficiency objectives along with regulatory compliance requirements and facilities managements customer service objectives.

All university managers, supervisors, and trade positions are expected to perform duties other than those typically associated with core trade responsibilities as the needs of the university dictate. Facilities Management is a diverse team-oriented organization where employees actively support each others success. Collaboration and cooperation are expected from all employees. Successful FM employees are those who contribute to our ability to support each other and our customers.

Essential Functions:

1.) Managing Operations, Maintenance, Staffing and Budget Resources

• Manages department resources and utility systems through the use of department metrics and performance indicators to meet reliability and energy efficiency objectives along with regulatory compliance requirements.

• Controls maintenance and repair cost budget by monitoring preventive maintenance, assessment programs and associated contracts.

• Conducts inspections needed of all heating and cooling systems throughout the campus to ensure proper coordination and operation.

• Establishes and implements standards and procedures to ensure optimum operation and maintenance of campus thermal systems (including but not limited to steam, chilled water, and heating water).

• Related plant equipment, water treatment systems (including but not limited to natatorium systems, boiler systems, and chiller systems), domestic water & sewer campus distribution systems, and campus gas utility distribution systems.

• Develops, implements, and seeks continuous improvement of department standards and procedures to provide coherent operation within the Energy Utility Operations Team.

• Ensures that all equipment maintenance and repair work assigned to the unit are completed by anticipated work completion dates.

• Monitors the progress of work assignments and makes appropriate adjustments in order to provide timely service and prevent unneeded interruptions.

• Reviews drawings, blueprints, equipment specifications and other documents to ensure that all systems and equipment meet the needs our customers.

• Coordinates with vendors and procurement in the development and management of unit contracts associated with the above.

• Prepares performance appraisals and counseling of assigned personnel. Identifies and develops training resources to support staff growth and development.

• Manages the performance and development of Energy Utility Operations staff through documented planning and feedback using the LMS (Learning Management System).

• Prepares accident/incident reports and documentation for recommended corrective actions related to the Staff HR Policy manual.

• Maintains a thorough understanding of Campus and Department Policies and Strategic Initiatives.

• Ensures staff fully understand E&E and FM customer service objectives and strategies and is committed and well prepared to play its part in our service mission.

2.) Performs strategic planning and implements initiatives for increasing efficiency and reliability of unit managed systems.

• Key member of the E&E Energy Team supporting the Director and the Energy Conservation & Efficiency Mgr.

• Maintains accurate records and keeps deferred maintenance and service interruptions to a minimum by short- and long-range scheduling and planning.

• Serves as department subject matter expert for campus utility and building HVACR systems to support university facility strategic planning and project initiative.

• Performs facilities commissioning activities (e.g. reviewing of new or upgraded utility and mechanical systems) to ensure that operational, maintenance, repair, and energy efficiency impacts on the Energy Utility Operations unit and Energy and Engineering department are minimized as well as Facility Management efficiency/reliability goals are met.

• Maintains a working understanding of equipment capacity and facilities loading, single points of failure and N+1 redundancy strategies.

• Maintains a working understanding of major utility users/usage, cost concerns, and conservation projects/measures.

• Maintains a working understanding of campus Energy Management Systems, their capabilities, applications and key operational uses/sequences.

3.) Provides Leadership for Safety and Compliance matters associated with protecting his team, the infrastructure and helping mitigate AU/FMs risk profile as a appropriate.

• Maintains high level of awareness and expertise with regard to regulatory and code requirements.

• Tracks on regulatory requirements and associated reports, including but not limited to preparation and submission of campus Title V reporting, coordination and record keeping with regard to pressure vessel and pool certifications, etc.

• Ensures his team maintains required licensing, training, PPE and procedures towards same.

• Ensures extensive cooperation/collaboration with risk management in this regard.

4.) General collaboration, outreach and other duties as assigned.

• Serves as an FM - MOD and a senior representative of E&E and the larger FM department with regard to utilities, infrastructure and operations matters.

• Collaborates closely with the Manager of Planned Maintenance & the Building Maintenance Operations supervisors to help ensure consistent and near seamless service operations and communications after-hours.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• The Manager, Energy Utility Operations reports directly to the Director of Energy and Engineering.

• This position is part of the Energy and Engineering unit and supervises 2 Assistant Chief Engineers and 16 full-time Operating Engineers.

Competencies:

• Leading and Inspiring People.

• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.

• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

• Building and Supporting Teams.

• Managing Talent.

• Driving Continuous Improvement.

• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

• Prioritizing and Organizing.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-Time.

• 35 hours per week.

• This position may work in areas which experience temperature extremes (i.e. heat or cold) or confined spaces in the performing of principle accountabilities for the position.

• Campus presence required.

Salary Range:

• $140,000 - $147,000 annually.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent (in engineering/physical science fields is preferred).

• 8-10 years of relevant experience.

• Title V permitting experience.

• Budgetary Experience with Operations, Maintenance and Replacement costs.

• Familiarity with Life Cycle Cost assessment.

• Personnel & Performance Management Experience including goal setting, appraisal and corrective counseling.

• Ability to establish vision, assess staffing and training needs, to inspire and train Staff.

• Contract Management Experience.

• Working knowledge of Boilers, Chillers, HVAC systems and water treatment/chemistry needs for same.

• Customer Service Experience.

• Construction Management and/or Facilities Commissioning Experience.

• Ability to Read Blueprints.

• Strong familiarity with commercial and/or industrial automation/control systems.

• Utilities Cost Control and Efficient Energy Management.

• Experience with Incident Response, Management/Control, and Reporting.

• Steam plant operator's DC engineer license (3rd class or higher).

• Maintain a valid driver license with fewer than 2 points.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's degree or equivalent (MBA or Project Management).

• 10+ years of relevant experience.

• Experience with Executive Level Briefing and Public Presentation/Speaking.

• AEE - Certified Energy Manager (CEM) certification.

• APPA - CEFP or equivalent Facilities Management Certificate.

• Master HVAC License.

• LEED Certification.

• NIULPE Chief Engineer License.

• Universal CFC license and 1st Class DC Steam Engineers License (non-restricted).

• Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) experience.

• Building/Plant Automation & Database and Network management certifications.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individuals genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.