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Position Summary

The Director of Utility Plant Systems is responsible for a wide range of administrative and professional duties in connection with the management and capital upgrades of HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Life Safety and the Central Plant systems. The oversight includes deliveries of modernization projects and services for these areas are in support of all campus buildings and utility infrastructure for the Operations & Facilities Division. This role is responsible for performing technical and professional duties in connection with the development and review of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing divisions of construction standards and contracts for the University, and implementation of the upgrades.  Duties require a high level of expertise in commercial mechanical, electrical & plumbing systems and the related divisions of construction contracts. The director will also assist in developing and leading the sustainability efforts of the university in areas of climate and energy, curriculum and learning, community and lifestyle, and communication and engagement. 

Under the direction of the Vice President for Operations and Facilities, and the Executive Director for Facilities Management, the Director of Utility Plant Systems performs a variety of management and technical assignments to support the modernization and expansion of the infrastructure and distribution systems for the daily operations related to planning, major capital improvements, minor projects, maintenance, and contracted services to support the utility services and distribution systems to the multi campus locations physical plant.

This position is funded by Mercy College’s capital plan, and contingent with on-going capital project plan which is commencing a new multi-year capital plan to support strategic plan initiatives.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical, electrical and plumbing specifications and standards to be utilized for campus construction contract activities.
• Review industry options available for commercial mechanical, electrical and plumbing components and make recommendations.
• Establish a working team within the Operations and Facilities Division in developing standards to ensure specified systems and products can be maintained and serviced, and ensuring successful turnover of operational systems.
• Develop scopes of work, designs, specifications, drawings and estimates for bidding and construction; and perform engineering calculations.
• Review the work of consultants and assist in development of quality reports and contract documents.
• Review and approve shop drawings and submittals.
• Review and assist in addressing questions and clarifications related to contract documents.
• Perform periodic on-site observations of projects under construction and monitor the quality of design and construction work performed by architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, and sub-contractors.
• Monitors adequacy of construction supervision and inspects projects; may attend project meetings and prepare reports.
• Develop and/or review technical mechanical and electrical reports, program studies, project estimates, budgets and field surveys.
• Performs independent, in-depth, investigations of specific problems including utility plant infrastructure, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems analysis and recommendations.
• Researches and develops technical data necessary to resolve complex design and construction problems.
• Assist in the start-up and troubleshooting of electronic and digital controllers and control sequences; and review mechanical and electrical installations and systems for energy conservation applications and standards.
• Determines code compliance and consults with code enforcement agencies regarding interpretation and application.
• Assists in the administrative and project management duties relative to the daily operations of the Facilities Design and Construction Division.
• Ability to perform duties typical to a computerized data system, including computer assisted design applications.
• Assist in the development of sustainability planning and initiatives, through a climate action plan, and roadmaps for implementing themes for climate, learning, community and engagement.
• Perform assessments and along with the engagement of consultants, develop initiatives to reduce the university’s environmental footprint through sustainable practices.

Qualifications Required

• A bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering or a closely related field, and two years full time work experience in design and construction, and operation of institutional/commercial facilities.

OR An associate’s degree as specified above, and four years’ full time work experience as specified above, with relevant professional training and certification, and an understanding of higher education environments.

• Must possess strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills, and experience with computer assisted design systems, and field related software programs including Microsoft office suite.  Must have knowledge and ability to interpret codes and standards applicable to mechanical, heating and ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and life safety systems.