General Summary: 

The Deputy Director of Utilities oversees the day-to-day operations, maintenance, and engineering support of the Utility Plant and energy distribution across the campus. This role involves supervising Utility Plant Operators, ensuring safe and reliable delivery of utilities, and providing guidance for skill enhancement and success among the workforces. Responsibilities include implementing training programs for staff improvement, maintaining compliance with laws and regulations, and participating in campus planning and budgeting processes. Additionally, the Deputy Director manages maintenance activities, supports research efforts, and collaborates closely with senior management to allocate resources effectively.

Examples of Duties: 

Plans, delegates, and oversees the day-to-day activities of the Utilities Plant, including project assignments and program management. Conducts regular evaluations of work procedures and collaborates with key staff to address any issues that arise.

• Manages the maintenance and repair of the Plant and Utilities, including preventive maintenance programs and oversight of electrical and mechanical systems. Develops and updates procedures necessary for efficient plant operation and operator qualification.
• Works with Facilities Department managers to establish priorities, select consultants, and oversee facilities-related maintenance and operations. Conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with standards and identifies deferred maintenance needs.
• Supervises outside contractors to ensure adherence to contracts and specifications. Attends construction meetings related to utility projects and directs plant operations to maintain efficiency and meet environmental standards.
• Oversees the 13.8 kV distribution system and ensures compliance with university policies, as well as state and federal regulations regarding emissions and safety.
• Develops campus energy policies and guidelines, monitors energy consumption trends, and provides technical support for energy management efforts.
• Implements and monitors Standard Operating Procedures for utility plant and pump house operations, including cooling/heating water and electricity distribution.
• Manages utility budgets, forecasts future needs, and develops capital plans for infrastructure improvements. Documents building and customer utility requirements and identifies opportunities for equipment and tool upgrades.
• Coordinates emergency response efforts and recommends corrective measures as needed.
• Counsels and advises personnel on job-related matters and prepares counseling reports and performance evaluations. Makes recommendations concerning disciplinary actions.
• Participates in the interviewing of candidates for positions and provides recommendations on hiring decisions.
• Maintains communication and positive relationships with faculty and staff from the various University departments and outside regulatory agencies. Represents the Facilities Department’s mission and needs in interactions with members of the University community and outside agencies.
• Keeps informed of, adheres to and enforces all University policies as applicable.
• Performs additional duties as required.

Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Plant Engineering, or a related field, coupled with at least ten years of relevant experience, or an equivalent blend of education and experience.

• Preferred: Master’s degree in a related field.
• Mandatory possession of a Massachusetts Third Class Engineer’s License.
• Demonstrated expertise in engineering principles applicable to steam, hot water heating, chilled water systems, electrical generation, boilers, chillers, gas turbines, and distribution systems.
• Proven comprehension of power plant operations, encompassing comprehensive knowledge of generating equipment, fuel handling, labor management, and cleaning protocols. Familiarity with plant engineering and maintenance functions, and their integration with operations.
• Extensive familiarity with plant operations and associated automation systems.
• Experience overseeing facilities, operations, maintenance, space, and equipment management in laboratory settings.
• Proficiency in centralized building control systems and the upkeep of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and other building systems within research laboratories, office spaces, and classrooms.
• Preferable experience in managing unionized workforces.
• Track record of collaborating with internal and external vendors and overseeing service contracting. • Ability to supervise utility plant workers, assign tasks, and manage workflow efficiently.
• Proficiency in estimating labor and material costs accurately.
• Skill in interpreting blueprints, plans, and specifications.
• Aptitude for analyzing maintenance, repair, and construction data to formulate recommendations for safety, quality, and efficiency improvements.
• Thorough understanding of relevant federal, state, and local codes and ordinances pertinent to utilities planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Competence in utilizing work order systems and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), preferably with experience in TMA work order systems.
• Ability to cultivate a collaborative, team-oriented work environment.
• Strong leadership, customer service, and communication abilities.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects with competing priorities in a technical environment.
• Skill in planning and scheduling work, including determining staffing, equipment, and material/supply requirements.
• Demonstrated analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Capability to access and work in maintenance spaces, including those requiring climbing stairs or ladders, navigating confined spaces, or traversing elevated catwalks.
• Successful track record of working in diverse environments and complex organizational structures. • Familiarity with Life Safety Systems, including emergency generators.
• Knowledge of Saltwater heat rejection equipment, such as pumps, heat exchangers, strainers, screens, and cooling towers

Application Instructions:

Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three references. 

Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

This is a non-union exempt position. 

All official salary offers must be approved by Human Resources.

UMass Boston is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact HRDirect@umb.edu or 617-287-5150.