Associate Director of Utility Operations

16-Oct-2024

Associate Director of Utility Operations

Campus Services

67158BR

Job Summary

Energy & Facilities (E&F) operates and manages Harvard’s energy supplies, district energy plants, and utility infrastructures on the Cambridge/Allston campuses, as well as a 24/7 facilities-related call, alarm monitoring, and dispatch center. E&F also provides a broad portfolio of labor-based services, including building maintenance, landscaping, and custodial, to a large portion of the University, as well as engineering, technical, and sustainability services.  Within E&F, Engineering & Utilities (E&U) operates and manages energy supplies, district energy plants, and utility infrastructures on the Cambridge/Allston campuses, a 24/7 facilities-related call, alarm monitoring, and dispatch center, and provides engineering and technical services.

This position is responsible for the leadership, oversight, and management of the Engineering & Utilities’ Operations Group within Campus Services Energy & Facilities and has operational and leadership responsibilities across E&U in specific areas. This position also participates in initiatives to strengthen institutional collaboration and efficiency, provides support for special projects and strategic planning, and participates in developing strategies and policies. 
 

Position Description

• Responsible for the oversight and management of all utility systems, labor-based and technical services within and/or provided by the Operations group - including electrical distribution, steam distribution, chilled water production/distribution, hot water distribution, water/drainage infrastructures, elevator services, and inspectional/operational compliance services. Ensures proper delivery of services, system capability, reliability, operational flexibility, safety, regulatory compliance, physical security, maintenance, economic operation, and provision for future expansion.
• Responsible for the overall financial integrity of the Operations group and associated services, including associated Operations group overhead and operating budgets/expenses. Responsible for all financial/business planning associated with the Operations group overhead and operating budgets, and for collaborating with and providing input to other E&U groups (e.g., Engineering and Administration) regarding capital reserve, project planning and integrated multi-year business planning. Responsible for development and maintenance of related business plans and other analyses/reports/studies as required.
• Acts as E&U’s primary representative on University-wide committees and task forces on contracts, vendor management, and others as directed. Responsible for disseminating information associated with these activities to an appropriate audience in E&U and ensures policies and controls within E&U stay current with requirements. Oversees procurement and contracting processes for operations and capital related activities across E&U and ensures compliance with policies and procedures.
• Provides leadership to and supervision of all assigned staff; responsible for ongoing performance management, training, mentoring, hiring, and development planning for staff (goal setting, reviews, etc.), while promoting an inclusive and innovative environment. Manages to and ensures compliance with union contracts, University procedures and policies, and regulations.
• Assists Director and works with other managers across E&U to ensure business plans and financial models are adequate, consistent, and meet the needs of the department.  Participates in and provides subject matter expertise/input to the development of an ongoing maintenance of all financial models.
• Member of the Campus Services’ Local Emergency Management Team and acts for Director in his absence. Responsible for maintaining business continuity and emergency management plans for services within the Operations group and assists Director in disseminating emergency management information across E&U and achieving compliance with requirements.
• Acts as E&U’s primary contact and liaison with the local electric utility (Eversource) on all operational issues, Eversource project work associated with University projects as well as strategic planning associated with the University’s microgrid. Reviews all service requests and easement documents and interacts with the Office of the General Counsel on all issues requiring legal review/action.
• Assists Director in developing, analyzing, and implementing strategic plans, improved and/or new business strategies, and new departmental policies and procedures to optimize the delivery of services to the University’s faculties and departments.

Job Responsibilities to be continued in Additional Information... 

Basic Qualifications

• Ten (10) years of progressive work experience with technically sophisticated utility/energy facilities and infrastructure. 
• Must have a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and be adept in both mechanical as well as electrical disciplines. 
• Previous experience managing a team of licensed trade professionals. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Additional Qualifications:

• Experience managing in a unionized environment. 
• The position requires experience working in a customer-oriented service business and the ability to work well as a team member, and a demonstrated ability to build relationships with a broad spectrum of customers. 
• Strong organizational, financial, project management, interpersonal, and management skills required. 
• Required to have the qualities to be able to interact effectively in an academic environment, and the ability to communicate effectively and articulately in both spoken and written communication with a diverse audience (both internal and external to the University). 
• Needs to have high energy, be creative, be flexible in thought and style, have a high tolerance for change, ambiguity, and differences of opinion. 
• Must be self-motivated and enthusiastic, be able to think and work well independently, be a team player, have sound judgment skills, and be able to delegate effectively.

Technology Skills Required: 

• Must have computer skills including word-processing, electronic mail, database, and spreadsheet. 
• Required to utilize management information systems and asset/work management systems (Maximo).

Driver Designation: 

• Valid State driver’s license required. Driving history must meet University Campus Services standards. 
• Must provide their personal vehicle to travel on and off campus.

Special Requirements:  May be required to work emergency coverage (nights, weekend, etc.) as needed. 
 

Certificates and Licenses

• Valid State driver’s license required.

Physical Requirements

• Must be physically fit and mentally alert at all times. 
• Required to wear personal protective equipment where necessary. 
• Must be able to enter various types of buildings, industrial plants, and/or construction sites and access non-handicap accessible work spaces/areas.   
• Must be able to utilize ladders, scaffolds, high-lifts, and enter/work in confined spaces. 
• Must be able to frequently walk up and down stairs, ladders, etc. on an on-going basis, in an industrial plant setting.

Working Conditions

This is an on-campus position (not hybrid or remote) based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Work location is responsive and subject to change based on business needs.

Additional Information

Job Responsibilities continued...

9. Responsible for leading in a collaborative, team-based approach that results in the provision of exceptional services in an integrated fashion and least disruptive manner within a customer oriented environment.  Responsible for the integration of Energy & Facilities’ work/asset management system into day-to-day operations/business, and for insuring the proper and efficient utilization of this system by all members of the Operations group. Ensures ongoing customer feedback and satisfaction through regular communication/collaboration with customers.

10.Responsible for overseeing and managing unscheduled, emergency repairs to utility systems (24/7) and for managing all operational communications within Engineering & Utilities staff, faculty/department/project representatives, local utility representatives, and outside contractors to ensure safe and proper coordination of operations, maintenance, and construction activities.

11. Collaborate with faculty representatives, architects, consulting engineers, and Campus Service personnel on construction/renovation projects, problematic issues, energy conservation efforts, and overall operations to provide for the efficient utilization of resources and attainment of optimal value from the University’s utility and building systems.

12. Responsible for enacting change in an increasingly dynamic environment and working collaboratively with other E&U units to ensure efficiency and consistency of service.

13. Responsible for the overall financial integrity of the Operations group, including associated operating and overhead budgets and expenses, reserve accounts, and projects undertaken/managed/delivered by the Operations group. 

14. Responsible for participation in all aspects of emergency management and response (e.g., planning, training, simulation, activation, actual response, and leadership).

15. Manage the provision of/provide operational support to financial processes (e.g., customer billing and allocation of charges), and to the planning of strategies for the continued reliable and economic supply of utility services to the University. Oversee and maintain adequate and accurate metering readings and metering capabilities associated with utilities.

16. Collaborate and coordinate with other Campus Services groups to formulate the best delivery of services to the University’s faculties and departments, to develop new business opportunities within the University, and to formulate business strategies. Assist in the formulation and implementation of new departmental policies and procedures to improve the delivery of operational and maintenance services and planning.

17. Perform special short and long-range assignments/projects as directed.

Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel (required to provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management).

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Facilities

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

329060 Facilities & Oper Manager

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

Energy & Facilities

Salary Grade

060

Department

Engineering and Utilities

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, DMV, Drug Testing, Education, Employment, Identity, License/Cert.

Schedule

Monday - Friday: 7:30am - 4:00pm

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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