Manager Of Mechanical, Electrical And Plumbing (MEP) Trades

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Job Summary

Provide strategic planning, management and supervision of Smith College’s MEP Trades. Direct and administer the continuous and ongoing preventative maintenance program and operations of the all MEP systems. Partner with the Assistant Vice President in strategic planning and development of long-term goals and objectives. Provide 24-hour availability to be contacted for the resolution of emergencies related to MEP systems. Oversee and manage outsourced projects and contracts related to mechanical, electrical distribution, life safety and elevators.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Shop Management (25%)

• Manage preventative, predictive and routine maintenance for the MEP trade shops.

• Oversee training and mentoring to shop employees.

• Strategically deploy employees to resolve technical issues and failures quickly and efficiently.

• Ensure appropriate implementation of the preventive and predictive maintenance program.

• Ensure work conditions are safe and conducive to efficient operations.

• Coach and mentor trades staff to ensure safety is always the top priority and provide appropriate mandatory safety training.

• Perform special assignments that involve technical investigation analyses or troubleshooting.

• Recommend solutions to unique engineering and administrative problems as they arise.

Building Standards (5%)

• Develop and maintain standards and design guidelines for MEP systems and components.

• Collaborate with Capital Projects to ensure construction standards are appropriately included in project specifications and designs.

• Ensure all construction standards are updated on a regular basis.

Medium Voltage Distribution, Life Safety System, Elevators, Lighting Controls (10%)

• Manage the medium voltage distribution systems.

• Develop and implement the ongoing maintenance and upgrade of the medium voltage distribution system.

• Manage the Life Safety Systems.

• Oversee the inspections, testing, maintenance and repair of generators, fire panels, reporting wireless antennas and fire suppression systems (wet/dry sprinkler systems).

• Ensure equipment is updated and operational, meeting required local, state, federal and ADA code requirements.

• Manage the maintenance and operation of the elevators.

• Oversee the contracted preventive maintenance and state annual inspections.

• Develop a communication plan with campus personnel and elevator contractor for repairs.

• Manage systems and methods for automated lighting controls.

• Continually seek opportunities for lighting control products, strategies, and programs that minimize lighting hours and promote energy conservation.

HVAC, Building Automation Systems (10%)

• Manage all HVAC systems include air handling units, split units, motors/fans, fan coils, VAV and continuous flow units, dampers, and actuators.

• Manage building automation systems through the HVAC shop, including pnuematic control systems and thermostats.

• Perform maintenance and repair of kitchen hood systems and laboratory hood systems.

• Continually seek opportunities to ensure high performance buildings and maximize energy conservation.

• Ensure all buildings are integrated and managed according to the Campus Energy Policy.

• Oversee swimming pool water treatment and filters.

Chiller Plant (5%)

Manage all operations, maintenance and repairs for the central chilled water plant, including electric and absorption chillers, cooling towers, pumps and asociated primary and secondary equipment. Also to include water treatment.

Plumbing, Fire Sprinkler and Steam Systems (10%)

• Manage the operations, maintenance, and repairs of all plumbing and steam systems.

• Including heating systems, domestic cold and hot water systems, sanitary systems, and storm water systems.

• Perform maintenance and repair of kitchen systems, including grease traps, dishwashers, and disposals.

• Repair applicable steam system equipment including steam traps and condensate.

Work Orders (5%)

• Plan and schedule all work orders to meet the operational needs of the campus.

• Effective utilization with Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS) as necessary for the proper triage, response, and disposition of identified issues.

• Communicate directly with customers as appropriate to receive feedback and provide regular updates.

• Develop a comprehensive PM system for MEP assets in the CMMS for the execution of preventative maintenance work relating to all campus MEP assets.

Stores/Stocking (5%)

Procure supplies and materials as necessary to plan and carry out MEP work. Utilize CMMS to track and manage materials.

Preventative Maintenance (5%)

Develop and manage a comprehensive program to provide preventative maintenance for MEP systems campus-wide and accordance with system operating manuals. Schedule all work orders according to PM requirements and modify as necessary to ensure continuous and proper operations.

Service Contracts (5%)

• For systems requiring service contracts, provide administrative and contract management.

• Develop scopes of work and manage the RFP process.

• Review and approve invoices, and evaluate services provided by contractors.

• This will include service contracts related to major HVAC, electrical, plumbing and central plant equipment and systems such as chillers, building automation fire alarm, sprinklers, generators, electronic security, RO systems, air compressors, boilers and elevators.

• Act as project manager for outsourced projects.

Communication/Coordination (10%)

• Develop a communication plan that ensures essential and routine notifications to all MEP trade shops.

• Promote active feedback to ensure a high level of service to all campus customers.

• Collaborate with Capital Projects to review and comment on project designs, commissioning, and developed punch lists.

Other Functions

Other Duties as Assigned (5%)

• Perform miscellaneous tasks as necessary and as assigned for the demonstrated successful implementation of MEP operations.

• Represent Smith College as necessary.

• Manage design or construction work as required for related projects and the be an active member of Campus Energy Management Group.

• Oversee and evaluate every purchase, contract and project for the MEP trade shops.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Bachelor’s degree, plus a minimum of 7 years of experience or an Associate’s degree in a technical field and 10 years experience with MEP systems.

5 years supervisory experience with trades.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in higher education or similar institution preferred.

Skills

Strong knowledge of MEP systems of all types. Knowledge of MEP codes and best practices for management of systems. Comprehensive knowledge of safety related to MEP systems. Strong computer skills, including the ability to learn new software as necessary, such as CMMS. Ability to fully utilize email, electronic calendars, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel. Ability to evaluate and analyze mechanical and electrical systems, including building automation systems. Ability to troubleshoot. Strong financial and contract management skills. Ability to negotiate. Detail-oriented. Excellent time management skills and ability to deliver work on assigned schedules. Demonstrated ability to perform inspections of existing facilities. Skilled in communicating information to a diverse set of constituencies in a collegial environment. Must demonstrate integrity, sound judgment, leadership and communication skills. Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate and work effectively with all levels in a demanding environment. Demonstrated ability to act decisively and independently to resolve complex issues. Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, city officials, other government agencies, and the general public.

Additional Information

For the care and safety of our community, Smith College requires that all employees be vaccinated as a condition of employment and as such, the incumbent will be required to be immunized against COVID-19 on or before their first day of employment. Proof of vaccination status will be required. Individuals may seek medical or religious exemption with HR, but must do so prior to their arrival.

Review of applications will begin

Compensation Grade:

Position Type:

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women’s colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu .

Diversity and a culture of inclusion among students, staff, faculty, and administration are crucial to the mission and values of Smith College. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, age, color, religions, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression or veteran status in the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by all applicable laws and regulations. Women, minorities, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.