Lead Operating Engineer
Listed on 2026-11-01
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Engineering
HVAC Tech / Heating Engineer, Maintenance Technician / Mechanic
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
DepartmentOperating Engineering 2
Time TypeFull time
Job TypeRegular
FLSA StatusNon-Exempt
Work ModalityFull On Campus Presence
UnionExcluded
Job DescriptionSummary:
The Lead Operating Engineer serves as Team Lead and oversees the work of Operating Engineers and other trade staff within the Energy Management unit performing the inspection, efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of campus utility systems and related plant equipment. Under the direction of the Assistant Chief Engineer, this position works independently with leeway to resolve facility issues and customer concerns, while ensuring adherence to quality standards and providing exceptional customer service.
EssentialFunctions
- Serves as Team Lead. Schedules work assignments, sets priorities, and directs the work of Operating Engineers and Assistant Operating Engineers. Identifies staff training needs and ensures training is obtained.
- Participates in the operation, maintenance (preventative and predictive), troubleshooting, and repair 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) as well as maintenance and repair of domestic water & sewer campus distribution systems, and campus gas utility distribution systems to assure the fitness for use and reliability of our buildings, systems and equipment.
Operates and maintains systems to meet department, reliability, and energy efficiency objectives along with regulatory compliance requirements. - Maintains records pertaining to the inspection, operation, maintenance and repair of campus thermal systems, campus domestic water & sewer distribution systems, campus gas distribution systems, water treatment systems, and related plant equipment to build a database from which historical data can be used to maximize scheduling and repair of critical components of the heating and cooling systems. Makes recommendations to improve the efficiency and reliability of campus managed utility systems.
Responsible for the proper storage and usage of tools and equipment used in the repair operations conducted by the position to have tools available and in proper operating condition when needed. - Performs facilities commissioning activities (e.g., reviewing of new and upgraded mechanical equipment or systems) to ensure that operational, maintenance, repair, and energy efficiency impacts on the Central Plant Operations and Energy and Engineering units are minimized.
- Completes training and performance requirements to meet department goals as well as regulatory requirements. Maintains an IDP (Individual Development Plan). Ensures all items are documented in the LMS (Learning Management System).
- Supports the resolution of after hours and weekend requests received though the customer response center line (2
Fix). - Prepares accident/incident reports and documentation for recommended corrective actions related to the Staff HR Policy manual.
- Championing Customer Needs.
- Building and Supporting Teams.
- Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
- Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
Full-time.
40 hours per week.
Evening and weekend work is required.
This position will be required to work multiple shifts. Current shift schedules are (7AM to 3PM, 3PM to 11PM, 11PM to 7AM).
This is a relief position, 24/7 coverage. The incumbent will be required to work…
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