Director, Utility Services

Director, Utility Services

The Office of Physical Plant is accepting applications for a Utilities Director to join our team.

The Utilities Director is responsible for overseeing the operations, maintenance, and strategic planning for multiple areas of the University's utility infrastructure, including the power plant, steam services, the underground utility network, electrical distribution, water treatment, and chilled water systems. The Director determines efficient and economical ways to manage operations, develops and prioritizes maintenance programs, and collaborates on long-term capital renewal projects.

Additionally, the Director develops utility service specifications and assists with contract procurement, ensures job specifications, regulatory, and collective bargaining compliance, and guarantees the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of utilities to all campus buildings, supporting the academic, research, and residential needs of the University.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a team of utilities staff, including engineers, managers, and supervisors.
• Provide guidance and support to staff, fostering a collaborative and safety-conscious work environment.
• Conduct performance evaluations, manage staffing levels, and oversee scheduling.
• Monitor utilities performance and approve necessary upgrades.
• Provide expertise and consultation; confer and coordinate with government agencies, vendors, contractors, engineers, planners, etc.
• Conduct site visits; ensure job specifications and regulatory requirements are met; oversee compliance inspections.
• Collaborate with the campus planning and construction teams to integrate utilities for new buildings and infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and energy efficiency standards.
• Monitor and report on energy consumption, aiming to reduce costs and improve sustainability.
• Responsible for the utilities services budgets and capital renewal program, ensuring cost-effective operation and maintenance of all utility systems.
• Oversee engineering plans for future capacity and infrastructure needs, making recommendations for upgrades, expansions, and replacements.
• Collaborate in the development of bids for projects and services; ensure contract compliance.
• Participate in long-term strategic planning for energy sustainability and operational efficiencies.
• Ensure all operations are conducted in compliance with local, state, and federal safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Oversee safety protocols for utilities staff and coordinate training and safety drills.
• Maintain emergency response plans and participate in the management of utility-related emergencies or system failures.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth operation of campus utilities.
• Provide regular reports on utility system performance, energy usage, and project progress to senior leadership.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and regulatory requirements; develop operational changes, policies, and procedures; establish and communicate standards; manage regulatory and policy compliance including licensing, certifications, and training.
• Adhere to Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions; participate in grievance procedures.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree plus 10 years of relevant experience, including 3 plus years of supervisory experience.
• Professional Engineer, Master of Business Administration is preferred.

Background Check: This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.

Benefits for full-time employees at Penn State include
:
Medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans. Tuition discounts (including for a spouse and dependent children up to the age of 26). Generous vacation time and sick time. 14 paid holidays/campus closure days.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive.

We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the University's teaching, research, and service mission.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.