Supervisor, Facilities Services

Brandeis University is delighted to announce a career opportunity as the Supervisor Facilities in the Facilities Department. Brandeis offers competitive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, tuition assistance for employees, dependents and spouses, and a 403b retirement savings plan with a generous match.

Supervisor, Facilities Services (Plumbing Services, Steam Heat & Central Heating Plant) provides first‑line supervision and coordination of bargaining‑unit employees assigned to plumbing services, steam heat distribution, and central heating plant operations. This essential employee role requires availability during emergencies, campus closures, or other critical situations.

The budget range for this position is $114.9k–$124.2k. The schedule is Monday–Friday, 7:00AM–3:00PM, a 35‑hour work week.

• Supervision & Work Coordination (30%) – Provide day‑to‑day supervision of bargaining‑unit employees engaged in plumbing services and central heating plant operations. Assign and prioritize work in accordance with work rules, collective bargaining agreements, and university policies. Monitor work progress to ensure safety, efficiency, and required standards. Provide technical direction, coaching, and on‑the‑job training. Verify time, attendance, payroll, and work order completion.

• Plumbing Services & Steam Heat Oversight (30%) – Coordinate maintenance and repair of campus plumbing systems, including domestic water, sanitary and storm drainage, fixtures, pumps, and related infrastructure. Ensure code compliance and respond to emergency plumbing issues. Coordinate with city inspectors to meet municipal code requirements.

• Central Heating Plant Oversight (25%) – Supervise and coordinate operation and maintenance of the central heating plant, including boilers, burners, steam and condensate systems, and controls. Work closely with the Chief Engineer, coordinate seasonal startup/shutdown, monitor operating conditions, alarms, and system performance. Maintain required logs, inspections, and documentation.

• Safety, Compliance & Labor Relations (10%) – Enforce safety practices and compliance with OSHA, EPA, DEP, and other regulations. Conduct safety briefings, reinforce PPE and lockout/tagout. Apply collective bargaining agreement provisions. Participate in discipline, investigations, and grievance responses. Maintain professional relationships with union representatives.

• Administrative & Operational Support (5%) – Review, prioritize, and close work orders using the university’s CMMS. Assist with preventive maintenance schedules, coordinate contractors, and manage material procurement, inventory, payroll, and budget. Oversee contract management and RFP process.

• High school diploma or GED.
• Technical or vocational training in plumbing, heating, or power plant operations.
• Valid Master Plumber’s license.
• Valid and current MA driver’s license.
• 5–7 years of experience in plumbing and/or central heating plant operations, preferably in a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated experience providing work direction or lead supervision.
• Strong knowledge of plumbing systems, boiler operations, and steam/hot water distribution.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and applicable trade codes.
• Ability to interpret collective bargaining agreements and apply work rules consistently.
• Experience with payroll, budgeting, or labor cost management (preferred).
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Experience in higher education, healthcare, or other large institutional facilities.
• Applicable state licenses or certifications (e.g., Journeyman/Master Plumber, Boiler Operator).
• Experience with CMMS platforms.
• Training in labor relations or supervisory practices in a union environment.

• Work in mechanical rooms, plant environments, confined spaces, and outdoors.
• Lift up to 20pounds.
• Drive a university vehicle.
• Availability for emergency response, on‑call rotation, and occasional off‑hours work.

The University’s pay ranges represent a good faith estimate of what Brandeis reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Pay offered to a selected candidate will be based on scope, responsibilities, experience, education, internal equity, and legal requirements.

Brandeis University is an equal‑opportunity employer which does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religious creed, gender identity and expression, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, caste, military or veteran status or any other category protected by law.

Applicants who require accommodation in the job application process are welcome to contact Human Resources at 781‑736‑4474 or via email, human resources.