Job Information
Iowa State University Director of Engineering – Utility Distribution in Ames, Iowa
Position Information:
Position Title:Director of Engineering – Utility Distribution
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of related experience
Special Required QualificationsProfessional Engineer (PE) license or the ability to obtain license within 12 months of employment.
Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
Knowledge of OSHA, DNR and EPA regulations.
Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules, regulations and other programs related to utility distribution systems.
Experience with contract management and effectively managing construction and vendor contracts.
Experience collaborating with a variety of stakeholders (peers, employees, campus stakeholders, vendors and contractors).
Experience managing employees.
Job Description:
Summary:
Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M) at Iowa State University is seeking qualified candidates for the Director of Engineering – Utility Distribution within the FP&M Utility Services division. The Director provides administrative and technical leadership / vision within the University’s vast energy distribution systems (high pressure steam, chilled water, electricity, natural gas, domestic water, storm & sanitary sewer, compressed air). Together, these systems deliver safe, reliable and efficient energy to the Iowa State campus in support of the University’s overall mission.
The Director of Engineering has a staff of 26 employees (utility managers, engineers, meter technician, steam and pipe fitters, HV electricians, electricians, locators, and GIS database technician) who design, operate and maintain the University’s highly reliable, safe and efficient utility distribution systems. Other duties include distribution system strategic planning, operations / capital budget development, project management, energy consulting, liaison to City of Ames Utilities, and monitoring advances in energy distribution technologies. This position collaborates closely with the Director of Engineering - Utility Production in the pursuit of seamless and highly efficient energy delivery to campus; and provides support to the Utilities Director, acting on their behalf during absences.
The successful candidate will possess excellent communication, listening, and conflict resolution skills; strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills (systems and detailed levels); be detail oriented; have the ability to lead diverse project teams with conflicting interests, needs or requirements; and manage multiple demands simultaneously.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M) is an organization that is dedicated to the maintenance and enhancement of Iowa State University, one of the nation’s leading educational and agricultural institutes. But more importantly, FP&M is dedicated to their employees and enhancing the lives of each team member through opportunities both professionally and personally. FP&M is one of the largest departments on campus and currently employs over 450 full-time employees and students combined.
Example of Duties
Responsible for utility distribution operating and maintenance budgets, directing the use of funds to achieve efficient, effective, and highly reliable campus utility services.
Review and establish design and operational standards, incorporating safety, reliability, power quality, and distribution system efficiency.
Direct the preparation of detailed engineering studies, plans and specifications associated with utility system modifications and expansions.
Direct the energy metering program and support the energy billing process.
Oversee domestic water, sanitary and storm sewer regulatory permits and agreements.
Manage utility system easements and leases, including information technology systems, for the University.
Collaborate with industry to obtain and implement “best practice” utility system technologies and processes.
Assume project manager role for major capital improvement and expansion projects.
Collaborate with Federal, State, City, and regulatory officials, along with FP&M Facility Services staff to achieve desired University objectives.
Create a continuous learning and collaborative environment within Utility Services, mentoring and educating utility engineering, maintenance and operations staff
Level Guidelines• May provide input into the strategic planning process• Operationalizes annual goals and objectives from strategic plan with department(s) to develop annual departmental objective and action plans• Develops and recommends institution policy within area of functional or operational expertise• Scope of influence may be a function, a large sub function, or multiple sub functions• Manages staff and sets priorities for department(s)• Typically has sufficient staff to have multiple Managers or Supervisors as direct reports• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel• Understands key drivers of financial performance for operational areas• Provides substantial input to the budgeting process• Responsible for budgetary decisions according to guidelines within functional area• Recommends financial decisions that impact area of responsibility
Appointment Type:Regular
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS814
Application Instructions:To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Why Choose ISU? Iowa State University is committed to fostering a workplace of belonging, where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value. Our Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as: • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans • Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa) • Life insurance and long-term disability • Flexible Spending Accounts • Various voluntary benefits and discounts • Employee Assistance Program • Wellbeing program • This job may also be eligible for flexible work schedules and flexible workplace options that may include flexible working hours and a hybrid working environment.
Original Posting Date: May 7, 2023
Posting Close Date:May 28, 2023
Job Requisition Number:R11713
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a global and culturally diverse university committed to providing an inclusive, equitable, and diverse environment for both learning and employment. We know that diversity in experience and perspective is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and building an inclusive academic community. At Iowa State, we translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience working with diverse students, colleagues, and constituents. The university has an expectation that all employees will demonstrate a contribution to diversity and inclusion as embodied in Iowa State University's Principles of Community. (https://www.diversity.iastate.edu/connect/principles)
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 3410 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.