Assistant Chief Operating Engineer

American University•Washington, DC

5d•$54 - $58•Onsite

About The Position

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 Department: Energy Utility Operations Time Type: Full time Job Type: Regular FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Work Modality: Full On Campus Presence Union: Job Description: Summary: The Assistant Chief Operating Engineer serves as department subject matter expert for maintained campus utility systems and supervises, directs, and coordinates, the work of Operating Engineers and other trade staff within the Energy Management unit. Serves as a final escalation point for afterhours emergencies related to campus utilities systems and as Acting Chief Engineer as required. Provides guidance for Central Plant budgeting and oversight for performance management of direct reports. Essential Functions: Supervises personnel in the inspection, operation, maintenance (preventative and predictive), trouble shooting, 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. Ensures the long-term fitness and reliability of utility systems and equipment used in campus buildings in support of the service, research, and academic mission of the university. Manages department resources and utility systems to meet reliability and energy efficiency objectives along with regulatory compliance requirements. Performs strategic planning and implements initiatives for increasing efficiency and reliability of managed systems. Develops, implements, and seeks continuous improvement of department standards and procedures. Performs facilities commissioning activities (e.g., reviewing of new or upgraded utility systems to ensure that operational, maintenance, repair, and energy efficiency impacts on the Energy and Engineering units are minimized. Prepares performance appraisals and counseling of assigned personnel. Manages the performance of Energy Management staff through documented planning and feedback using the LMS (Learning Management System). Prepares accident/incident reports and documentation for recommended corrective actions related to the Staff HR Policy manual. Coordinates training and evaluation of assigned personnel to ensure processes focus on preventing facility problems and exceeding customer expectations. Trains staff with regards to the aforementioned systems. Manages the performance and development direct reports. Serves as Chief Engineer as appropriate. Performs on-call and watch shift coverage as needed.

Requirements

Associate's degree or equivalent.
5 - 8 years of relevant experience.
At least five (5) years of experience as a 3rd Class Steam Engineer working in a plant having high pressure steam boilers not to exceed four hundred (400) horsepower or a combination of high pressure boilers and heating boilers or refrigeration equipment, not to exceed a total of four hundred (400) horsepower; a heating plant having low pressure steam boilers with a pump return and refrigeration equipment, with no limitation on total capacity; or a heating plant having hot water boilers and refrigeration equipment, with no limitation on total capacity.
At least three (3) years of experience as an assistant engineer in charge of a 3rd Class plant or as a Class 2 steam engineer or two (years) as a Class 1 steam engineer.
2 - 3 years Supervisory Experience (e.g., serving as Team Lead, scheduling work assignments, setting priorities, directing the work of others, other related tasks).
3rd Class DC Steam Engineer’s license (non-restricted) by the date of hire.
Must possess a current and valid United States driver's license at the time of hire and be able to obtain and maintain University driving privileges.
Expert knowledge of all site-specific systems and subsystems as well as other commonly used systems in the industry and the ability to perform highly complex technical tasks.
Ability to understand highly complex blueprints, mechanical and engineering drawings, and technical manuals.
Expert knowledge of the tools, equipment, regulations, and procedures related to site-specific systems and industry best practices.
Expert knowledge of chillers, boilers, and water treatment systems, and related plant equipment.
Expert knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, chemistry, and energy efficiency relevant to the work performed.
Thorough knowledge of arithmetic and working knowledge of algebra and geometry concepts relevant to the work performed.
Strong working knowledge BAS, ability to independently resolve moderately complex problems, and work with BAS specialists to resolve complex problems that impact the operating engineer function.
Receives minimal supervision.
Ability to independently resolve highly complex technical problems, directly supervise, train, coach and evaluate the performance of a team of experienced technical staff and serve as the final point of escalation.
Ability to set the tone for respectful and compassionate interaction within the team, and foster open communication, and identify ways in which team interactions can better reflect the University’s commitment to inclusive excellence.
Ability to communicate (orally and in writing) to inform, impact and persuade the intended audience.
Ability to distill information into digestible segments and produce high level briefing materials for decision-making purposes.
Skill in selecting the appropriate communication tools and mediums and communicating data visually as appropriate.
Ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to prepare briefings, reports, and presentations.
Ability to lift and carry 50lbs.
Ability to climb ladders and work at heights.
Ability to work in confined spaces and areas with temperature extremes.
Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age by the date of hire.
Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development, mentoring, and fostering a learning culture within the functional group.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.
5 years or equivalent as an Assistant Chief Engineer.
5 Years CMMS Experience.
1 to 2 Years Regulatory compliance experience.
NIULPE Chief Engineering License.
LEED Green Associate Certification.
Facilities Management Certificate.
CEM (Certified Energy Manager) Certification.
Leadership Training.
Regulatory Compliance Training.
Budgetary Experience.
Knowledge of Basic Accounting.
Contract Management Experience.

Responsibilities

Supervises personnel in the inspection, operation, maintenance (preventative and predictive), trouble shooting, 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.
Ensures the long-term fitness and reliability of utility systems and equipment used in campus buildings in support of the service, research, and academic mission of the university.
Manages department resources and utility systems to meet reliability and energy efficiency objectives along with regulatory compliance requirements.
Performs strategic planning and implements initiatives for increasing efficiency and reliability of managed systems.
Develops, implements, and seeks continuous improvement of department standards and procedures.
Performs facilities commissioning activities (e.g., reviewing of new or upgraded utility systems to ensure that operational, maintenance, repair, and energy efficiency impacts on the Energy and Engineering units are minimized.
Prepares performance appraisals and counseling of assigned personnel.
Manages the performance of Energy Management staff through documented planning and feedback using the LMS (Learning Management System).
Prepares accident/incident reports and documentation for recommended corrective actions related to the Staff HR Policy manual.
Coordinates training and evaluation of assigned personnel to ensure processes focus on preventing facility problems and exceeding customer expectations.
Trains staff with regards to the aforementioned systems.
Manages the performance and development direct reports.
Serves as Chief Engineer as appropriate.
Performs on-call and watch shift coverage as needed.