Associate Director of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems - University of Southern Mississippi

Another Source•Hattiesburg, MS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Join The University of Southern Mississippi as the Associate Director of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems and help shape the future infrastructure of a Carnegie R1 university campus. This high-impact leadership role oversees critical MEP systems across a complex institutional environment that operates much like a small city, including academic, residential, athletic, and historic facilities. You’ll play a key role in major campus infrastructure modernization efforts, deferred maintenance planning, utilities strategy, and renovation initiatives while partnering closely with skilled trades teams, consultants, and university leadership. This fully onsite opportunity offers meaningful long-term impact, strong work-life balance, tuition benefits for employees and dependents, relocation assistance, and the chance to influence the next generation of campus development at Southern Miss. Another Source’s client, The University of Southern Mississippi, is recruiting an Associate Director of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems to join their team onsite in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate. This is an opportunity to help shape the long-term infrastructure future of an R1 university campus. The University of Southern Mississippi (Southern Miss) is a Carnegie R1 public research university known for its commitment to innovation, student success, and community impact. With a strong reputation across academics, research, and campus development, Southern Miss continues to invest in the infrastructure and systems that support a vibrant university experience for students, faculty, and staff. The Physical Plant team plays a critical role in shaping and maintaining the campus environment across a large and complex institutional footprint. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative leadership team that values technical expertise, problem-solving, and long-term planning while supporting a campus community through strategic infrastructure initiatives and modernization efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Four (4) years of facilities, engineering, construction, or related experience
In lieu of a degree, ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in a similar role may be considered
Experience supporting or overseeing MEP systems, facilities operations, construction projects, or campus infrastructure
Strong working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and/or energy systems
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and technical documentation
Experience collaborating across teams and solving complex operational challenges
Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to work effectively across technical and non-technical groups
Valid driver’s license

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineering (PE) license in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
Higher education facilities experience
LEED Accreditation
Experience with building automation systems (BAS), energy management systems, or facilities technology platforms

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and technical oversight for campus electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and energy management operations
Support and guide two direct reports overseeing approximately 20 skilled trades employees across electrical, HVAC, and plumbing functions
Partner with architects, engineers, contractors, and internal stakeholders on new construction and renovation projects
Lead planning, design review, and implementation of MEP systems with an emphasis on operational efficiency and sustainability
Identify and implement energy conservation and utility cost reduction opportunities across campus systems
Monitor and evaluate campus utility consumption, reporting, and energy performance metrics
Ensure compliance with applicable utility, gas system, and environmental regulations
Serve as a technical resource for underground utility infrastructure and campus systems coordination
Support ongoing modernization initiatives, including integration of project management and work order systems
Contribute to grant applications, funding proposals, and long-range infrastructure planning efforts
Represent the university with state agencies, utility providers, and professional organizations