Chief Engineer

Stanislaus State•Turlock, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Classified as: Administrator II Full-time position under the Management Personnel Plan (MPP) available on or after October 1, 2026 for Mechanical Trades. This position’s responsibilities are carried out with minimal direction and require independent judgment in managing campus mechanical operations and maintenance programs, including HVAC systems, Energy Management Systems, Central Boiler and Chiller Plant operations, building automation controls, and related mechanical infrastructure. The incumbent supervises Central Plant, plumbing, and mechanical operations personnel; administers service contracts, operational resources, and preventative maintenance programs; and oversees mechanical system maintenance, repair, renovation, and construction activities. The incumbent implements operational procedures, coordinates departmental activities, and ensures compliance with applicable regulations, campus policies, and collective bargaining agreements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Facilities Management, Engineering Management, Construction Management, Public Administration, or other relevant field.
Additional progressively responsible experience directly related to the duties of the position may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, central plant operations, mechanical systems, or building operations.
Two (2) years of direct supervisory/management experience.
Valid California Driver License

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Facilities Management, Engineering Management, Construction Management, Public Administration, or other relevant field.
Six (6) years of direct related experience.
Prior experience in a CSU or higher education setting.
Experience supervising skilled trades personnel, operational staff, or subordinate leads/supervisors within facilities maintenance, mechanical operations, or a related infrastructure environment.
Experience managing departmental budgets, service contracts, procurement activities, and operational resources associated with mechanical systems, facilities maintenance, construction, or renovation projects.
Experience interpreting and applying collective bargaining agreements, safety regulations, and operational policies within a unionized facilities or maintenance environment.
Experience overseeing HVAC systems, central plant equipment, thermal energy storage systems, public swimming pool operations, building automation systems, or related mechanical infrastructure within a large institutional or campus setting.
Experience coordinating operational improvement initiatives, maintenance programs, and cross-functional facilities projects related to mechanical systems reliability, infrastructure maintenance, and regulatory compliance within a complex institutional environment.

Responsibilities

Implement and administer departmental policies, procedures, and operational practices related to mechanical maintenance and building systems operations.
Interpret and apply CSU regulations, campus policies, collective bargaining agreements, building codes, and environmental and safety compliance requirements applicable to mechanical operations.
Establish operational priorities and coordinate departmental activities to support divisional objectives and campus operational needs.
Participate in planning efforts related to mechanical infrastructure, equipment lifecycle replacement, energy efficiency, deferred maintenance, and operational reliability.
Provide technical recommendations regarding mechanical system operations, maintenance practices, renovation projects, and equipment replacement strategies.
Serve as a departmental resource regarding mechanical system operations, maintenance standards, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Participate on campus committees and coordinate with campus departments, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies regarding facilities operational matters.
Oversee the operation, maintenance, and reliability of campus mechanical systems including HVAC systems, Energy Management Systems, Central Boiler and Chiller Plant equipment, building automation controls, and related mechanical infrastructure.
Administer maintenance and operational programs for assigned mechanical systems and facilities to support regulatory compliance, equipment reliability, and campus operational needs.
Administer service contracts and oversee contractor and consultant performance related to boilers, chillers, elevators, water treatment systems, emissions source testing, and mechanical control systems.
Evaluate mechanical system operational issues and determine appropriate corrective actions, maintenance priorities, and operational improvements.
Administer departmental operating budgets and monitor expenditures for labor, materials, equipment, maintenance activities, and contracted services.
Administer procurement activities, operational purchases, and service agreements in accordance with campus purchasing procedures.
Implement operational improvements to support system efficiency, equipment reliability, and service delivery.
Supervise mechanical shop personnel and oversee staffing priorities, operational scheduling, and maintenance activities.
Oversee union-represented, non-represented, and student employees assigned to mechanical operations and maintenance functions.
Direct employee training and workforce development activities related to safety practices, regulatory compliance, and mechanical system operations.
Conduct performance evaluations and address employee performance, attendance, and corrective action matters in accordance with collective bargaining agreements and campus policies.
Ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations, department procedures, and campus operational standards.
Participate in recruitment, workforce planning, and staffing coordination for assigned operational areas.
May be required to obtain additional training and/or certification as part of professional development, based on department and/or campus needs, to stay current with industry standards.
At the direction of appropriate administrator, may provide support to other areas as needed.
Other duties as assigned.