"Director of Facilities - Daniel J. Riccio Jr. College of Engineering"

Job Summary

The Director of Facilities for the Daniel J. Riccio Jr. College of Engineering is responsible for daily functions related to project management and facility operations of the College’s building, including the Sustainable Engineering Laboratories (SEL) and for various facilities within the Riccio College of Engineering. The position will heavily rely on multi-faceted communications to coordinate resources, expertise and services efficiently and effectively to continuously support a complex research, teaching and outreach operation. The Director works closely with the Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, Planning and Operations with a dotted line to the Assistant Dean of Administration and Finance, in developing, planning, designing and executing projects in partnership with the University’s various departments including Design and Construction Management, Physical Plant, Environmental Health and Safety, and Disability Services to insure the safe, efficient, and effective operation of approximately of all laboratory, office and classroom spaces on the Amherst campus.

Essential Functions

• Provides planning, project management, leadership, and support for Riccio College of Engineering Dean’s Office priority projects and initiatives including new construction or renovation, facilities maintenance and repair, and operations of engineering buildings. Directs efforts to align with evolving priorities. Projects budgets dependent on circumstances from $2K up to $1M+.
• Coordinates work done by Physical Plant, Design & Construction Management, and outside contractors on behalf of the college, managing follow-through on critical action items ensuring all projects are executed within project timeframe, scope and budget.
• Prepares and submits recommendations for maintenance and facility operations. Negotiates costs with Facilities and Campus Services and oversees expenditures for appropriateness within budget parameters. Monitors work requests and change orders and consults with university offices regarding routine and special maintenance projects.
• Represents the interests of the College’s customer base in addressing their operational needs by developing a strong, mutually beneficial partnership with the University’s Physical Plant to troubleshoot and problem solve issues within the various facilities in a timely manner.
• Serves as primary college contact with Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). Responds to emergencies and serve as primary contact and coordinator for facility-related issues (i.e., leaks, flooding, etc.) Consults with University personnel and determines appropriate steps to resolve immediate problems. Actively works to identify hazards in a laboratory setting and mitigate safety issues.
• Maintains a working knowledge of architecture, engineering and design principles, building systems, code regulations and construction practices, particularly as is applicable to specialized research facilities and research activities, and applies this knowledge to complex problems.
• Purchases and oversees the maintenance and repair of equipment purchased by the college. Assists department staff with troubleshooting equipment issues. Receives orders and deliveries for SEL.
• Identifies and mitigates issues relating to maintenance and construction activities that may generate excessive noise, dust and vibration that may impact sensitive research facilities.
• Manages and prepares presentations, memos, proposals, excel spreadsheets and databases, and various other communication collecting cross functional input.
• Assists in decontamination of labs following ANSI decommissioning policy mandated by Campus Administration.
• Indirectly manages the coordination of facilities/operations of employees embedded in other engineering departments. Populates the annual space survey for SEL and reviews and finalizes other departmental submissions in coordination with the Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, Planning & Operations.
• Operates motor vehicle to work sites.
• Represents the Associate Dean and the College in an appropriate manner, exercising a high level of discretion and professionalism, tact, confidentiality, and sound judgment.

Other Functions

• Attends various trainings for equipment and licensing.
• Operates with self-direction, demonstrates initiative and creativity.
• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness.
• Works in partnership with colleagues within the engineering community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required in support of the mission and goals and objectives of the Department, College, and University.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of five (5) years of work experience coordinating building maintenance, new construction or renovation projects OR Associate’s degree and seven (7) years of work experience coordinating building maintenance, new or renovation projects.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Demonstrated ability to independently set priorities, plan, organize, coordinate and direct multiple, concurrent projects and complex tasks, coupled with the ability to develop and move strategic agendas forward and drive a high volume of work to completion.
• Project management expertise with a proven record of performance driven results. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with diverse faculty, staff, administration, and external constituents credibly and diplomatically, and build and maintain positive working relationships to ensure collaboration and cooperation among administrative units.
• Ability to effectively coordinate and comprehend the work of staff, consultants, contractors and others connected with this work. Anticipates project issues and establishes plans to remedy in a timely and efficient fashion.
• Ability to utilize independent judgment. Uses and manages access to sensitive and/or not yet public university related information only in the performance of the responsibilities of position and exercises care to prevent unnecessary disclosure to others.
• Knowledge of research and teaching facilities and utilization requirements.
• Proven working knowledge of laboratory safety and security issues (including HVAC and MEP systems) building codes, construction methods, and scientific research operations required.
• Proven ability to manage budgets.
• Ability to identify hazards in a lab setting and mitigate safety issues.
• Ability to obtain OSHA 10, Laboratory Safety, Fire Safety, and Radiation Safety certifications within 60 Days.

Preferred Qualifications

• Construction Supervisor’s License.
• Experience in laboratory planning, design and construction.
• Experience in higher education environment.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

Ability to access any portion of a construction site/facility, including working at heights and in confined spaces.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Ability to be called in after hours for job as well as weekends if needed.

Salary Information

Level 27 PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.