"Electric Distribution Supervisor"

Engineering & Utilities (E&U) operates and manages Harvard’s energy supplies, district energy plants, and utility infrastructures on the Cambridge/Allston campuses, as well as a 24/7 facilities-related call, alarm monitoring, and dispatch center, and provides engineering and technical services.

This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and supervision of the University’s medium and low voltage electric distribution system and the nine associated primary switching stations. This includes maintenance and operations, safety, performance, contracting, and environmental compliance. This position also participates in initiatives to strengthen institutional collaboration and efficiency, and provides support for special projects.

Job Responsibilities:

• Directly responsible for the operations, maintenance, safety, environmental compliance and desired operational performance associated with E&F’s underground medium voltage microgrid (13,800 volt) and electric distribution infrastructure as well as associated low voltage equipment. Total scope includes 9 switching stations interconnected with local utility, over 300 underground electric manholes, and over 270 individually metered delivery locations to campus buildings and vaults.
• Directly supervises utility distribution staff (unionized trade workforce). Provides leadership to and supervision of all assigned staff; responsible for ongoing training, mentoring, hiring, and development planning for staff, in a union environment. Supervises to and ensures compliance with union contracts, University procedures and policies, and regulations.
• Responsible and accountable for the regulatory compliance of the electric distribution system and the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure program regarding liquid transformers as well as compliance with any internal policies, procedures, or initiatives/directives. Directly responsible for managing all compliance issues (federal, state, local, other).
• Responsible for participation in emergency management and response (e.g. planning, training, simulation, activation, and actual response), including advanced training and drills as required. Responsible for on-the-job training of staff in safety and environmental practices and procedures necessary for job performance.
• Responsible for managing unscheduled, emergency repairs to or restoration of university owned electric systems, and managing outside contractors to ensure safe and proper coordination of daily operations, maintenance, and construction activities.
• Ensures workforce compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations (e.g. environmental, workplace safety, OSHA, ADA requirements, etc.).
• Partners with others across Campus Services groups, customers, and the University community at large to achieve optimal delivery of E&U services and efficient use of resources. Demonstrates and promotes the mission, vision, and values of the organization; providing stewardship, strategies, and services that create an excellent customer experience. Acts in the University’s best interest at all times. As a Harvard University representative, exhibits appropriate professional conduct at all times such that harmonious business relationships are developed and maintained.
• Oversee and monitor service provider/vendor performance under all operating agreements or contracts and ensure compliance with all contractual provisions of such service/operating agreements or contracts. Notify service providers/vendors immediately upon discovery of any contractual shortcomings and develop and execute corrective action plan.
• Utilizes the Campus Services asset management system as a management tool to monitor and manage maintenance work and operational tasks; and to generate automated reports. Coordinates the development and maintenance of an accurate and detailed inventory of all physical assets, including energy and utility distribution infrastructure and production. Responsible for the proper and effective utilization of this system.
• Perform special assignments/projects as directed. Participates in planning, design and construction processes associated with capital projects and is responsible for integration of completed projects into plant operations.
• Leads and/or provides support for special projects (short and long-range), initiatives, and tasks as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be physically fit and mentally alert at all times.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment where necessary, including respiratory protection equipment (negative pressure or equivalent) and other equipment up to the level of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
• Must be able to enter various types of buildings, industrial plants, and/or construction sites and access non-handicap accessible work spaces/areas.
• Must be able to utilize ladders, scaffolds, high-lifts, and enter/work in confined spaces.
• Must be able to frequently walk up and down stairs, ladders, etc. on an on-going basis, in an industrial plant setting, ascending and descending up to 200 feet in total vertical elevation changes at one time.
• Will be required to participate in Hearing Conservation and medical surveillance programs.
• Must be capable of lifting and carrying objects weighing up to 65 pounds.

Work Format: This is an on-campus position (not hybrid or remote) based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Work location is responsive and subject to change based on business needs. Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel (required to provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management).