Job Details
Department: Facilities Mgmt EV
Salary/Grade: 399/S4
Position is part of a collective bargaining unit. Pay for this position will be $53.87 per hour. Rate is determined by collective bargaining agreement.
This role covers a technically diverse and complex portion of the campus portfolio, with a primary focus on science and research buildings. The building uses within this zone include a broad range of wet and dry laboratories and associated spaces. Typical room use includes clean rooms, cold rooms, chemistry wet labs, vivariums, and computer science/laser labs, as well as associated offices and classrooms.
Working knowledge of research building plumbing and HVAC systems, including their specific design intent, is critical. Areas of responsibility will include lab gases and utilities, RODI systems, vacuum systems, and chemical waste; fume hoods, snorkels, and laboratory exhaust systems, low temperature chillers, Phoenix valves, and toxic gas alarms. A thorough understanding of safe working protocols in operational lab environments, as well as psychometrics and pressure control zones, is necessary.
The position requires extremely strong written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to provide concise, articulate, and accurate messages to a number of customers inside and outside of the organization. As a working Lead, the successful candidate will share in the management of a small team of HVAC and plumbing technicians while also performing troubleshooting, repairs, and maintenance in the field.
Job Summary:
Reporting to and under the direction of the Chief and Assistant Chief Maintenance Engineers, manages a portion of the shop staff in the safe and efficient operation of all building mechanical, plumbing, and control systems including the associated utility distribution networks. Operates, maintains, repairs, and replaces building infrastructure related equipment including, but not limited to, air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, plumbing, temperature controls, and instrumentation
Please note: Must be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399, or join after a 90-day probationary period. Physical ability to lift and maneuver heavy weights, climb and descend ladders, and work in hot, cold, cramped and confined quarters. Ability to work safely and at heights on ladders, lifts and scaffolding. Dexterity necessary for the use of tools and manipulation of materials. Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24 hour, 7 day per week coverage.
Specific Responsibilities :
- Organizes and assigns daily work schedules and assignments for staff, assuring completion of routine, corrective, and preventative maintenance activities in accordance with the unit Service Level Agreement;
- Operates, maintains, repairs, and replaces the building plumbing, mechanical, and ventilation systems including associated distribution piping and ancillary equipment;
- Maintains good order and discipline among personnel consistent with University and departmental policies, requesting commendatory or disciplinary action to the shop supervisors; participates in annual employee performance reviews of subordinate personnel;
- Mentors and provides technical guidance and oversight to employees;
- Manages time sheets, vacation requests, attendance for employees;
- Provides reports to shop supervisors on the condition, renewal needs, and routine maintenance of facilities, components, and related activities including post-incident summaries and root cause analyses;
- Identifies and recommends employee safety, technical, soft-skill training, and professional development opportunities as required to ensure optimum unit performance and development;
- Assists in management, identification, and purchase of equipment, supplies, and supplemental contracted resources;
- Acts as liaison with customers and Facilities Customer Service;
- Other duties as assigned;
- Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24 hour, 7 day per week coverage.
Miscellaneous
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications: - High School diploma, GED, or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired;
- Minimum two years supervisory experience in planning, directing, and coordinating the maintenance of building systems and equipment;
- Possess and maintain a valid driver's license recognized by the State of Illinois, provide own reliable transportation, and purchase a University parking permit;
- Be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399, or join after a satisfactory completion of a 90-day probationary period.
Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.) - Thorough understanding of the steam and refrigeration cycles, and how they relate to building environmental systems and equipment. Knowledgeable of electrical distribution and safe working practices;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills;
- Exceptional customer relationship skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment;
- Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to effectively motivate work groups toward defined and agreed upon common goals;
- Comprehensive knowledge of the tools, instruments, methods and standard trade/safety practices pertaining to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing;
- Ability to perform calculations applicable to field of experience;
- Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement;
- Helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented. Ability to build strong working relationships and a positive work environment;
- Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect and shared purpose;
- Balances listening and talking, speaks and writes clearly and accurately, keeps others informed;
- Integrates health and safety precautions into daily activities;
- Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations.
- Proficiency with mobile devices including iOS.
Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities) - Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team;
- Plans ahead, manages time well and arrives on time;
- Working knowledge of BOCA, NFPA, State, Local, and other associated building codes;
- Familiarity with Phoenix Controls, Aircuity, Automated Logic, Siemens Insight, Siemens Desigo, JCI Metasys, and Tridium front ends;
- Successfully uses multiple software program independently. Software may include Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, CMMS Systems, and Peoplesoft;
- Familiarity with zone maintenance models;
- Recommends improvements and opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs;
- Analytical skills including critical thinking, decision making, trouble shooting and problem solving, reading and interpreting technical drawings;
- Achieves a standard of excellence with work processes and outcomes, honoring University and Department policies and all regulatory requirements.
Benefits: At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at to learn more.
Work-Life and Wellness: Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.
Professional Growth & Development: Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more
. Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.
The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.
Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.