Assoc Dir,Utility Services

The University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision insurance

Educational benefits

Job summary

The University of New Mexico is seeking an accomplished Associate Director of Utility Services to manage utility infrastructure across its campuses. This leadership role requires overseeing operations of high-pressure steam plants and chilled water systems while ensuring compliance with regulations.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience, with a strong focus on sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and effective team management. Benefits include medical, dental, and educational support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience can be substituted by higher degrees on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Lead operating high-pressure steam and chilled water systems.
• Oversee utility infrastructure planning and maintenance.
• Manage technical and administrative staff and budgets.
• Coordinate emergency response for utility systems.
• Implement sustainability initiatives for utility services.

Skills

Utility Infrastructure Management

Leadership

Budget Management

Compliance Knowledge (ASME, OSHA)

Emergency Response Coordination

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Facilities Maintenance Technology Platforms

GIS and GPS Systems

Job description

Assoc Dir,Utility Services

The University of New Mexico (UNM) is seeking an accomplished and forward-thinking leader to serve as Associate Director of Utility Services within the Facility Services division. This role provides strategic and operational oversight for the University’s utility infrastructure across the Main and Health Sciences Center campuses, including the Ford Utilities Center, Campus Utility Plant, chilled water plants, water wells, and the potable water system. UNM Utility Services' district energy system, including cogeneration, serves approximately 8 million SF of UNM's Main Campus.

Reporting to the Director of Technical Services, the Associate Director ensures the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of utilities that power academic, research, and healthcare facilities. This position plays a critical role in campus sustainability, operational excellence, and emergency preparedness.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the operation of high-pressure steam plants, chilled water systems, and potable water systems in compliance with ASME, OSHA, and federal regulations.
• Oversee utility infrastructure planning, development, and maintenance for Main and Health Sciences Center campuses.
• Direct and supervise technical and administrative staff, including hiring, training, and performance management.
• Ensure fiscal responsibility through budget development and expenditure oversight.
• Coordinate emergency response for critical utility systems supporting healthcare and hospital facilities, or Data Center.
• Develop and implement short- and long-range plans for utility services, including sustainability initiatives.
• Manage external contracts and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Support GIS, GPS and other utility mapping systems for accurate infrastructure data management.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• Possession of a valid New Mexico driver's license is a requirement for this job.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in Educational Facilities operation.
• Strong understanding of FM operations across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, general maintenance, and capital improvement projects.
• Proven experience leading large teams, to include union staff.
• Extensive experience in financial management and budgeting.
• Expertise with facilities maintenance technology platforms (CMMS, work order systems, analytics tools).
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and executive-level presentation skills.

Location

Main - Albuquerque, NM

Benefits

This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for more information.

Veteran Preference

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

EEO Statement

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.