Director of Utility Operations - Facilities Management

Texas Woman's University; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Woman's University seeks a Director of Utility Operations to oversee production, purchase, and distribution of utilities across the Denton, Dallas, and Houston campuses. You will lead Central Plant, HVAC, electrical and water systems, and energy management initiatives while supporting strategic planning.

The role requires strong leadership, budgeting, and regulatory knowledge to optimize operations, ensure reliability, and drive sustainability across TWU's campus utilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field.
• Master's degree and/or professional certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of related work experience with 4–7 years of supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Directs operation of chilled water and steam distribution, HVAC, and building systems.
• Develops plans to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint.
• Budgets for utilities and coordinates external contract services.
• Oversees safety, compliance, and staffing for facilities operations.

Skills

Utility systems

HVAC

Energy management

Budgeting

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master's degree or professional certification preferred

Job description

Director of Utility Operations

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the production, purchase and distribution of utilities for Denton, Dallas, and Houston Texas Woman's University campuses. This position oversees administration and operations of facilities operations including, chilled water and steam distribution, electrical infrastructure, mechanical and HVAC operations, energy management control and building automation operations. The position also assists the Executive Director of Facilities Operations with strategic and operational planning.

Work is performed under general supervision and performance is based upon completion of assignments and results obtained. The performance evaluation is conducted through the performance evaluation system and in accordance with the University Policies & Procedures.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Executive Director of Facilities Services and Operations

Supervises: Assistant Director Central Plant & Utilities and Project Manager Physical Plant

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - May include, but not limited to the following:

• Directs the operation of the chilled water and steam distribution system, HVAC systems, Central Plant staff, electrical distribution and building systems, mechanical systems, water and wastewater systems, energy management, and distribution systems.
• Develops and implements strategic plans to reduce energy costs and reduce carbon footprint through sustainability projects and operational efficiency improvement.
• Analyzes statistical data and implements policies to reduce utility costs and consumption.
• Works with Facilities Business Operations and Compliance department to budget for and recovery utility expenses.
• Ensures that maintenance of exiting equipment is performed. Schedules and performs system maintenance as needed and as prescribed by manufacturer.
• Develops long range plans for the replacement of capital equipment.
• Develops and implements strategic and operational plans for Facilities, including emergency plans, budgets and other financial plans.
• Serves as key point of contact with external utility providers. Negotiates and manages contract support for technical services.
• Oversees managerial and supervisory staff and enforces standards for the hiring, training, evaluation and discipline of personnel. Manages schedules for personnel assigned to minimize overtime and maximize efficiency.
• Develops and enforces operational procedures and best practices, ensuring compliance by facilities personnel with university policies and procedures.
• Manages assigned budgets and ensures funds are expended effectively in fulfillment of university goals.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Serves on or chairs committees for facility upgrades and assists with sustainability programs.
• Participates in capital planning and design review efforts for Denton, Dallas and Houston.
• Manages the capital improvement budgets assigned for utilities operations.
• Performs other duties as requested.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field. Master's degree and/or professional certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE

At least 5 years of related work experience and 4 to 7 years of intermediate supervisory experience.

REQUIREMENT

Regular and reliable attendance at the University during regular scheduled days and work hours is an essential function of this position.

All employees share the responsibility of maintaining information security and privacy requirements within the university by adhering to Federal and State regulations, and TWU Policies & Procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - The following are essential:

• Ability to maintain the security and integrity of the infrastructure.
• Knowledge of all areas of Facilities Management Services operations such as utility systems, mechanical-HVAC equipment, and various skilled crafts.
• Knowledge of construction procedures and bidding processes.
• Knowledge of safety, environmental, energy, ADA, and Federal and State regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of purchasing, personnel, accounting, and budget processes.
• Ability to organize work effectively, conceptualize and prioritize objectives and exercise independent judgement based on an understanding of organizational policies and activities.
• Ability to integrate resources, policies, and information for the determination of procedures, solutions, and other outcomes.
• Knowledge of management methods and ability to provide administrative guidance and provide direct training and supervision as needed.
• Ability to apply budgeting and fiscal planning techniques within financial constraints.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with students, faculty, staff, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively - orally, by phone, in person, and in writing.
• Ability to use a personal computer and other office equipment, including related university software and email.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations in a timely manner.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described in the Essential Duties and below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

The employee may be required to travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

All employees are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination, intimidation, harassment, including sexual harassment. Work is performed indoors and/or outdoors. The noise level is usually moderate to loud. Exposed to any number of elements and may be required to work in conditions including cold, heat, temperature swings, noise, outdoors and indoors, in trenches, and around mechanical, electrical, explosive, fume/odor, dust/mites, chemical, and toxic waste hazards. May be required to work in locations that involve hazardous environments requiring protective equipment that conforms to OSHA regulations and some physical discomfort due to temperature, dust and noise. May be required to work in confined spaces, on ladders and rooftops, and in adverse weather conditions.

SAFETY

TWU promotes a safe working environment. Employees are responsible for completing assigned tasks safely and efficiently, and supervisors are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe work environment. Employees must report any unsafe work conditions or practices, as well as any near-miss incidents, to their supervisor and Risk Management. Supervisors and employees should ensure that injury/accident reports are submitted to the Office of Human Resources and Risk Management within 24 hours of the incident.

Texas Woman's University, an AA/EEO employer, provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected category, class or characteristic.

All offers of employment will be contingent on the candidate's ability to provide documents which establish proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Positions at Texas Woman's University deemed security-sensitive require background checks and verification of all academic credentials.

If you are a male between the age of 18 and 25, federal law requires that you must be registered with the U.S. Selective Service System, unless you meet certain exemptions under Selective Service law. Under HB 558, enacted by the 76th Texas State Legislature, if you are currently of the age and gender requiring registration with Selective Service, but knowingly and willfully fail to do so, you are ineligible for employment with an agency in any branch of Texas state government. For additional information regarding registration or status, you can contact the Selective Service System at 847-688-6888 or www.sss.gov.