Lead Operating Engineer

American University; United States; On-site; USD 123,213,000 - 137,540,000; Full time

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC is seeking a Lead Operating Engineer to supervise the Energy Management team, oversee operating engineers, and ensure safe, efficient operation of campus utility systems.

You will schedule work, monitor boiler and chiller plants, maintain records, and coordinate with the Assistant Chief Engineer to uphold quality and customer service.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 3–5 years of relevant maintenance or operations experience.
• Experience with high/low pressure boiler plants and energy systems.
• Driver license and ability to obtain University driving privileges.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Team Lead, assigns work, directs staff.
• Operates and maintains campus thermal systems and related plant equipment.
• Maintains records and builds data for scheduling and repairs.
• Performs commissioning activities for new or upgraded mechanical equipment.
• Completes training and maintains IDP in the LMS.
• Supports after‑hours and weekend requests.
• Prepares accident/incident reports and documents corrective actions.

Skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Decision making

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Facilities Management Certificate

LEED Green Associate

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institutionlocated in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges,internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creatingmeaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

Operating Engineering 2

Time Type:

Full time

Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Modality:

Full On Campus Presence

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

The Lead Operating Engineer serves as Team Lead and oversees thework of Operating Engineers and other trade staff within the EnergyManagement unit performing the inspection, efficient operation,maintenance, and repair of campus utility systems and related plantequipment. Under the direction of the Assistant Chief Engineer,this position works independently with leeway to resolve facilityissues and customer concerns, while ensuring adherence to qualitystandards and providing exceptional customer service.

Essential Functions:

• Serves as Team Lead. Schedules work assignments, setspriorities, and directs the work of Operating Engineers andAssistant Operating Engineers. Identifies staff training needs andensures training is obtained.
  
  
• Participates in the operation, maintenance (preventative andpredictive), troubleshooting, and repair of campus thermal systems(including but not limited to steam, chilled water, and heatingwater), related plant equipment, water treatment systems (includingbut not limited to natatorium systems, boiler systems, and chillersystems) as well as maintenance and repair of domestic water &sewer campus distribution systems, and campus gas utilitydistribution systems to assure the fitness for use and reliabilityof our buildings, systems and equipment. Operates and maintainssystems to meet department, reliability, and energy efficiencyobjectives along with regulatory compliance requirements.
  
  
• Maintains records pertaining to the inspection, operation,maintenance and repair of campus thermal systems, campus domesticwater & sewer distribution systems, campus gas distributionsystems, water treatment systems, and related plant equipment tobuild a database from which historical data can be used to maximizescheduling and repair of critical components of the heating andcooling systems. Makes recommendations to improve the efficiencyand reliability of campus managed utility systems. Responsible forthe proper storage and usage of tools and equipment used in therepair operations conducted by the position to have tools availableand in proper operating condition when needed.
  
  
• Performs facilities commissioning activities (e.g., reviewingof new and upgraded mechanical equipment or systems) to ensure thatoperational, maintenance, repair, and energy efficiency impacts onthe Central Plant Operations and Energy and Engineering units areminimized.
  
  
• Completes training and performance requirements to meetdepartment goals as well as regulatory requirements. Maintains anIDP (Individual Development Plan). Ensures all items are documentedin the LMS (Learning Management System).
  
  
• Supports the resolution of afterhours and weekend requestsreceived though the customer response center line (2Fix).
  
  
• Prepares accident/incident reports and documentation forrecommended corrective actions related to the Staff HR Policymanual.
  
  

Competencies:

• Championing Customer Needs.
  
  
• Building and Supporting Teams.
  
  
• Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.
  
  
• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
  
  

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time.
  
  
• 40 hours per week.
  
  
• Evening and weekend work is required.
  
  
• This position will be required to work multiple shifts. Currentshift schedules are (7AM to 3PM, 3PM to 11PM, 11PM to 7AM).
  
  
• This is a relief position, 24/7 coverage. The incumbent will berequired to work a second consecutive shift should their relieffail to arrive for the next shift.
  
  
• The incumbent is required to work unscheduled shifts asneeded.
  
  
• The position will perform job duties in confined spaces and beexposed to extreme temperatures.
  
  
• This is a physically demanding position which requiresstrenuous physical exertion such as frequent or constant lifting,pushing, and/or pulling of heavy objects to perform essentialfunctions, with or without reasonable accommodation.
  
  

Salary Range:

• $43.00 - $48.00 per hour.
  
  

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
  
  
• 3 - 5 years of relevant experience.
  
  
• At least two (2) years’ experience working in a plant havinghigh pressure steam boilers not to exceed four hundred (400)horsepower or a combination of high pressure boilers and heatingboilers or refrigeration equipment, not to exceed a total of fourhundred (400) horsepower; a heating plant having low pressure steamboilers with a pump return and refrigeration equipment, with nolimitation on total capacity; or a heating plant having hot waterboilers and refrigeration equipment, with no limitation on totalcapacity.
  
  
• At least one (1) year of experience as an assistant engineer incharge of a 3rd Class plant or as a Class 2 steam engineer.
  
  

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Facilities Management Certificate.
  
  
• LEED Green Associate.
  
  

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

1.) Required Education and Licenses

• H.S. Diploma or equivalent. 3rd Class DC Steam Engineer’slicense (non-restricted) by the date of hire. Must possess acurrent and valid United States driver's license at the time ofhire and be able to obtain and maintain University drivingprivileges.
  
  

2.) Central Plant Operations

• Thorough knowledge of and the ability to perform complextechnical tasks to support the operation, maintenance, and repairof site-specific utility systems. Ability to understand blueprints,general engineering drawings, and complex technical manuals.Thorough knowledge of the tools, equipment, regulations, andprocedures relevant to site-specific systems. Proficiency in allsite-specific systems.
  
  

3.) Math and Science

• Knowledge of arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication,division, percentages, fractions, roots, exponents, and the abilityto perform math operations based on word problems), decimals,length, area, and volume measurement. An understanding of thefundamental principles of thermodynamics, chemistry, and energyefficiency relevant to the work performed.
  
  

4.) Building Automation Systems (BAS)

• Working knowledge of BAS and ability to independently resolvemoderately complex problems.
  
  

5.) Decision-Making and Leadership

• Receives limited supervision. Ability to independently resolvecomplex technical problems and serve as a point of escalation formoderately complex problem resolution. Ability to schedule workassignments, set priorities, train, and direct the work of others,and ensure adherence to quality standards and timelines. Ability tomotivate others by personal example and by direct coaching toincrease their abilities to demonstrate respectful andcompassionate interaction.
  
  

6.) Communication and Interpersonal

• Ability to express oneself orally in a clear and concisemanner, seek and deliver constructive feedback, and adaptcommunication style to the task and audience. Ability to produceclear, technically accurate, and accessible written materials oncomplex topics. Demonstrated commitment to self-awareness anddesire to continuously improve one's ability to interact withothers in a respectful and compassionate way.
  
  

7.) Technology

• Ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPointto prepare briefings, reports, and presentations.
  
  

8.) Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry 50lbs. Ability to climb ladders andwork at heights. Ability to work in confined spaces and areas withtemperature extremes.
  
  

9.) Other Requirements

• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age by the date ofhire. Interest in and commitment to ongoing professionaldevelopment and training.
  
  

Other Duties:

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover orcontain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties orresponsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any timewith or without notice.
  
  

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefitoptions .

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successfulcompletion of a background check.
  
  
• Employees in staff positions at American University mustdeliver their services to the university from either the Districtof Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at theuniversity.
  
  
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover orcontain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties orresponsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any timewith or without notice.
  
  
• American University is an E-Verify employer.
  
  

Current American University Employees

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Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American Universitycareers site, email [e-mail].

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative actioninstitution that operates in compliance with applicable laws andregulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis ofrace, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy),age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personalappearance, gender identity and expression, familyresponsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteranstatus, an individual’s genetic information or any other basesunder federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in itsprograms and activities.