Utilities Distribution Superintendent

University System of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); On-site; GBP 52,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NH driver’s license sponsorship

Job summary

University of New Hampshire seeks a Utilities Distribution Lead to oversee operation, inspection, and maintenance of campus utility systems including water, steam, sewer, and HVAC distribution. This role leads technicians, coordinates with contractors, and serves as a primary on-call leader for emergencies.

The ideal candidate has 5–10+ years in utility distribution or related trades, with strong regulatory knowledge and project coordination abilities.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years in utility distribution or related trades such as plumbing, pipefitting, or steam maintenance.
• Experience in construction project management or mechanical/civil engineering is considered.

Responsibilities

• Operate, inspect, maintain, repair, install and troubleshoot campus utility distribution systems.
• Oversee technicians and contractors; lead emergency repairs and communications.
• Coordinate with Facilities and Town staff on potable water, wastewater and stormwater issues.
• Assist with recruitment, training and professional development in the department.
• Assist engineering and project managers in condition assessment and project scoping.

Skills

Utilities distribution operations

Emergency response

Staff supervision

Regulatory compliance

Budget and procurement

Vendor and contractor coordination

Communication during emergencies

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Project management

Construction/maintenance knowledge

Job description

Perform duties related to the operation, inspection, maintenance, design, and installation of distribution systems for potable water, heating water supply and return, domestic hot water supply and return, chilled water supply and return, stormwater, wastewater, steam, and condensate. Oversee Utilities Distribution Technicians and subcontracted service technicians, and serve as lead delegate for emergency repairs of campus utility systems.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

Utility Distribution System Operations & Maintenance (30%)

• Perform and oversee operation, inspection, maintenance, repair, installation, and troubleshooting activities for campus utility distribution systems, including potable water, heating water, domestic hot water, chilled water, stormwater, wastewater, steam, and condensate systems.
• Inspect and maintain underground utility tunnels, trenches, valve pits, and sewage lift stations.
• Support UNH Facilities staff and other campus entities as needed to ensure reliable utility service and system performance.
• Serve as lead delegate for emergency repairs of utility systems, including communication lead with emergency and support personnel, National DigSafe dispatch, and University staff.

Emergency Response, Regulatory Compliance & Asset Management (25%)

• Respond to emergency situations and participate in on-call rotation outside normal work hours.
• Ensure utility distribution systems are operated and maintained in compliance with University policies and applicable state and federal stormwater, water, and wastewater regulations and guidelines.
• Advise management and leadership on the best way forward regarding mission-critical impacts of emergency repairs.
• Assist Facilities Asset Management and the Utility Systems Manager in developing priorities and project scope for major repair and upgrade projects, including condition assessment exercises.

Staff Supervision, Contractor & Project Oversight (25%)

• Oversee Utilities Distribution Technicians and subcontracted service technicians in day-to-day utility distribution system operations.
• Assist the Utility Systems Manager with recruitment, hiring, training, and professional development priorities within the department.
• Coordinate and oversee outside contractors performing utility installations, repairs, and rehabilitations; inspect completed work to verify compliance with project requirements and quality standards.
• Assist engineering consultants and project managers in condition assessment exercises and developing scope for project design and construction.

Budget, Procurement & Stakeholder Coordination (20%)

• Research and recommend equipment and costs for repairs; help prioritize and budget for regular maintenance projects and capital improvements.
• Maintain critical supply inventory, coordinate purchases, and identify surplus equipment.
• Work with the Utility Systems Manager on funding requests for future replacement of campus utilities.
• Coordinate and work with Town of Durham Public Works staff on potable water, wastewater, and stormwater issues.

Requirements:

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:

• 5-10+ years of experience in utility distribution, or related trades such as plumbing, pipefitting, high pressure steam maintenance, drainage systems, earthwork, or welding. Experience in construction project management or mechanical/civil engineering is also considered.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

• Valid NH driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work in inclement weather and heat.
• Ability to properly wear PPE provided by the department.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations and be on-call outside normal work hours in a normal rotation.
• Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities including heavy lifting and work with exposure to inclement weather, confined space, and high heat for prolonged periods of time.
• Knowledge of applicable codes and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• NH Water Works Operator Grade T3/D3 or ability to attain within 12 months
• NEWEA Collections System Operator Grade II/III or ability to attain within 12 months
• NH Plumbing License or NH Pipefitter License
• Construction project management experience
• Experience supervising or leading field crews or trade staff
• PMP Certification
• CDL Class B
• OSHA 40
• CPESC or CPIESC Certification
• EPA CGP Erosion Control Inspector Certification

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution pro