Utility Systems Manager

University System of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

University System of New Hampshire is seeking an experienced Utility Systems Manager to oversee campus distribution networks for water, steam, chilled water, and wastewater. The role encompasses contract administration, coordination with treatment facilities, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include leading the utility crew, managing projects, and driving improvements in efficiency and reliability across campus infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of experience in utility management, civil, or mechanical engineering or related field.
• Experience managing multiple contracts and complex multi-phase projects.
• Valid NH driver’s license or equivalent.
• Experience managing operations & maintenance contracts on large campuses.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and oversee campus utility distribution systems.
• Administer contracts and coordinate with treatment plant operations.
• Ensure regulatory permits compliance and coordinate with EPA/NHDES authorities.
• Manage staff development, recruitment, and annual performance reviews.
• Identify upgrades and leverage technology to improve efficiency and reduce losses.

Skills

Utility management

Contract management

Staff management

Project management

Engineering knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering / related field

Associate's degree in related field

Tools

GIS

Job description

The Utility Systems Manager will plan, direct, and oversee all aspects of campus operations, 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. Serve as responsible manager and contract administrator for the UNH/Durham Water Treatment Plant Operations and Maintenance Contract, and provide engineering oversight and management of the Utilities Distribution crew.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Water Treatment Plant Contract Administration (20%) Serve as the responsible manager and contract administrator for the UNH/Durham Water Treatment Plant Operations and Maintenance Contract.
• Serve as the day-to-day point of contact with treatment plant staff, town, and campus stakeholders to coordinate outages, resolve issues, and maintain mutually beneficial relationships.
• Serve as UNH's primary point of contact with EPA and NHDES on all matters related to the University's public water system permit.
• Direct modifications to operating plans as needed to maintain public water system permit compliance.
• Stormwater & MS4 Regulatory Compliance (20%) Serve as UNH's primary point of contact with EPA and NHDES on all matters related to the Stormwater MS4 permit, including serving as administrator for the EPA NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit.
• Direct modifications to stormwater management operating plans and work closely with Energy & Utilities staff and Facilities Operations to maintain MS4 permit compliance and maximize system efficiency.
• Coordinate stormwater system inspections and corrective actions to ensure ongoing compliance with permit conditions.
• Utility Distribution Crew Management & Staff Development (25%) Provide oversight and management of the utility distribution maintenance and operation crew.
• Recruit, hire, and train Utility Distribution staff; complete annual performance reviews.
• Align professional development of staff with individual and institutional goals.
• Serve as the campus utility systems engineer and manager, assisting in evaluating system conditions and prioritizing system upgrades.
• Small Project Management, Asset Management & System Optimization (20%) Manage small projects related to installation, maintenance, and repair of utility distribution systems.
• Identify system upgrades and options for leveraging technology to improve efficiency and reduce system losses; make recommendations for implementation of these initiatives.
• Identify and develop upgrades and improvements to campus energy and utility infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce consumption.
• Coordinate with GIS staff on utility asset management and data management; ensure assets are up to date in the GIS system and develop GIS-based tools for operations and maintenance.
• Utility Planning & Capital Project Development (15%) In cooperation with the utility systems operations and maintenance crew and Facilities Stewardship, develop annual major maintenance and repair projects for potential funding.
• Based on the utility master plan, identify, develop, and prioritize projects required to support planned campus development.
• Represent Facilities on matters relating to utility system operations, maintenance, and expansion with internal and external committees.

Requirements

• Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience: 5-10+ years of experience in utility management, civil, or mechanical engineering, construction project management, or related field.
• Relevant post-secondary education may be substituted for experience: an Associate's degree in a related field may substitute for 2 years of experience; a Bachelor's degree in engineering, engineering management, utility/energy management, or a related field may substitute for 4 years of experience.
• Experience managing multiple contracts and contractors in complex multiphase utility and infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing operations & maintenance contracts in large multi-building campus-type settings.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Required Licenses & Certifications: Valid NH driver's license.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Excellent knowledge of utility production and distribution system means and equipment; excellent financial management skills.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations and be on-call outside normal work hours.
• Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to work in inclement weather and heat.
• Ability to properly wear PPE provided by the department.
• Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities including heavy lifting and work with exposure to inclement weather for prolonged periods of time.
• Knowledge of applicable codes and regulations.
• Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering, engineering management, utility/energy management, or related field.
• Construction project management experience.
• Experience supervis