Utility Systems Manager

CP11 University of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); On-site; USD 58,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of New Hampshire in Durham seeks a Utilities Systems Manager to plan, direct, and oversee campus-wide distribution systems for drinking water, heating, steam, hot water, and stormwater. The role also serves as contract administrator for the Water Treatment Plant Operations and Maintenance contract and provides engineering oversight for the Utilities Distribution crew.

Responsibilities include regulatory compliance, staff development, capital project planning, and coordination with

Qualifications

• 5-10+ years of utility management or related engineering experience.
• Experience managing multiple contracts and O&M projects.
• Valid NH driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Water Treatment Plant Contract Administration and liaison with staff and stakeholders.
• Oversee Stormwater MS4 regulatory compliance programs and permit management.
• Manage utility distribution crew, hiring, training, and performance reviews.
• Lead small utility projects and asset/ system optimization efforts.
• Plan capital projects and coordinate with campus leadership.

Skills

Water systems management

Contract administration

Project management

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Associate's degree (substitution for experience)

Tools

GIS software

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 supervising or leading field crews or trade staff. NH PWS Operator Grade T2/D2 or ability to attain within 12 months. NEWEA Collections System Operator Grade II/III or ability to attain within 12 months. PMP Certification. CPESC or CPIESC Certification. EPA CGP Erosion Control Inspector Certification.

Compensation Pay Range: $57,590.00 - $102,850.00 The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

Location: Durham

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188‑acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full‑time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

EEO Statement The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

The University System of New Hampshire is the largest provider of postsecondary education in the Granite State. With approximately 30,000 enrolled students annually and more than 90,000 alumni living in state, the institutions of the University System - the University of New Hampshire - Durham, the University of New Hampshire School of Law, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Plymouth State University, and Keene State College - have a direct impact on hundreds of thousands of New Hampshire citizens every year.