Overview
Mechanical Trades Supervisor at Inside Higher Ed
Location : On-Site – expected to work fully at the designated campus / office location.
Job Category : Professional / Administrative
Position Title : Mechanical Trades Supervisor
Employment type : Full Time
Division : Finance and Administration
Department : Facilities Department
Location : On-Site – expected to work fully at the designated campus / office location.
Hiring Wage / Salary Range : $85,000 to $97,500
Responsibilities
- Serve as a visionary leader in the evolution of campus utility systems, executing plans to meet and exceed objectives related to reliability, resiliency, efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
- Drive strategic portfolio-wide initiatives that result in reduced carbon emissions and operational excellence.
- Represent the University and the Department in interactions with leadership, faculty, students, clients, suppliers, and external engineering and architectural firms.
- Oversee and manage the mechanical trades team to ensure continuous and reliable services across campus, minimizing unscheduled interruptions.
- Coordinate energy procurement and utilization within the campus's central utility plants to maximize efficiency and minimize cost.
- Identify mechanical issues impacting energy consumption; analyze heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting systems to optimize operations. Advise maintenance teams on energy-efficient strategies and recommend project priorities.
- Participate in the selection of consulting services and oversee the development and review of designs, working drawings, estimates, and specifications for utility infrastructure projects.
- Forecast and manage the utility portfolio budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial targets.
- Provide technical leadership during the design, construction, and turnover processes for projects, fostering collaboration across teams.
- Maintain professional relationships with external stakeholders, including other universities, technical organizations, engineering firms, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
- Evaluate team performance, recommend staffing levels, and address personnel issues as necessary.
- Serve as a role model to union staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, respect and accountability.
Qualifications and Education
Prior experience in construction, HVAC, electrical, or plumbing fields is highly valued, with strong initiative and excellent organizational skills.A minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical trades, with a proven track record in leadership roles.Strong understanding of mechanical systems, energy efficiency practices, and sustainability initiatives.Collaborative leader who can mentor staff and develop positive relationships across stakeholders; preferably manage unionized workforces.Ability to develop and implement short- and long-term plans with a data-driven approach to decision-making.Strong budget management skills and ability to oversee complex financial plans and contractual agreements.Excellent interpersonal and proactive communication skills, with strong presentation abilities to effectively represent the department within the University and beyond.Flexible, proactive, and solution-oriented leadership and operations style.Education : A combination of trade school, training, certifications, and / or related experience. A Bachelor's Degree in a related field such as engineering, construction management or trades technology is preferred.
Certifications
A current valid driver's license, in accordance with the University's Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Use Policy is required.Benefits
Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health and wellness, continuing education and professional development. Perks include free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. See Benefits page for full details.
EEO and Compliance
EEO Statement : The University recruits, employs, retains, promotes, and trains employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to characteristics protected by law.
Clery Act : Campus safety report available upon request or on the university website. For copies or questions, contact cusafety@colgate.edu.
Other
Seniority level : Mid-Senior levelJob function : Management and ManufacturingIndustries : Online Audio and Video MediaJ-18808-Ljbffr