Manager, Electrical and Fire Safety Systems

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

Department:

Energy Management

Time Type:

Full time

Work Modality:

Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union:

Job Description:

Summary:

The Manager, Electrical and Fire Safety Systems is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and operation of the university’s electrical and fire safety systems in accordance with university standards and all applicable codes and regulations.

Essential Functions:

1.) Operations and Maintenance Supervision

• Provide oversight for the maintenance and operation of the university’s electrical and fire safety systems to ensure safe, reliable and efficient in compliance with university standards and all applicable codes and regulations.
  
  
• Responsible for hiring, training and conducting performance evaluations for direct reports.
  
  
• Responsible for all contracts in assigned unit, including scope of services, vendor selection, payment approval, and supervision of outside vendors and contractors.
  
  

2.) Strategic Planning and Process Improvement

• Develop strategic, budget, staffing, operations, maintenance, commissioning, safety/compliance, training, infrastructural improvement/renewal, and personnel management plans in coordination with sub-ordinate staff, Facilities Management and key AU stakeholders.
  
  
• Develop standards, protocols, procedures, assessments and reporting in support of the unit’s mission with emphasis on baseline compliance, safety, reliability and quality control.
  
  

3.) Public Relations

• Build rapport with internal and external customers and key stakeholders (including local utility and DC DOB personnel).
  
  
• Seek opportunities to highlight department successes through departmental, campus and external media outlets or organizations, including the departmental webpage and campus.
  
  
• Identify areas for improvement and make recommendations to senior departmental staff.
  
  

4.) Energy/Utility Conservation

• Drive your team’s efforts to identify develop, plan and implement energy/utility conservation or efficiency opportunities and initiatives.
  
  

5.) Construction and Commissioning

• Work with Project Managers to provide technical expertise and perform project management functions.
  
  
• Provide recommendations about staffing priorities, budgets, schedules, scope requirements, coordination/communication with key stakeholders and formalized reporting to management.
  
  
• Ensure project progress, costs, and outcomes are consistent with established budgets, schedules and scope requirements.
  
  

6.) Training

• Establish training plans, organize, and conduct technical and safety/awareness training for direct reports and others (e.g.building maintenance technicians, contractors, emergency responder personnel) as necessary.
  
  
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant university standards and all applicable codes and regulations.
  
  

7.) Other Duties

• Perform other duties as required to comply with university standards or applicable codes and regulations.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Directly supervises: 3-5 FT Electrician staff.
  
  

Competencies:

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

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-Time.
  
  
• 35 hours per week.
  
  
• While performing the principal accountabilities of this position, the incumbent may be exposed to temperature extremes (i.e. hot or cold) or be required to perform work in confined spaces and/or small work areas.
  
  

Salary Range:

• $100,000 - $115,000 annually.
  
  

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
  
  
• 5-8 years of relevant experience.
  
  
• A DC Master Electricians license in good standing for at least the past two years.
  
  
• At least 2 years managing 5 or more licensed electricians & technicians.
  
  
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible work experience in the design and construction of and/or the operations and maintenance of electrical systems including experience with Medium Voltage equipment and associated safety training.
  
  
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and design specifications.
  
  
• Understanding of and experience with medium voltage (120 V - 13.8 KV) and low voltage (< 120V) electrical systems.
  
  
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse constituencies.
  
  
• Experience working with critical operations and customers in a building environment.
  
  
• A demonstrated capability, willingness and flexibility to work other than normal business hours including holidays, as needed for emergency situations.
  
  
• Experience working with minimal supervision.
  
  
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
  
  
• Knowledge of the National Fire Protection Association & National Electric Code, District of Columbia and IBC codes.
  
  
• Understanding of and experience with both fire detection/alarm and fire suppression/extinguishing systems.
  
  
• Experience contracting for (or bidding or buying) labor, equipment and materials associated with electrical and/or fire safety systems.
  
  

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Professional Engineer’s license or a Bachelor of Science in Construction, Engineering, or Fire Protection in lieu of, or in addition to, a Master Electrician’s license.
  
  
• Military or Fire Department Leadership experience as an officer (commissioned or non-commissioned).
  
  
• Additional years of Operations and Maintenance work experience with Medium Voltage electrical systems.
  
  
• NICET Fire Alarm Certification.
  
  

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options .

Other Details

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

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.