Chief Engineer

Posting Details

Position Information Position Title Chief Engineer Job Description Responsible for supervision and direction of operation and maintenance of the University’s Central Plant and University buildings’ HVAC systems. Responsibilities include planning, organizing and directing the daily operation and maintenance of all HVAC equipment in the Central Plant and all other buildings (main campus, north campus, Gilcrease, Henneke, Archer, HCAR, etc.) owned by the University; training all personnel in procedures and responsibilities for operating the boilers, chillers and other associated equipment of the Central Plant; supervising the work of outside contractors in the repair and/or servicing of HVAC equipment; assigning work schedules for personnel; evaluating subordinate employee’s job performance; managing construction projects, particularly those related to campus utility and/or HVAC systems; and coordinating with outside Professional Engineers in the design of HVAC equipment systems.

Essential Functions (Responsibilities):

• Strategic Operation Plan: Assesses the current operation of Central Plant, main campus and Gilcrease equipment. Finds ways to improve performance of existing equipment as well as anticipated life expectancy. Plans replacement of equipment that has reached the end of its life cycle such as Cooling Towers, Chillers, Pumps, Air handling units, etc.
• Strategic Maintenance Plan: Understands goals in Preventative and Predictive maintenance. Establishes long terms goals such as: Improving our 5 year Capital Improvement list. Establishes short term goals such as: Equipment that needs immediate replacement, repairing aging pipeline.
• Establishes budgets for new projects, equipment replacement, service agreements, and mechanical renovations. Also establishes annual cost for controls technicians (may be through outside contracts).
• Responsible for daily work assignments for HVAC Maintenance Engineers utilizing the CMMS. Work Orders which are submitted daily include hot and cold complaints, leaks, noise issues, equipment failures and repair request, preventative maintenance assignments, kitchen refrigeration and freezer issues, apartment and dorm HVAC issues, etc.
• Organizes work assignments, schedules, vacations, holidays and sick coverage.
• Organizes preventive maintenance schedules for all HVAC equipment.
• Meets with consulting engineers and mechanical contractors for design details on new construction and renovation projects.
• Directs the operation of Central Plant equipment, such as, verifying proper chiller operation; load of chillers and their chilled water set points; campus wide chilled water temperature and flow (gallons per minute); condenser water temperatures on the cooling towers; refrigerant approach temperature on the chillers; KW (kilowatt) per ton performance of each chiller, as well as, overall Central Plant KWH (kilowatt hour) usage. Directs the operation of Central Plant Heating Water System which includes Boilers, distribution pumps, makeup rate and pumps, campus loop temperatures, as well as campus and building loads.
• Measures performance of operations and maintenance with the CMMS, BAS, annual performance reviews and visual inspections.
• Review’s consultant’s and contractor’s plans, invoices, and submittals; inspects work and makes punch lists. Makes corrective directives to consultants, subcontractors, maintenance engineers and operating engineers.
• Performs related responsibilities as required or assigned.

Required Qualifications Knowledge/Skill/Ability

• Strong analytical ability to interpret and use complex data.
• Ability to multi-task efficiently in a fast-paced environment, drive projects to completion, and act with a sense of urgency.
• Proficiency in basic Microsoft Office programs and web-based work order systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the university.
• A collaborative team player, who can coordinate work effectively with employees, team members, and outside vendors.
• High attention to detail, demonstrated practice of establishing effective priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Strong customer service with a can-do attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Critical thinking skills and ability to adapt to changes.
• Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and as a part of a team.

Equivalent Education/Experience

• High school diploma required.
• Five years experience as a licensed First Class Stationary Engineer with at least five years supervisory experience in a central plant environment required.
• Valid First Class Unlimited Stationary Engineer’s license from the City of Tulsa required.
• Two years hands-on experience with operation and maintenance of DDC controls and computerized building control systems required.
• Preferred experience in the supervision of a skilled HVAC technician work group within an educational, research or medical multi-facility campus.

Special Job Dimensions:
This position may be required to work overtime, nights, weekends or holidays in order to fulfill essential service requirements such as during inclement weather or other events.

Note: The essential job functions and associated qualifications contained in this document describe the general nature and level of the work performed. They are not intended to represent an exhaustive listing or be inclusive of all aspects of the job. The tasks and procedures involved in the performance of the essential job functions may vary from day-to-day. Major changes in areas of responsibility may occur, as directed by management, and will require revision of this job description. Preferred Qualifications Previous experience in the supervision of a skilled HVAC technician work group within an educational, research, or medical; multi-facility campus. Physical Demands Work requires ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as lifting (up to 30 pounds
regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally), bending (frequently), pushing (frequently), stooping
(occasionally), and lifting overhead (occasionally up to 40 pounds); exposure to disagreeable odors
and environmental conditions; ability to hear and speak in order to receive and convey
instructions; and ability to see and read. At any time, the Manager may be required to operate the
plant or perform maintenance on any piece of equipment. Posting Detail Information Posting Number S1044P Open Date 05/21/2025 Close Date Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicants Advertising Summary

EEO Statement

EEO Statement Eeo Statement Summary

The University of Tulsa seeks to recruit and retain talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Tulsa is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified candidates across all group demographics to apply. The University does not discriminate on the basis of personal status or group characteristic including, but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or marital status. The University of Tulsa is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disability/ Veteran.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume

Optional Documents

1. Cover Letter