About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
The Utility Electrical Maintenance Manager is responsible for managing operation, maintenance and repair of the campus high voltage electrical distribution system, IT cable distribution system and related equipment. Coordinate campus electrical needs with Town of Amherst Electrical Inspector. Schedule work for the Physical Plant Utility Electrical and the IT Cable Engineering Services (CES) divisions.
Essential Functions
- Manages activities of Utilities Electrical personnel including scheduling and performance management.
- Develops and supervises the standards of maintenance and safety for the campus electrical distribution systems. This requires a working knowledge of medium and high voltage electrical distribution systems, trenching and excavating, and confine space.
- Responsible for staffing and training all personnel assigned to the Utility Electrical Maintenance and the IT CES Divisions.
- Works with union officials to maintain harmonious relationships. Acts as first-step hearing officer when needed. Must be prepared to represent the department during grievances and arbitrations.
- Coordinates campus electrical needs with Town of Amherst Electrical Inspector. Maintains electrical inspection certificates.
- Directs work activities and repairs utilizing knowledge, layout and characteristics of the campus high-voltage electrical distribution system.
- Ensures compliance with University and OSHA safety procedures related to the lock out tag out, confined space, trenching & shoring procedures as well as the procedures and dangers involved with starting and isolating high voltage electrical systems.
- Provides input for the electrical maintenance section of the Utility Department’s annual budget. Manages the electrical utility maintenance portion of the Utility Department’s budget.
- Interprets maps, work orders and utility diagrams and verify “Dig Safe” requests for planned excavations.
- Coordinates the communication and collaboration between Facilities & Campus Services and the UMass Information Technology Departments when implementing space improvement renovations to enable both departments to become more efficient and effective by optimizing materials management, labor utilization, and the project planning process.
- Performs diagnoses, tests, maintenance and repair on various electrical and IT cable distribution systems and related equipment.
- Installs and repairs underground electrical conduit & wire, transformers, switch gear and motors using plans and drawings.
- Performs construction work in accordance with safe procedures and working from work orders and drawings.
- Performs necessary work required for service restoration under storm, cold and emergency conditions.
- Performs repairs and installation of high voltage electrical systems, fittings, and support systems. Must be capable of performing high-voltage electrical work with sufficient quality to obtain electrical high voltage certification.
Other Functions
- Performs other duties as required by Physical Plant Management.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related field and five (5) years of relevant experience; Substitution: seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in operating and maintaining medium/high-voltage electrical distribution systems (480V to 115kV).
- Massachusetts Journeyman Electrician License
- Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of 480 volts, up to 115,000 volts outside electrical distribution systems including underground cables, oil and dry transformers, switches, vaults, and sub-transmission lines.
- Considerable knowledge of the Massachusetts Electric Code, including knowledge of standard practices involved with electrical underground insulation systems.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of how to apply electrical distribution construction standards.
- Prior supervisory experience.
- Training and/or certification on high voltage electrical system operation within 12 months of hire.
Qualifications Acquired on the Job
- Commercial Driver's License (Class B) within 12 months of hire.
- Hoisting License (Class 3A) required within 12 months of hire.
- Complete knowledge of the layout and characteristics of the UMass electrical distribution systems.
- Knowledge of locations and complexity of the UMass electrical distribution systems.
- Thorough knowledge of the UMass and Convex switching protocol.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Massachusetts Master Electrician License.
- Massachusetts Commercial Driver’s License (CDL Class B).
- Hoisting License with 3A endorsement.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Ability to climb and lift heavy equipment; work in high places and confined spaces.
Additional Details
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Receives general supervision from the Department Head, who provides procedural guidance, assigns work and reviews performance.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
- Supervises full-time staff of Journeyman Electricians and Cable Engineering team.
- Number of non-student employees directly supervised: 16
- Number of non-student employees indirectly supervised: 0
- Average number of student employees supervised at any given time: 0
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday, First Shift (7am-3pm).
Salary Information
Level 32
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst welcomes all qualified applicants and complies with all state and federal anti-discrimination laws.