Supervisor, Mechanical Shop

Who we are

Why Rensselaer?  Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth.

Job Summary

The Mechanical Shop Supervisor directs the continuous, efficient and safe day-to-day operations of the Mechanical Shop. The position supervises Shop staff, manages workload, monitors performance and serves as the Shop client service liaison. The Supervisor works closely with other Division of Administration staff to respond to emergencies and complete major maintenance projects. The Supervisor manages Mechanical Shop service contracts, sources parts and equipment and manages vendor contracts. The position participates in Supervisor On-Call rotation and supervises call-in procedures and repair work performed outside normal work hours.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School/Equivalent in N/A
• 8 or more years in Eight years of skilled trades (plumbing, welding, roofing and/or electrical work) experience

Experience must also include:

• Three years of supervisory experience; may include experience as a lead worker, project coordinator, or other similar role.
• Experience with interactive computer based networked building management systems
• Use of personal vehicle to transport self, tools and small parts

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Related field
• Five years of supervisory experience 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of industry trades including plumbing, welding, roofing, electrical, and metal work
• Ability to read and work from blue prints, drawings and create schematic and one-line diagrams
• Strong leadership and supervisory abilities
• Advanced planning, organizing and effective time management skills
• Ability to prepare and interpret financial and other data
• Ability to anticipate and solve problems
• Excellent client relations skills
• Excellent communication skills in both verbal and written forms
• Knowledge of continuity of operations plans, comprehensive emergency management plans and ability to produce results under pressure situations

Job Duties

1. Provides supervision, direction and guidance to unit personnel, including commendations and discipline; makes and supports recommendations for hiring, promotions and terminations of staff; completes performance evaluations. Leads and directs unit personnel on a daily basis to ensure the completion of assigned tasks.
2. Prepares schedule to ensure fair and appropriate distribution of work; ensures most appropriately qualified staff member is matched to suitable level of complexity of assignment; ensures coverage for vacations, sick leave and/or personal leave. Schedule quarterly on call responsibilities; ensure on call duty is assigned at all times. Prepares all personnel actions and payroll matters for unit; reviews timesheets; serves as liaison for staff regarding any issues related to personnel actions or payroll matters.
3. Assists Associate Director in preparation of annual budget, including recommendations for replacement or purchase of tools and equipment, changes in staffing needs, and forecasting routine expenditures. Review and sign off on all purchases for unit inventory of parts, supplies, tools, and equipment using the CMMS system.
4. Develops project plans for accomplishing goals of the Mechanical Shop, Physical Plant and the Division. Monitors all unit performance and adjusts and directs work to correct for deficiencies. Uses CMMS extensively to make data based decisions and prepares summary reports as requested.
5. Work with Procurement Services to source and manage contractors for project work. Manage and supervise contract work performed including tracking expenses and adjusting work to maintain plan budget.
6. Serve as client service liaison for Mechanical Shop. Work directly with clients communicating timelines, responding to issues and escalating to Division leadership if necessary.
7. Ensures preventive maintenance (PM) is performed on all assigned equipment and maintains records in CMMS; develops PM procedures based on manufacturer’s recommendations and usage history. Supervises performance of assigned preventive maintenance work.