Director of Facilities - Daniel J. Riccio Jr. College of Engineering

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 Director of Facilities for the Daniel J. Riccio Jr. College of Engineering is responsible for daily functions related to project management and facility operations of the College’s building, including the Sustainable Engineering Laboratories (SEL) and for various facilities within the Riccio College of Engineering. The position will heavily rely on multi-faceted communications to coordinate resources, expertise and services efficiently and effectively to continuously support a complex research, teaching and outreach operation. The Director works closely with the Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, Planning and Operations with a dotted line to the Assistant Dean of Administration and Finance,  in developing, planning, designing and executing projects in partnership with the University’s various departments including Design and Construction Management, Physical Plant, Environmental Health and Safety, and Disability Services to insure the safe, efficient, and effective operation of approximately of all laboratory, office and classroom spaces on the Amherst campus.  

 

Essential Functions

• Provides planning, project management, leadership, and support for Riccio College of Engineering Dean’s Office priority projects and initiatives including new construction or renovation, facilities maintenance and repair, and operations of engineering buildings. Directs efforts to align with evolving priorities. Projects budgets dependent on circumstances from $2K up to $1M+.
• Coordinates work done by Physical Plant, Design & Construction Management, and outside contractors on behalf of the college, managing follow-through on critical action items ensuring all projects are executed within project timeframe, scope and budget.
• Prepares and submits recommendations for maintenance and facility operations. Negotiates costs with Facilities and Campus Services and oversees expenditures for appropriateness within budget parameters. Monitors work requests and change orders and consults with university offices regarding routine and special maintenance projects.
• Represents the interests of the College’s customer base in addressing their operational needs by developing a strong, mutually beneficial partnership with the University’s Physical Plant to troubleshoot and problem solve issues within the various facilities in a timely manner.
• Serves as primary college contact with Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). Responds to emergencies and serve as primary contact and coordinator for facility-related issues (i.e., leaks, flooding, etc.) Consults with University personnel and determines appropriate steps to resolve immediate problems. Actively works to identify hazards in a laboratory setting and mitigate safety issues.
• Maintains a working knowledge of architecture, engineering and design principles, building systems, code regulations and construction practices, particularly as is applicable to specialized research facilities and research activities, and applies this knowledge to complex problems.
• Purchases and oversees the maintenance and repair of equipment purchased by the college. Assists department staff with troubleshooting equipment issues. Receives orders and deliveries for SEL.
• Identifies and mitigates issues relating to maintenance and construction activities that may generate excessive noise, dust and vibration that may impact sensitive research facilities.
• Manages and prepares presentations, memos, proposals, excel spreadsheets and databases, and various other communication collecting cross functional input.
• Assists in decontamination of labs following ANSI decommissioning policy mandated by Campus Administration.
• Indirectly manages the coordination of facilities/operations of employees embedded in other enginee