HVAC & Refrigeration Engineer Manager

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

 

Job Summary

The HVAC and Refrigeration Engineer Manager will undertake a multifaceted role, bearing key responsibilities geared towards ensuring the reliability and efficiency of our organization's HVAC and refrigeration systems. This pivotal role will be spearheading efforts to align our HVAC and refrigeration systems with cutting-edge technology, sustainable and environmentally conscious practices, all while upholding operational excellence, compliance with industry standards, and the implementation of cost-effective solutions. Leadership will play a vital role in bolstering our team's dedication to meeting campus requirements and optimizing the overall performance of our HVAC and refrigeration infrastructure.

 

Essential Functions

• Develops and executes strategies to align our HVAC and refrigeration systems with decarbonization and electrification goals, including the integration of heat pumps.
• Leads and mentors a team of HVAC and refrigeration technicians and engineers to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.    Hires, trains, evaluates and recommends personnel actions.     
• Stays updated on the latest advancements in HVAC, refrigeration, and heat pump technology and assess their applicability to the organization's needs.
• Oversees the planning, execution, and completion of HVAC and refrigeration projects, ensuring they are aligned with efficiency objectives and delivered on time and within budget.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant industry standards, codes, and regulations related to HVAC, refrigeration systems, and sustainability initiatives.
• Manages the budget for HVAC and refrigeration projects, making informed decisions to optimize resource allocation.
• Collaborates with various internal and external stakeholders, including sustainability teams, building managers, and external partners, to drive initiatives related to support efficiency and electrification in HVAC and refrigeration systems.
• Utilizes data-driven insights to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and carbon reduction within HVAC and refrigeration systems.
• Works with the campus direct digital control (DDC) building automation system (BAS) to track equipment operation and performance, rotates equipment for serviceability, analyzes data to predict potential failures and operates building systems and controls the comfort and energy use within the buildings.
• Assures that the correct preventive maintenance tasks and schedules are programmed into the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and executed on time.
• Develops and implements quality training programs to maximize the effectiveness of the maintenance staff. Participates in the selection of maintenance staff; meets with and maintains harmonious relationships with building coordinators and university stakeholders.
• Coordinates with Design & Construction Management (DCM) project managers on all construction and renovation projects. As needed, plans, organizes, and implements small to medium size projects, including budget management.
• Assures that all warranty data is delivered to the Physical Plant and that the information is entered in the CMMS.
• Performs related duties as assigned or as required to meet department, executive area/division, and University goals and objectives.

 

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, and 3 years of proven experience in HVAC and refrigeration system design, installation, and management of systems 100 tons and larger
  • OR an Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering and 5 years of proven experience in HVAC and refrigeration system design, installation, and management of systems 100 tons and larger in a supervisor role
  • OR 7 to 10 years of proven experience in HVAC and refrigeration system design, i