Department: Facilities Mgmt CH
Salary/Grade: 399/S7

Job Summary:

Manages the safe and efficient operation of all building electrical, lighting, and life safety (fire alarm) systems including the associated utility distribution networks and equipment. Supervises and coordinates installations, maintenance, and operations of all electrical equipment. This position ensures all campus electrical distribution systems, building systems, fire alarm systems, and associated equipment are maintained and operated properly and in compliance with University policies and applicable codes. Reviews and evaluates electrical and fire alarm specifications and drawings, as well as installations, ensuring system functionality, maintainability, and accessibility. Provides technical advice to senior management, administration, faculty, staff, and outside consultants relative to design, installation, operation, and repair of campus systems. Maintains relationships with City of Chicago staff, including the Fire Department and Building Department, and ComEd staff. Maintains the campus’s maintenance permit for routine campus repair and maintenance.

The role will support the department’s mission and values by exhibiting the following: inclusiveness, respect, initiative, collaboration, innovation, and accountability. The incumbent will strive to provide excellent service when performing job responsibilities and will practice safe work procedures, and follow safety rules at all times.

Please note: Must be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399, or join after a 90-day probationary period. Physical ability to lift and maneuver heavy weights, climb and descend ladders, and work in hot, cold, cramped and confined quarters.  Ability to work safely and at heights on ladders, lifts and scaffolding.  Dexterity necessary for the use of tools and manipulation of materials. Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24 hour, 7 day per week coverage.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Plans, directs, and coordinates maintenance operations of building electrical and fire alarm systems and ancillary infrastructure to meet the established annual budget;
• Organizes work for planned and unscheduled maintenance tasks directed to electrical staff for efficient and effective performance while ensuring that adequate staff is available to respond to irregularities and/or emergencies;
• Maintains good order and discipline among personnel consistent with University and departmental policies, initiating commendatory or corrective action as appropriate;
• Prepares written and oral reports on the condition, renewal needs, and routine maintenance of facilities, components, and related activities including post-incident summaries and root cause analyses;
• Identifies and recommends employee safety, technical, soft-skill training, and professional development opportunities as required to ensure optimum unit performance and development;
• Ensures compliance with applicable OSHA requirements and jurisdictional codes including 70E and NESC standards;
• Interviews and recommends hiring or promotion of qualified staff, and performs annual employee performance reviews of subordinate personnel;
• Estimates electrical and fire alarm related project work scope, budgets, and timelines;
• Participates in design and construction reviews for capital projects;
• Other duties as assigned;
• Must be available and capable of responding to irregularities during evenings and weekends ensuring 24 hour, 7 day per week coverage.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of four years of college in electrical engineering, or the equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired;
• Minimum five years supervisory experience in planning, directing, and coordinating the maintenance of building systems and equipment, and electrical distribution systems;
• Obtain and maintain a valid electrician’s license pertinent and/or recognized to the campus site;
• Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license recognized by the State of Illinois, provide own reliable transportation, and purchase a University parking permit;
• Be a member of Operating Engineers Local 399, or join after a satisfactory completion of a 90-day probationary period.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Thorough understanding of the electrical theory, distribution, grounding, and safe working practices, and how they relate to building environmental systems and equipment;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Exceptional customer relationship skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships in a diverse environment;
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to effectively motivate work groups toward defined and agreed upon common goals;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the tools, instruments, methods and standard trade/safety practices;
• Ability to perform calculations applicable to field of experience;
• Working knowledge of IBC, NFPA, 70, 70B, 70E, State, Local, and other associated building codes;
• Ability to review construction drawings and make recommendations that will conform to University standards as well as complying with all pertinent codes;
• Receptive to feedback, willing to learn, embracing continuous improvement;
• Helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented;
• Ability to build strong working relationships and a positive work environment;
• Seeks to build collaboration by encouraging trust, mutual respect and shared purpose;
• Balances listening and talking, speaks and writes clearly and accurately, keeps others informed;
• Integrates health and safety precautions into daily activities;
• Works effectively in an environment in which the parameters may change daily; adjusts behavior to meet the needs of different people and situations;
• Knowledge of SCADA systems for demand metering and fire alarm reporting;
• Successfully uses multiple software program independently. Software may include Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook, CMMS Systems, and Peoplesoft.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Successful completion of International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Facility Management Professional (FMP) degree.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Successful completion of International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Facility Management Professional (FMP) degree.
• Proficiency with mobile devices including iOS;
• Facilitates open and effective communication, cooperation and teamwork within and outside of one's own team;
• Plans ahead, manages time well and arrives on time;
• Familiarity with zone maintenance models;
• Recommends improvements and opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce costs;
• Analytical skills including critical thinking, decision making, trouble shooting and problem solving, reading and interpreting technical drawings;
• Achieves a standard of excellence with work processes and outcomes, honoring University and Department policies and all regulatory requirements.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern requires all staff and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to limited exceptions. For more information, please visit our COVID-19 and Campus Updates website.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Click for information on EEO is the Law.