Assistant Director - Engineering and Project Support

Assistant Director – Engineering and Project Support Location: Austin, TX Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40 FLSA Status: Exempt Utilities and Energy Management (UEM) supports reliable and cost‑effective electricity, chilled water, steam, deionized water, compressed air, emergency power, and elevator services for the University of Texas at Austin. Purpose The Assistant Director will lead the Engineering & Project Oversight groups within UEM, supporting operations, energy management, maintenance, and distribution. This role ensures alignment with UEM’s goals of safe, resilient, and efficient energy and water services to the campus community. The Assistant Director will provide engineering and utility information support services to UEM departmental teams in the planning, design, and execution of engineering programs and projects aligned with UEM mission and the University's strategic plan. Engineering will lead environmental compliance and coordinate with Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) and UEM staff to ensure utility operations comply with University, State, and Federal requirements. Responsibilities Provide leadership and strategic direction for all UEM project support activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and operational priorities. Establish and implement processes for tracking project milestones, performance metrics, and outcomes, ensuring adherence to UEM standards and objectives. Act as a liaison between project teams, UEM leadership, and campus stakeholders to ensure projects align with institutional goals and strategic initiatives. Advocate for UEM’s needs and priorities in cross‑functional and campus‑wide projects, ensuring consistent representation and resource allocation. Lead the planning, design, and execution of engineering projects to enhance utilities generation, distribution, and infrastructure reliability. Oversee feasibility studies, budgeting, and technical design, ensuring projects align with UEM’s strategic objectives and operational priorities. Provide expert technical guidance on engineering initiatives, ensuring compliance with legal, procurement, and code requirements. Oversee engineering services contracts and work with contract management teams to renew and amend contracts as needed. Oversee modeling of UEM utility distribution systems for the addition of new buildings and updates to UEM campus models. Develop and maintain UEM technical specifications and design standards, working directly with UEM divisions and Planning, Design, and Construction teams. Ensure UEM staff are assigned to Technical Review Team (TRT) review teams and Design & Construction Specification Review (DCSR) teams. Monitor campus projects for compliance with UEM design criteria and technical specifications. Serve as UEM’s knowledge expert for utility information data collection, geospatial technologies, and lifecycle modeling. Lead the development of technical specifications and standards for UEM utility as‑built documentation and geospatial assets related to campus and utility projects. Manage environmental compliance programs, including Clean Air Act permitting and reporting for UEM point sources. Serve as the primary point of contact with State and Federal regulatory agencies for environmental inspections and audits. Identify and delegate compliance tasks required of UEM employees and contractors, such as reporting, pollution controls, inspections, testing, and training. Support EHS environmental compliance programs for hazardous materials, spill prevention, waste, storm and wastewater, underground and aboveground storage tanks, and drinking water quality. Advocate for R&R funds for UEM assets through governance documents and manage staff on R&R funding evaluation teams. Follow all University and UEM safety policies and procedures, complete required safety training, and report safety hazards. Perform other related functions as assigned, including attending staff meetings, safety training sessions, and plant operation and maintenance training courses. Required Qualifications Graduate from an accredited four‑year college or university with a degree in Engineering or a related field. Licensed P.E. in Texas. Knowledge of project management, engineering/utility standards, and environmental compliance. Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in a utility management, public works, or related field. Five or more years of progressively responsible managerial and administrative experience in a utilities system. Strong leadership skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills. Experience in budget development, financial management, and resource allocation. Equivalent education, experience, and training may be substituted as appropriate. Preferred Qualifications Master’s or higher degree in Engineering or related field. Certified Energy Manager or Project Management Professional. Eight or more years of progressively responsible managerial and administrative experience in a utilities system. Fifteen years of relevant experience in administrative practices and procedures for utilities operations. Experience/knowledge of utility operations and maintenance, system planning, and work processes. Experience in a University Campus environment. Driving Requirements Class “C” driver’s license. Current three‑year driving record from state of residence. If not a Texas resident, must obtain Texas driver’s license within 30 days of residency. Salary Range $140,000 + depending on qualifications. Working Conditions Uniforms and/or personal protection equipment (furnished). May work in all weather conditions and extreme temperatures. May work around chemical fumes, biohazards, chemicals, electrical and mechanical hazards. Environmental Demands Standard office conditions. Mandatory Personal Protection Equipment usage in operating spaces. Exposure to heat, chemicals, asbestos, electrical and explosive hazards, computer emissions, biohazards, extreme temperatures, mechanical and electrical hazards typical to central plants. Work in confined spaces, tunnels, manholes, and extended shifts including nights, holidays, and weekends. Employment Eligibility Regular staff employed in current position for last six continuous months are eligible for openings recruited through University‑Wide or Open Recruiting. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply without supervisor approval. Retirement Plan Eligibility Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. Background Checks Criminal history background check required for finalists. Equal Opportunity Employer The University of Texas at Austin is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status. Pay Transparency The University of Texas at Austin will not discriminate against employees or applicants because they inquire about, discuss, or disclose pay. Employees with access to compensation information must not disclose it unless required by law. Employment Eligibility Verification Hired individuals must complete the federal I‑9 form and present acceptable and original documents by the third day of employment. E‑Verify The University uses E‑Verify to check work authorization of all new hires. Compliance Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and Clery Act. University provides access to Annual Security and Fire Safety report. Employees may access reports through University Compliance Services. #J-18808-Ljbffr The University of Texas at Austin