Chief Operating Engineer

Description


JOB SUMMARY: The Chief Operating Engineer provides leadership, oversight, and technical direction for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of the College's central mechanical systems and HVAC infrastructure. This position oversees the operation of campus boilers and steam distribution systems, chillers and chilled water distribution systems, Building Management Systems (BMS), and HVAC systems throughout College facilities.


The Chief Operating Engineer supervises and provides technical direction to operating engineers and coordinates mechanical operations with Facilities personnel, campus departments, contractors, and project teams. The position ensures mechanical systems are operated and maintained in compliance with applicable codes, regulations, safety standards, manufacturer requirements, and College policies.


Employment Status: Full-time (1.0 FTE), Benefits-Eligible, Non-exempt (Hourly)


Pay Range: $28.00-38.00 per hour


Application Procedure: Please continue the process below or on our website, to complete the online application and submit your resume.


MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide overall operational and technical oversight of the College's central heating, cooling, and HVAC systems.
• Plan, coordinate, and supervise the operation, maintenance, repair, and installation of campus boilers, steam distribution systems, chillers, chilled water distribution systems, Building Management Systems, and HVAC systems.
• Supervise, schedule, train, and provide direction to operating engineers, including assigning work, monitoring performance, and supporting employee development.
• Ensure boilers and steam distribution systems are operated safely and in accordance with applicable codes, regulations, manufacturer requirements, and College procedures.
• Ensure campus chillers and chilled water distribution systems are operated safely, efficiently, and reliably.
• Oversee the operation and monitoring of the Building Management System and other campus facilities systems.
• Oversee the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of HVAC systems throughout campus facilities.
• Establish and monitor preventive maintenance practices for mechanical equipment and systems to support reliability, efficiency, and longevity.
• Inspect buildings and facilities to identify mechanical maintenance, repair, and operational needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Review mechanical plans for new construction and renovation projects during the design phase to ensure consistency, compatibility, maintainability, and appropriate integration with existing campus systems.
• Coordinate mechanical work with other Facilities personnel and campus departments to ensure effective scheduling and minimize disruption to College operations.
• Coordinate planned mechanical system outages with College personnel, affected departments, and mechanical contractors.
• Coordinate and oversee the work of outside mechanical contractors and service providers as assigned.
• Assist with troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair activities as needed and provide technical guidance to operating engineers and other Facilities personnel.
• Maintain appropriate records related to system operations, maintenance, repairs, labor, time, materials, equipment, and inventories.
• Order and maintain HVAC and Heating Plant supplies, parts, and materials and monitor inventory levels.
• Monitor Heating Plant expenditures and assist with budget development, purchasing, and long-term equipment planning.
• Submit work progress reports, operational reports, and other documentation as required.
• Ensure work is performed in compliance with applicable OSHA requirements, mechanical and building codes, environmental regulations, safety standards, and College policies and procedures.
• Promote and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment and ensure appropriate safety practices are followed.
• Remain current on changes in technology, equipment, codes, regulations, and best practices related to boilers, HVAC, mechanical systems, and building automation.
• Respond to mechanical emergencies and system failures and coordinate appropriate corrective action to maintain safe and reliable campus operations.
• Interact with faculty, staff, students, contractors, and other members of the College community in a professional, friendly, and cooperative manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WEATHER AND EMERGENCY-ESSENTIAL: This position is designated as weather- and emergency-essential. In the event of a College closure or other emergency, the employee may be required to report to work when contacted by their supervisor to support critical campus operations. Appropriate compensation for work performed during a College closure will be provided in accordance with applicable College policy.


WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in heating plants, mechanical rooms, campus buildings, and other areas where the employee may be exposed to heat, cold, noise, machinery, chemicals, electrical equipment, confined spaces, heights, and other mechanical or industrial hazards. The position may require lifting and moving equipment or materials and responding to emergency or after-hours situations.


Prerequisites


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minnesota Chief Operating Engineer, Class C, License.
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Significant experience in the operation and maintenance of commercial, institutional, or industrial mechanical systems.
• Extensive knowledge of boilers, steam distribution systems, chillers, chilled water systems, HVAC systems, and building automation/management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, operate, maintain, and repair complex mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of applicable mechanical codes, safety standards, OSHA requirements, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical plans, equipment specifications, schematics, and technical documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and respond effectively to emergencies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Technical degree, certificate, apprenticeship, or other formal training in HVAC, mechanical systems, stationary engineering, or a related field.
• Experience in a higher education, institutional, commercial, or large-scale facilities environment.
• Experience with Building Management Systems and energy management systems.
• Supervisory or leadership experience, preferably in a facilities, mechanical, or skilled trades environment.

Gustavus offers competitive and comprehensive benefits which include:

• Medical insurance (which includes access to Nice Healthcare) as well as dental, vision, and life insurance
• Workplace accommodations for physical or mental health concerns
• Onsite health services
• Free parking, exercise classes, and use of library and athletic facilities
• Paid parental leave
• Employer contribution to retirement savings plan (after one year of employment)
• Tuition scholarships for dependents
• Tuition benefit plan for employees and spouse
• 13 paid Holidays + generous PTO plan

Gustavus Adolphus College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.


Gustavus Adolphus College is one of the nation's leading private liberal arts colleges serving approximately 1,800 students. The College aspires to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of all people. Known for its strong science, writing, music, athletics, study-away, and service-learning programs, Gustavus is located on a scenic 340-acre hill in St. Peter, Minnesota only one hour southwest of the Twin Cities.


Contact


Travis Jordan | View email address on click.appcast.io | View phone number on click.appcast.io


Posted : Thu Aug 20, 2026