Director of Utility Operations

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Closing Date:

04/26/2025

Type of Position:

Facilities Management and ServicesNo

Job Type:

RegularNo

Institution Name:

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance Arkansas and build a better world through education, research and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, promoting an inclusive and diverse culture and climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Appli­cants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.

Department:

Design & Construction Services

Summary of Job Duties:

The University of Arkansas operates and maintains its own central utility plant and district utility distribution system. This consists of a central heating plant, producing steam for the general campus, as well as a number of distributed steam to hot water mini-plants, which provide district heating hot water locally. Additionally, there is a central chilled water production plant and three other chilled water production facilities. The chilled water production capacity totals 11,750 tons of cooling. The central plant includes a 5 MW Gas Turbine Generator with Heat Recovery Steam Generator. The steam, hot water, chilled water, and medium voltage power are partially routed through a utility tunnel system with the remaining distribution being direct buried. The University also operates and maintains a federally regulated high pressure natural gas pipeline.

The Director of Utility Operations provides the overall strategic management and leadership to a staff of twenty-five to ensure the operational reliability, safety, and financial performance of the Campus District Utility systems. The position responsibilities include: strategic oversight of utility plant production, distribution, plant controls, and the high pressure natural gas pipeline; direct responsible for utility infrastructure capital planning and funding, and the utility system capital renewal program; development and management of utility recharge rates to ensure they cover operational and capital renewal requirements; negotiates and guides the procurement of natural gas and electrical commodity contracts to ensure the University receives the most advantageous rate schedules; understanding of net metering electric utility rate tariffs and solar power generation; using metering and data analytics, ensure the efficient and sustainable generation of utilities as well as development of ongoing physical and operational enhancements to reduce consumption on the demand-side.

Regular, reliable and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (electrical, mechanical, or related discipline) or related field

• At least ten (10) years of applicable experience

• At least six (6) years of supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in engineering, Business, or a related field

• Registered Professional Engineer, Certified Energy Manager, LEED AP, Certified Facilities Management Professional

• Experience in utility system operations or energy management

• Experience in higher education

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of utility plant production and distribution

• Knowledge of utility infrastructure capital planning and funding

• Knowledge of a capital renewal program

• Knowledge of utility cost budgeting, production cost accounting and utility rate development

• Ability to effectively communicate verbally & written not only with staff, but with deans, directors, department heads, vice chancellors & faculty, etc.

Additional Information:

Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application, ResumeList of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Proof of Veteran StatusCrystal Ellis, Strategic Talent Acquisition Specialist, ce031@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check, Sex Offender Registry, Substance Abuse Testing

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds inclusion, opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

N/A

Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes