Mechanical Trades Supervisor

As the Mechanical Trades Supervisor at Colgate University, your primary responsibilities include overseeing the mechanical trades team, enhancing utility system efficiencies, and managing energy procurement within the campus's central utility plants. You will lead initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, mentor team members, and represent the department in interactions with university leadership, faculty, and external partners. Additionally, you'll be involved in budget management and strategic planning to optimize operations and ensure sustainability.

Colgate University requires applicants for the Mechanical Trades Supervisor position to have a minimum of five years of experience in mechanical trades and a proven track record of leadership. A strong understanding of mechanical systems, energy efficiency practices, and sustainability initiatives is crucial. Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field, along with strong organizational and communication skills, particularly in managing unionized teams.

Colgate University emphasizes sustainability within the Mechanical Trades Supervisor role by driving initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing operational efficiency. You will analyze energy consumption across heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting systems, advising on strategies that promote sustainability. Moreover, your efforts will directly contribute to supporting the university's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.

As a Mechanical Trades Supervisor at Colgate University, you can expect a collaborative and engaging work environment that values teamwork and respect. You will lead a diverse team, manage a unionized workforce, and have the opportunity to interact with various stakeholders, including faculty, students, and external contractors. The position also promotes professional growth through mentoring and fostering a culture of accountability.

The Mechanical Trades Supervisor position at Colgate University has a Monday through Friday schedule, with a total of 37.5 hours per week. This full-time role is structured as a 12-month position, allowing for consistent engagement and development in leading campus utility systems.

When answering this question, highlight specific experiences where you successfully led a mechanical trades team. Discuss your leadership style and how you motivated your team to achieve operational goals. Mention any challenges faced and how you overcame them to maintain team morale and performance.

In your response, focus on your strategies for integrating sustainability into utility management. Talk about specific initiatives you've implemented, such as energy audits, system optimization, or renewable energy projects, and how those initiatives have positively impacted efficiency and emissions reduction.

Discuss your approach to budget management, emphasizing data analysis, forecasting, and resource allocation. Provide examples of past experiences where you successfully managed a budget and how you addressed challenges in cost control or project funding.

Choose a project that demonstrates your leadership and technical skills. Explain the project's objectives, your role in overseeing it, and the outcome. Highlight any innovative strategies you applied and the benefits realized by the campus or organization.

In your answer, illustrate your conflict-resolution skills and your understanding of union protocols. Provide examples of how you've navigated disputes, ensuring all parties felt heard, and how you arrived at mutually agreeable solutions while maintaining workplace harmony.

Explain your process for assessing mechanical systems, such as conducting performance audits or implementing monitoring technologies. Highlight how you analyze data to make informed decisions that lead to increased efficiency and cost savings.

Discuss your method for staying informed about applicable regulations and standards. Provide examples of how you've ensured compliance through training, documentation, and proactive audits, showcasing your commitment to safety and regulatory adherence.

Emphasize the importance of clear and proactive communication. Discuss your use of regular updates, meetings, and collaborative tools to keep stakeholders informed and engaged, and provide examples of how you successfully communicated complex information to diverse audiences.

Reflect on a specific challenge you've encountered, such as personnel issues or project setbacks. Describe the actions you took to address the situation, what you learned from the experience, and how it ultimately helped you grow as a leader.

Describe your mentoring approach, focusing on fostering skill development and encouraging professional growth. Share examples of formal and informal mentoring experiences, highlighting the importance of building confidence and competence in junior team members.