Associate Director, Central Plant & Energy Services

Associate Director, Central Plant & Energy Services

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Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Interim Associate Vice President for Facilities Development and Operations and in collaboration within the Department and with colleagues across the campus, the Associate Director - Central Plant & Energy Services is responsible for leadership, management, and supervisory oversight of Central Plant operations and the energy services program. The incumbent is responsible for all operation, maintenance and repair at the Central Plant to ensure safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable electricity, heating and cooling services to the buildings on campus. This includes management of personnel for the Central Plant Chief Engineer and the Senior Energy & Utility Analyst and Sr. Sustainability Program Lead, as well as oversight, management and implementation of contracted services related to the area of assignment. The role ensures energy generation and energy efficiency services and clear outage communications to the campus, requiring collaboration with numerous campus-based customers and other department managers and senior leadership.

Context

The Energy, Utilities and Sustainability unit of Facilities Development & Operations provides services to a university campus across multiple sites (197 acres, 80 buildings, >6 million GSF). Primary responsibilities include operation of the Main Campus central energy plant and utility infrastructure, including a 5.5 MW natural gas fired co-generation plant, large-capacity chillers, thermal energy storage, boilers, high/medium voltage infrastructure, steam and chilled water distribution, and building safety systems. The unit employs approximately 18 full-time staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day management, coordination and quality control of Central Plant operations, maintenance, and repair services in support of the University’s mission and department goals, including chiller, boiler and cogeneration systems.
• Coordinate with CMMS to manage workflow, priorities, and service delivery; determine strategies including contracting out when needed.
• Prioritize work orders, communicate assignments, review workloads, and ensure timely completion of preventive, routine, and repair work; manage customer cost recovery as applicable.
• Identify root causes, develop improvement recommendations, and implement corrective plans.
• Prepare progress and activity reports for management; oversee energy efficiency projects (e.g., controls upgrades, retro-commissioning, lighting/HVAC retrofits) under appropriate master agreements.
• Oversee energy audits and investment-grade assessments; coordinate handover of funded projects to project managers for implementation; pursue energy-cost reduction through operational measures when feasible.
• Direct and supervise assigned staff (Chief Engineer, Sr. Energy & Utilities Analyst, Sr. Sustainability Program Lead); ensure coordination with other trades and staff.
• Manage department budgets, including monthly review and forecasting; oversee purchasing in coordination with stakeholders.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance and asset management plans; monitor service levels and asset life-cycle metrics.
• Assess asset criticality and conduct risk/condition analyses to guide replacement or repair decisions.
• Ensure compliance with campus standards during maintenance/repair projects; review construction progress.
• Maintain strong customer relationships; ensure clear communication of service levels and responsiveness.
• Develop professional development plans and set performance expectations for direct reports; coach for improvement and development.
• Lead disaster and emergency procedures planning and security/emergency procedures for facilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge to manage Central Plant and energy services within a large facilities organization, including central plant operation of chilled water, steam and electricity.
• Experience with energy-efficiency retrofit projects and retro-commissioning.
• Understanding of building/utility systems, safety codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Project management, scheduling, and resource-loaded planning proficiency; strong problem-solving and prioritization abilities.
• Experience supervising staff in a union environment; strong leadership and coaching skills.
• Safety-focused with the ability to enforce safe work practices.
• Knowledge of public contracting requirements for proposals and negotiations.
• Strong financial acumen, budgeting, and reporting capabilities.
• Effective communication, collaboration, and customer service orientation.
• Ability to handle changing priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks without loss of quality.
• Ability to operationalize sustainability concepts in daily duties and respond to emergencies as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction technology, facilities management, business or related field, or five years of supervisory experience in maintenance/construction of central plant or related facilities with at least three years in progressively responsible roles.
• Five years of project management, program administration or supervisory experience within a multifaceted facilities/utilities maintenance organization, with at least three years in a relevant role.
• Experience with facilities/utility/energy maintenance management software, building automation, and project management tools.

License

A valid driver’s license is required. Out-of-state candidates must obtain a California driver’s license within 10 days of hire. Must complete the Defensive Driver Training Program upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer EFP or CEFP certification or equivalent.
• Prefer Certified Energy Manager credential.
• Prefer a Master's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Prefer California supervisor certification for asbestos and lead-related work.

Compensation

Classification: Administrator II

Anticipated Hiring Range: $12,730/month - $13,334/month

CSU Salary Range: $5,053/month - $16,221/month

The final hiring salary will be commensurate with experience. SJSU offers a benefits package typically worth 30-35% of base salary. See the Employee Benefits Summary for details.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest

This position is open until filled.

Contact Information

University Personnel

CSU Vaccination Policy

The CSU recommends following CDC/CDPH vaccine guidance for in-person campus work and compliance with safety measures. Questions:

Additional Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check is required. A contingent offer may be rescinded based on background results. The standard background check includes criminal, employment, and education verification. Some positions may require motor vehicle or credit checks. SJSU is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. All employees are mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU EO 1083. Clery Act and campus safety policies apply.

Equal Employment Statement

San José State University is an equal opportunity employer. The university prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, ancestry, caste, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, and other protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodation is provided to applicants with disabilities. All employees are mandated reporters under applicable laws.