About UMass Amherst
The flagship of the Commonwealth, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is a nationally ranked public land-grant research university that seeks to expand educational access, fuel innovation and creativity, and share and use its knowledge for the common good. Founded in 1863, UMass Amherst sits on nearly 1,450-acres in scenic Western Massachusetts and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, research, scholarship, and creative activity. The institution advances a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community where everyone feels connected and valued—and thrives, and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees across 10 schools and colleges, and 100 undergraduate majors. We believe every member of our university community can contribute to our ongoing success by striving for the highest level of excellence as we seek breakthrough solutions to mounting environmental, social, economic, and technological challenges in our world.
Job Summary
Under the general direction of the Assistant Director for Utilities, the Utility Electrical Engineer is responsible for electrical engineering activities involved with the design, project management, maintenance, alteration, and repair of existing utility electrical distribution systems including, writing specifications and estimating material and labor costs. Responsible for implementing safe procedures involved with the operation and switching of the campus high voltage distribution systems.
Essential Functions
- Directs electrical engineering for the operations, maintenances, repairs and alterations of high and medium voltage power distribution systems, exterior lighting and other electrical equipment including complete knowledge of applicable codes and standards. Defines maintenance and safety standards involved with high voltage electricity. Frequently works in the vicinity of high voltage electricity, both above ground and underground, and must be acutely aware of the dangers and safety practices involved with this type of work.
- Responsible for the campus-wide high and medium voltage distribution system including feeders, switching, protective relay settings, transformers, and related safety and environmental regulations. Works with the Utility Electrical and Mechanical Maintenance Section Head to define electrical utility projects.
- Ensures that all electrical systems comply with applicable codes and standards.
- Directs and supervises all high and medium voltage switching both with campus electricians and the local utility company; determines the switching necessary for proper load management within the campus distribution system. Maintains up to date information on the electrical distribution systems including one-line drawings, the status of high and medium voltage switchgear, and the condition and capacities of the high voltage feeders.
- Develops designs, specifications and analysis for various projects and facilities.
- Works closely with project managers to resolve engineering issues.
- Coordinates work with the Utility Electrical and Mechanical Section Head and Planning and Facilities Development personnel on all aspects of renovation and alteration work to maximize effectiveness and enhance customer service while minimizing the disruptions to campus environment and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Collaborates with other University and outside consulting engineers on new construction projects to define electrical capacities and connection points. Reviews engineering submittals to assure that all designs meet with Physical Plant design needs for compatibility with existing systems, reliability, design standards, and maintenance.
- Provides guidance and expertise to technicians in the Building Maintenance Department with respect to the operation, maintenance and repair of building electrical distribution systems and associated electrical equipment.
- Fosters a culture of continuous improvement in electrical maintenance and operations, seeking innovative solutions and best practices to meet the University’s energy goals.
- Develops procedures for electrical energy conservation and peak shaving. Monitors energy consumption and manages impact during electrical peaks without adversely affecting the campus educational and research operation.
- Designs and implements comprehensive strategies for emergency response procedures, including disaster preparedness and rapid repair of critical incidents.
- Supervises the Electrical Utility Maintenance team in the absence of the Assistant Director for Utilities as part of the call back personnel for electrical utility emergencies during off-hour shifts. Must be willing to work nights and weekends as needed during electrical utility emergencies.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, power engineering, marine engineering, or equivalent education and training; five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the design and operation of high and medium voltage electrical distribution systems.
- Documented experience and training in power quality, medium voltage relay maintenance and metering.
- Excellent oral and written communication and computational skills.
- Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet and drawing software.
- Ability to work extra/irregular hours, including nights and weekends during campus weather and facility related emergencies.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
Possession of a Professional Engineering License.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
Must be able to enter spaces and locations where personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required.
Additional Details
- This position is designated as essential personnel.
- Occasional travel to offsite locations, including Mount Ida Campus in Newton MA.
- Position is a critical in-person position and therefore not eligible for full or partial remote work except for ad-hoc days for special projects.
Work Schedule
- Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 3 PM.
- Position responds to emergencies and therefore some night and weekend work may be required as business needs dictate.
Salary Information
Level 32
PSU Hiring Ranges
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume, and cover letter. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.