About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The Fire Alarm Shop System (FASS) Institution Maintenance Foreman (IMF) oversees and coordinates all activities related to the maintenance, repair, and installation of fire alarm and life safety systems across multiple buildings on campus. This role ensures the safety and functionality of critical systems by supervising staff and contractors, inspecting completed work, and coordinating projects with building occupants to minimize disruption.
Essential Functions
Supervise and Direct Staff and Contractors
- Supervise trades personnel and contractors for system maintenance, repair, and installation.
- Manage contractors' activities, including estimates, document processing, scheduling, and quality inspections to uphold University standards.
- Perform supervisory duties, including coordinating leave requests, training schedules, counseling or disciplining employees, conducting annual performance reviews, and motivating the team.
Coordinate and Schedule Work
- Estimate and schedule work for the FASS team, ensuring proper coordination and communication with building occupants.
- Meet routinely with campus customers, contractors, and staff to assess solution requirements, work schedules, and priorities, while minimizing disruptions.
Manage Life Safety Systems
- Provide support for the CCure card access system and oversee alarm and door access projects in collaboration with project managers and designers.
- Maintain inspection certificates and obtain necessary permits.
Quality Assurance and Reporting
- Inspect work in progress and completed work to ensure adherence to specifications, job plans, and timelines.
- Monitor preventive maintenance activities and provide feedback for system improvements to enhance reliability and reduce costs.
- Prepare detailed reports on work progress, cost analysis (actual vs. estimated), and system compliance with safety regulations.
- Maintain records and provide updates to superiors regarding work completed, issues encountered, and preventive maintenance performance.
- Identify training requirements for direct reports and implement programs to improve their knowledge and capabilities.
Customer Service and Communication
- Practice and promote excellent customer service, meeting routinely with customers and representatives to ensure satisfaction.
- Implement new processes to improve quality and address diverse customer needs.
Labor Relations and Compliance
- Work with union officials to maintain harmonious relationships and participate in grievance meetings as a hearing officer or witness.
- Support affirmative action and non-discrimination initiatives.
Other Functions
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Knowledge and use of the Physical Plant’s work management, job cost and other computer software.
- Knowledge of the policies, procedures, standards and guidelines governing the day to day operation of the Physical Plant and the University.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Three (3) years of full time or equivalent part time experience in demonstrated experience in fire alarm and electronic access control systems.
- A valid Class D Driver's License.
- A valid Massachusetts Electrical License, Class D Systems Technician or higher.
- Department of Public Safety Certificate of Clearance (to be obtained within 6 months of hire).
- Experience in planning, task assignment, and work scheduling.
- Demonstrated experience in advanced budget planning, task management, and scheduling.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, lead supervisors, and effectively assign tasks.
- Ability to maintain a calm demeanor in stressful and emergency situations.
- Proven ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
- Capability to assemble and analyze information in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Comfort and effectiveness in dealing with campus customers at all organizational levels.
- Proficiency in operating personal computers and using various software applications.
- General knowledge of Massachusetts General Building Codes, with the ability to interpret and apply code language to specific tasks.
- Strong interpersonal, administrative, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to give and follow oral and written instructions, including maintaining accurate records and issuing accurate reports.
- Ability to read and interpret documents such as plans, specifications, blueprints, drawings, job layouts and schematics.
- Ability to understand, explain and apply the policies, procedures, standards and guidelines governing the assigned work team. Must be capable of working in a union environment and understand the labor relations aspects involved with unionized employees.
- Must be familiar with personal computers and be able and willing to learn and use computer software.
- Certificate in Supervisory Leadership Development issued by the UMA within 1 year of appointment.
Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- Certification or demonstrated experience with the CCure system.
- Certifications in fire alarm systems or related alarm and life safety systems.
Physical Demands/ Working Conditions
Requires the ability to carry, bend, lift, and drive to work sites.
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:00pm.
Additional Details
This position is essential. This includes the obligation to work overtime, to return to work between scheduled shifts when directed, and to report to work during any delays, early departures, and closures. Incumbent is responsible for updating the service desk with current phone number(s).
Salary Information
Grade 20.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please complete the application in full and provide a resume and cover letter. Three (3) professional references are required.
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.