Career Center

Energy & Facilities (E&F) operates and manages Harvard's energy supplies, district energy plants, and utility infrastructures on the Cambridge/Allston campuses, as well as 24/7 facilities -related call, alarm monitoring and dispatch center. E&F provides a broad portfolio of labor-based services, including building maintenance, landscaping and custodial to a large portion of the University, as well as engineering, technical, and sustainability services. Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO) a department within E&F, offers primary building maintenance, landscape, fire safety, custodial and event support services to Harvard schools and departments on a fee-for-service basis. All services are provided in strict accordance with regulatory requirements and customer-determined standards.

The Fire Safety Services group includes a large hourly workforce (+ 35 technicians) that maintain, repair, inspect and test building fire protection and life safety systems throughout the University on a fee-for-service basis. The maintained equipment inventory includes fire alarm systems, fire pumps, fire suppression systems, emergency lighting systems, and emergency generators used to power life-safety circuits and critical systems. The group supports a central fire alarm reporting system that receives building alarm signals through the University Operations Center (which relays them to the municipal fire departments) and maintains on-site staffing 24 x7 for alarm response and service. The group is UL listed to perform third-party pre-acceptance testing and reporting for the Authority Having Jurisdiction. In addition to these core services, the group installs and modifies building fire alarm and suppression systems on a limited basis.

Position is responsible for the group oversight and performance, including planning and completion of all assigned work performed on fire safety systems throughout Harvard University. Develops Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) for all core work functions, including inspection and testing, preventive maintenance, customer notifications; continually adjusts those SOPs to maintain compliance and optimize resource efficiency. Responsible for the creation and success of Service Level Agreements with primary customer groups for all core services. Provides technical guidance to project management teams (including internal and external engineering and design consultants) regarding maintainability and operation of system design and equipment selections. Oversees and inspects work for acceptable levels of quality and employee productivity. Administers and delivers all performance management actions for the work group.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Develops and continuously refines SOPs for all core work activities, including required inspection and testing of equipment/systems maintained by the group. Establishes the process for the temporary impairment and restoration of building life safety systems to support ongoing building operations or construction activity.

1. Establishes protocols and standard progressions for prioritization for all work to ensure full compliance with regulations for proper testing and inspection of all equipment. Establishes timeliness standards for completion of all work in compliance with applicable codes and to ensure optimization of work force productivity.

1. Monitors information from work management database daily to ensure accuracy of descriptions for activities required, work performed, and customer information and billing instructions. Establishes protocols for maintenance (including archival storage) of paper and electronic records of fire safety system testing programs and results.

1. Provides guidance to customers in the establishment of work scopes for the installation, maintenance renewal or expansion of life safety systems or equipment across campus. Manages or supports additional technical resources as needed. Performs O&M review of customer plans for installation or upgrade of life safety equipment.

1. Develops Service Level Agreements to ensure highest levels of performance and accountability. Regularly solicits customer feedback on timeliness and quality of services to ensure high levels of satisfaction. Performs regular audits and analyses of all maintenance and response activities, workforce productivity, and external vendor support to identify trends and opportunities for improvement; prepares customer and management reports of findings and recommendations.

1. Works closely with Campus Services Safety Officer to ensure up-to-date safety instructions and procedures are in place for all work routines and spaces. Works closely with Campus Services Life Safety Officer and Electrical Compliance Inspector to stay current on NFPA, MEC, OSHA and other applicable regulations and best practices. Continuously incorporates required changes into work group SOPs to ensure life safety program compliance as well as optimal alignment of Campus Service organizational resources and responsibilities.

1. Selects and develops all hourly and exempt staff positions in consultation with the Director. Develops and administers employee communication and feedback strategies and systems to ensure high levels of awareness, teamwork and work group harmony. Directly provides employee coaching, counseling, and disciplinary actions, as required to ensure consistent performance, opportunity, and treatment of all FSS staff.

1. Works closely with staff of Campus Services Procurement and others at the University to ensure efficient and cost effective coordination of materials and services needed to carry out the work. Determines inventory changes for FSS-specific items maintained in the FMO Stockroom. Establishes and manages relationships for sub-contracted service providers.

1. Assists the Director in the preparation of annual financial plans; monitors and updates those plans based on activity throughout the fiscal year. Performs special short and long-range projects as directed.

Emergency Status Designation: Critical Operations Personnel (required to provide on-site support during emergency situations as determined by management).

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard's Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University's COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University's

Minimum five years' experience in a supervisory role required (preferably with a unionized workforce). Minimum ten years' experience maintaining and/or supervising the maintenance of building fire protection and life safety systems required.

Additional Qualifications

Established knowledge of applicable building and life safety codes required. College education with degree in engineering, engineering technology, or fire safety strongly preferred. Other technical or vocational training/experience may be considered in the absence of college or engineering background. Experience with computer based maintenance management systems strongly preferred. Must demonstrate evidence of significant leadership abilities and a willingness to serve as an active team member. Strong interpersonal and communication skills required. Must be able to read and interpret engineering plans and drawings.

Technology Skills Required: Demonstrated proficiency in desktop computing systems, including: Microsoft Office (word processing, spreadsheet and database applications). Working knowledge of network-based systems preferred. Familiarity with handheld computing, equipment diagnostics, bar-coding, and related technologies desired.

Special Requirements: Must be available to respond to campus emergencies on off-hours. Must possess a valid driver license and provide personal vehicle to travel on and off campus during working hours.