Facilities Planning and Management (FP&M) at Iowa State University is seeking qualified candidates for the Director of Engineering – Utility Distribution within the FP&M Utility Services division. The Director provides administrative and technical leadership / vision within the University’s vast energy distribution systems (high pressure steam, chilled water, electricity, natural gas, domestic water, storm & sanitary sewer, compressed air). Together, these systems deliver safe, reliable and efficient energy to the Iowa State campus in support of the University’s overall mission. 

The Director of Engineering has a staff of 26 employees (utility managers, engineers, meter technician, steam and pipe fitters, HV electricians, electricians, locators, and GIS database technician) who design, operate and maintain the University’s highly reliable, safe and efficient utility distribution systems.  Other duties include distribution system strategic planning, operations / capital budget development, project management, energy consulting, liaison to City of Ames Utilities, and monitoring advances in energy distribution technologies. This position collaborates closely with the Director of Engineering - Utility Production in the pursuit of seamless and highly efficient energy delivery to campus; and provides support to the Utilities Director, acting on their behalf during absences.  

The successful candidate will possess excellent communication, listening, and conflict resolution skills; strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills (systems and detailed levels); be detail oriented; have the ability to lead diverse project teams with conflicting interests, needs or requirements; and manage multiple demands simultaneously.      

                         

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:   Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M) is an organization that is dedicated to the maintenance and enhancement of Iowa State University, one of the nation’s leading educational and agricultural institutes. But more importantly, FP&M is dedicated to their employees and enhancing the lives of each team member through opportunities both professionally and personally. FP&M is one of the largest departments on campus and currently employs over 450 full-time employees and students combined. 

• Responsible for utility distribution operating and maintenance budgets, directing the use of funds to achieve efficient, effective, and highly reliable campus utility services. 

• Review and establish design and operational standards, incorporating safety, reliability, power quality, and distribution system efficiency. 

• Direct the preparation of detailed engineering studies, plans and specifications associated with utility system modifications and expansions. 

• Direct the energy metering program and support the energy billing process. 

• Oversee domestic water, sanitary and storm sewer regulatory permits and agreements. 

• Manage utility system easements and leases, including information technology systems, for the University. 

• Collaborate with industry to obtain and implement “best practice” utility system technologies and processes. 

• Assume project manager role for major capital improvement and expansion projects. 

• Collaborate with Federal, State, City, and regulatory officials, along with FP&M Facility Services staff to achieve desired University objectives. 

• Create a continuous learning and collaborative environment within Utility Services, mentoring and educating utility engineering, maintenance and operations staff