Director of Trades and Utilities

Overview The Director of Trades and Utilities provides strategic leadership, technical expertise, and operational oversight for Salem State University's central utility systems, licensed trades workforce, building automation systems, and energy management programs. Reporting directly to the Assistant Vice President for Capital Planning and Facilities, the Director is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, efficient, and sustainable operation of the University's heating, cooling, utility, and energy infrastructure.The director serves as the university's senior operational leader for central utilities and licensed trades, overseeing the campus steam plant, water treatment programs, building automation systems, and energy management functions. The position leads operational implementation of campus decarbonization initiatives, including the transition from steam-based infrastructure to low-temperature hot water systems and other sustainable energy technologies. The director develops and leads a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting both current and future utility infrastructure, ensuring that campus systems remain reliable, resilient, and aligned with the university's sustainability and strategic goals. Salem State University is more than a workplace. It's a community with purpose. As the Commonwealth's Civic Engagement University, we're committed to building real, reciprocal relationships with the communities around us, and that starts with the people who work here. We're also a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution dedicated to serving all students, and that same commitment to access and equity extends to how we support our staff. Your work here directly contributes to student success and the vitality of the greater Salem community. We invest in our people the same way we invest in our students: with intention, respect and a genuine interest in your growth. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Facilities Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, or a closely related technical discipline. Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience managing central utility plants, district energy systems, institutional heating and cooling operations, or complex facilities infrastructure. Minimum of five years of supervisory and management experience leading licensed trades personnel, utility operators, or facilities maintenance teams. Extensive experience operating and maintaining central heating and cooling systems, including steam plants, boilers, chillers, hot water systems, chilled water systems, cooling towers, pumps, and HVAC infrastructure. Demonstrated experience managing sustainable utility plant operations, energy optimization programs, and infrastructure modernization initiatives. Experience with Building Automation Systems (BAS), Direct Digital Controls (DDC), energy management systems, and utility analytics platforms. Knowledge of water treatment practices, regulatory compliance requirements, safety standards, and asset management principles. Preferred Qualifications Professional Engineer (PE) license. Master's degree in Engineering, Energy Management, Facilities Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Ten or more years of experience managing central utility plants and district energy systems. Experience leading steam-to-hot-water conversion projects and campus decarbonization initiatives. Certified Energy Manager (CEM), Certified Plant Engineer (CPE), Facilities Management Professional (FMP), or equivalent professional certification. Excellent leadership, communication, project management, and organizational skills. Strong engineering, analytical, and technical problem-solving skills. Experience hiring, managing unionized workforces and collective bargaining environments. Experience in higher education, healthcare, municipal government, or similarly complex institutional environments. Experience with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), predictive maintenance technologies, and advanced building analytics platforms. Working Location This is an onsite position in Salem, MA with on-campus, in-person responsibilities, which may require occasional work on evenings and weekends. Application Instructions Please apply online and attach resume and cover letter. Employment is contingent upon a completed background and CORI check satisfactory to the university. This position is not eligible for H1B visa sponsorship. EEO Statement The university considers all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition or any other characteristic protected by law. ADA Statement Salem State University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. For accommodation information or requests please email eo-hr@salemstate.edu. Recruitment Agencies Salem State University does not partner with or accept candidates from outside staffing agencies. All hiring is managed directly by our internal Talent Acquisition team.