Director of Mechanical & Geothermal Operations

Job title: Director of Mechanical & Geothermal Operations

About the Role

Oberlin College seeks a senior facilities leader responsible for planning, directing, and optimizing campus mechanical engineering, central plant, geothermal, and utility operations on a 24/7/365 basis. This role acts as the primary technical authority for campus MEP infrastructure, leads the Sustainable Infrastructure Project (SIP) geothermal system, and drives energy efficiency and decarbonization.

What You'll Do

• Lead, plan, direct, and evaluate campus mechanical engineering, central plant, geothermal, and utility operations to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient service on a 24/7/365 basis.
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert and technical authority for campus mechanical and utility systems, including planning, design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and renewal of complex MEP infrastructure; provide operational oversight of the SIP geothermal system including commissioning, preventive and corrective maintenance, system performance monitoring, fault detection, optimization, and integration with BAS.
• Manage and optimize Central Plant operations, including staffing, scheduling, boiler/chiller sequencing, load management, fuel and energy procurement, coordinating with geothermal ops to maximize efficiency, reliability, and greenhouse gas reductions; establish, monitor, and report KPIs such as equipment availability, system reliability, energy use intensity, and maintenance effectiveness.
• Guide planning, design, and construction of capital improvement and renewal projects for mechanical, geothermal, and utility systems; provide technical leadership in defining scopes, budgets, schedules, specifications, cost estimates, quality standards, and commissioning requirements; review plans and specifications for technical adequacy prior to construction and ensure projects are delivered on scope, schedule, and budget.
• Apply advanced mechanical engineering principles to analyze issues related to facility design, construction, operation, maintenance, and repair; conduct studies and research to develop criteria and solutions for field conditions; monitor existing systems to verify operation and implement corrective and optimization strategies.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a diverse team of mechanical technicians, HVAC and geothermal technicians, plant operators, and contractors; provide guidance, technical advice, and consultation to staff; set expectations; evaluate performance; and ensure appropriate staffing, training, and professional development.
• Manage the selection, contracting, and oversight of consultants, architects, engineers, general contractors, construction managers, and service providers; administer contracts and ensure compliance with contractual requirements; coordinate with designers, contractors, and jurisdictional authorities to resolve conflicts and issues impeding progress.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, standards, regulations, and College requirements (ASHRAE, NFPA, OSHA, state boiler codes, environmental regulations, zoning ordinances, geothermal requirements); lead and support safety programs for mechanical and central plant operations.
• Provide project and asset management throughout all phases, including financial and budget control, schedule management, procurement, bid evaluation, contract awards, construction monitoring, project close-out, warranty management, and documentation using Capital Project Planning and Management and CMMS platforms; maintain accurate and current records, drawings, specifications, as-built documents, and O&M manuals.
• Prepare and present construction status reports and technical information to College administration and serve as liaison for project presentations to Architectural Review Boards, City Planning, and Boards of Zoning Appeals, as required. Act as the primary mechanical and geothermal advisor to Facilities leadership, Campus Planning and Construction, Facilities Operations, the Office of Energy and Sustainability, campus stakeholders, and external authorities.
• Coordinate emergency response and after-hours support for mechanical, geothermal, and utility incidents and maintain contingency and business continuity plans. Champion energy conservation, sustainable design, decarbonization strategies, and lifecycle asset planning, ensuring SIP and other investments deliver measurable reductions in energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and utility costs.
• Promote collaboration, teamwork, and positive working relationships within the Facilities organization, particularly with Facilities Operations and trades personnel, through effective communication, coordination, and feedback. Perform related duties in facility asset management, project management, and engineering services as required.
• Other duties as assigned.