Mechanical Trades Supervisor

Colgate University

paid time off

United States, New York, Hamilton

Mar 14, 2025

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Category	Professional/Administrative
Position Title	Mechanical Trades Supervisor
Full Time/Part Time	Full Time
Division	Finance and Administration
Department	Facilities Department
Hiring Wage/Salary Range	$85,000 to $97,500
Professional Experience/ Qualifications	Prior experience in construction, HVAC, electrical, or plumbing fields is highly valued, along with strong initiative and excellent organizational skills. A minimum of 5 years of experience in mechanical trades, with a proven track record in leadership roles. Strong understanding of mechanical systems, energy efficiency practices, and sustainability initiatives. Collaborative leader who can mentor staff and develop positive relationships across a variety of stakeholders; and preferably manage unionized workforces. Ability to develop and implement short- and long-term plans with a data-driven approach to decision-making. Strong budget management skills and ability to oversee complex financial plans and contractual agreements. Excellent interpersonal and proactive communication skills, paired with strong presentation abilities, to effectively represent the department within the University and beyond. Flexible, proactive, and solution-oriented approach to leadership and operations.
Preferred Qualifications
Education	A combination of trade school, training, certifications, and/or related experience. A Bachelor's Degree in a related field such as engineering, construction management or trades technology is preferred.
Certifications	A current valid driver's license, in accordance with the University's Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Use Policy is required.
Offer Determination	When extending an offer, Colgate University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations.
Physical Requirements	Responsible for following all procedures to conduct work activities in a safe manner including but not limited to wearing PPE required for specific duties and safe handling of chemicals as outlined by University policies and/or the supervisor. Responsible for immediately reporting any unsafe conditions to the supervisor and/or Environmental Health and Safety.
Other Information
Benefits	Colgate University offers a competitive benefits package, with most benefits effective on the date of hire. Highlights include: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, paid family leave, health & wellness, continuing education and professional development. We also offer unique perks, such as free parking, gym discounts, bookstore savings, athletic tickets, and access to cultural and recreational facilities. Explore the full benefits package on our Benefits page.
Department Statement	Colgate University is a leading American institution known for its academic excellence and stunning campus. The Mechanical Trades Supervisor will lead the evolution of its campus utility systems. This role offers the opportunity to drive initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and resiliency while supporting Colgate's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. This role presents an excellent opportunity for a passionate and collaborative leader to proactively engage with stakeholders, mentor a dynamic team, and manage a unionized workforce.
Accountabilities	Serve as a visionary leader in the evolution of campus utility systems, executing plans to meet and exceed objectives related to reliability, resiliency, efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Drive strategic portfolio-wide initiatives that result in reduced carbon emissions and operational excellence. Represent the University and the Department in interactions with leadership, faculty, students, clients, suppliers, and external engineering and architectural firms. Oversee and manage the mechanical trades team to ensure continuous and reliable services across campus, minimizing unscheduled interruptions. Coordinate energy procurement and utilization within the campus's central utility plants to maximize efficiency and minimize cost. Identify mechanical issues impacting energy consumption; analyze heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting systems to optimize operations. Advise maintenance teams on energy-efficient strategies and recommend project priorities. Participate in the selection of consulting services and oversee the development and review of designs, working drawings, estimates, and specifications for utility infrastructure projects. Forecast and manage the utility portfolio budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial targets. Provide technical leadership during the design, construction, and turnover processes for projects, fostering collaboration across teams. Maintain professional relationships with external stakeholders, including other universities, technical organizations, engineering firms, contractors, and regulatory agencies. Evaluate team performance, recommend staffing levels, and address personnel issues as necessary. Serve as a role model to union staff, fostering a culture of teamwork, respect and accountability.

Technical Competencies

Name

Strategy/Operations

Description

Proven ability to develop, prioritize, execute, and monitor strategic operational plans with a focus on cost-effectiveness and technology integration.
Demonstrated ability in translating high-level strategic objectives into actionable, manageable projects.
Expertise in project management and scheduling software to enhance efficiency and execution.
Demonstrated leadership in advancing institutional sustainability initiatives, including efforts to reduce Colgate University's carbon footprint and achieve carbon neutrality.
Strong general knowledge of building and grounds systems, with specialized expertise in designated areas of responsibility.

Name

Analytics/Operational Efficiencies

Description

Proven ability to leverage technology to monitor, assess, and enhance operational efficiency.
Strong analytical and numerical reasoning skills to evaluate trends, measure effectiveness, and support data-driven decision-making.
Proficient in data analysis, including tracking, manipulating, and interpreting data to identify patterns and trends.
Skilled in translating insights into actionable recommendations for process improvements and operational enhancements.

Name

Stakeholder Relations

Description

Manages relationships with stakeholders by facilitating meaningful interactions and fostering collaboration.
Actively engages with a variety of stakeholders to understand their concerns, interests, and needs.
Provides updates and ensures stakeholders are informed about key developments, changes, and decisions.
Manages stakeholder expectations by setting clear goals, timelines, and deliverables.
Resolves stakeholder concerns with professionalism, providing effective solutions and follow-ups.
Builds and maintains strong professional relationships to advance the institution's reputation.
Utilizes stakeholder feedback to inform decisions and improve programs, services, or policies.

Name

Managerial Skills

Description

Demonstrated knowledge of Colgate managerial processes and requirements, to include:

Demonstrated ability to fairly and accurately assess employee performance in accordance with university practices.
Demonstrated understanding of federal and state regulations, as they apply to the university policies and guidelines related to human resource s sufficient to effectively select new employees, recommend pay actions, determine employment status and initiate or approve employee changes in status.

Demonstrated ability to select, develop and retain high performing work teams, to include:

Demonstrated ability to develop employee skills, performance, and behaviors.
Demonstrated ability to effectively coach and communicate with employees on issues of pay, performance and development.

Name	Union
Description	In-depth knowledge of Colgate-specific union agreements, ensuring compliance and effective implementation. Proven ability to collaborate with union representatives and employees to foster a positive and productive work environment. Skilled in navigating labor relations to support fair and effective workplace practices.

Behavioral Competencies

Name	Personal Accountability for Results
Description	Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self-awareness and openness to feedback.

Name	Effective Communication
Description	Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

Name	Problem Solving and Decision Making
Description	Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

Name	Change Management
Description	Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

Name	Leadership and Teamwork
Description	Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.

Name	Creativity and Innovation
Description	Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

Name	Diversity and Inclusion
Description	Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspective of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

Name	Sustainability
Description	Understands the impact of decision making and personal behavior in achieving the university's commitment to a sustainable and carbon-neutral campus; supports and advances the university's sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.

Posting Detail Information

Requisition Number	2025S022Posting
Temporary	No
Work Schedule	Monday through Friday 37.5 hours per week 12 month position.
Job Open Date	03/14/2025
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled	Yes
Special Instructions Summary
EEO Statement	The University recognizes that equal employment opportunity can only be achieved through demonstrated leadership. It is the Policy of the University to recruit, employ, retain, promote, and train employees on the basis of merit, ability, and valid job qualifications without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal laws.
Clery Act	CAMPUS CRIME REPORTING AND STATISTICS The Department of Campus Safety will provide upon request a copy of Colgate's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page at: https://www.colgate.edu/about/offices-centers-institutes/dean-college/campus-safety-staff/clery-compliance. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

*
Are you currently a Colgate employee?
- Yes
- No
*
Have you ever been a Colgate employee?
- Yes
- No
Do you have a spouse/domestic partner who currently is, or will be, employed at Colgate University?
- Yes
- No
*
Are you at least 18 years of age?
- Yes
- No
*
Please let us know how you heard about this position.
- Albany Times Union
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- BlackCoachesinSports
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- Centralnewyorkhelpwanted.com
- Chronicle of Higher Education
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- Colgate Employee
- Colgate Website
- CoSIDA
- Diverse Issues of Higher Education
- HERC (Upstate New York HERC)
- HigherEdJobs.com
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- WomenLeadersinCollegeSports.com
- Other
If you selected "Colgate Employee" or "Other" for how you heard about this position, please provide the employee's name or where you heard about/saw the position.

(Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

Resume
Cover Letter

Optional Documents