Utility Services Assistant Director

Utility Services Assistant Director

Position Location : Fort Collins, CO

Work Location : Position is fully in-office / in-person

Research Professional Position : No

Position Type : Admin Professional / Research Professional

Classification Title : Management II

Number of Vacancies : 1

Work Hours / Week : 40

Proposed Annual Salary Range : $115,000 to $130,000

Employee Benefits : Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Desired Start Date : 01 / 05 / 2026

Position End Date (if temporary) : To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11 : 59pm (MT) on 12 / 02 / 2025

Description of Work Unit

Utility Services manages the University's utility infrastructure with a focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency. Our team provides expert management and technical support for complex utility systems that keep the campus running smoothly, with minimal disruption to University operations. We value teamwork, customer service, and collaboration with our campus partners, who are essential to our success. Guided by our core values, Safety, Integrity, Customer-Centered Service, Courage, Innovation, and Accountability, we work to ensure the long-term success of the University and its mission.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Utility Services is a senior professional management position responsible for providing strategic direction, operational leadership, and fiscal oversight of the University's utility systems and services. Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Facilities Management Operations, this position oversees an annual operating budget exceeding $5 million, manages purchased utilities expenditures in excess of $30 million, and stewards utility infrastructure valued at over $1.2 billion.

Strategic and Operational Leadership

Provide leadership and direction for the Utility Services division, including central heating and cooling plants, utility distribution systems, and associated infrastructure. Develop and implement utility master plans to support campus growth, renovation, and modernization. Oversee all aspects of the district energy systems, including 6 central heating and cooling plants, remote boilers and chillers, and system maintenance programs. Ensure compliance with all relevant standards, codes, and regulations governing utilities and energy systems.

Fiscal and Business Management

Manage an annual utilities operating budget of over $38 million, including E&G and auxiliary operations. Oversee procurement and billing of all purchased utilities for all University entities across the state. Develop and manage budgets for purchased utilities exceeding $19 million annually. Monitor financial performance, control expenses, and identify opportunities for cost optimization and operational efficiency. Develop and implement business plans aligned with Facilities Management Operations' strategic goals.

Technical and Maintenance Oversight

Direct the operation and maintenance of utility systems, including steam, chilled water, domestic water, stormwater, and sewer systems. Oversee preventive maintenance programs to ensure reliable performance and efficient use of resources. Supervise utility locates, engineering services, and system upgrades or repairs. Promote the effective use of work order management and maintenance software to track performance and optimize resources.

Personnel Management and Leadership

Lead a team of approximately 26 employees, including plant operators, engineers, technicians, and administrative staff. Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment that promotes professional development and accountability. Oversee performance management, training, and staff development to ensure workforce competency and engagement. Provide coaching, counseling, and motivation to achieve departmental goals and maintain operational excellence.

Customer Service and Stakeholder Relations

Ensure Utility Services delivers high-quality, responsive customer service to internal and external partners. Collaborate with departments, auxiliaries, and external agenciesincluding Athletics, Housing & Dining Services, the Student Center, and federal entitiesto meet utility and service needs. Represent the Utility Services division in cross-departmental planning, capital project coordination, and emergency response activities. Communicate effectively with university leadership regarding utility system performance, risks, and strategic opportunities.

Required Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree. 8+ years of progressive leadership experience. Demonstrated experience in business or program fiscal responsibility. Five years of experience managing, operating, or maintaining boiler and chiller systems OR five years of experience managing, operating, or maintaining domestic water, sanitary sewer, or stormwater utility systems.

Preferred Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree mechanical or civil engineering. Leadership of a work unit in a municipal or institutional environment. Experience with production and distribution of steam, hot water, or chilled water in a district setting and / or domestic water, sanitary sewer, or stormwater systems in a municipal or institutional setting. Demonstrated experience in business or program fiscal responsibility in excess of $1 million annually. Demonstrated experience with strategic planning of an infrastructure asset portfolio, capital improvement planning and projects. Familiarity with relevant industry standards for domestic water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, or thermal utilities. Experience with utility metering, billing, and regulatory compliance. Experience using work management software (e.g. Assetworks, Maximo, Archibus).

Essential Duties

Job Duty Category : Leadership, Management, Supervision

Duty / Responsibility : Leadership with Integrity and Empathy : Acts with honesty, transparency, and consistency in decision-making. Fosters a positive work environment by helping employees understand their roles and how they contribute to the larger mission of the organization. Shows compassion and provides support where necessary, ensuring everyone feels supported.

Job Duty Category : Program Management

Duty / Responsibility : Program Management for routine operations and maintenance. Develops streamlined business plans that identify goals and focus section efforts to meet expectations. Develops, documents and executes plans and procedures for conducting activities and tasks related to operations and maintenance. Develops controlled and deferred maintenance priorities and recommends methods for funding.

Job Duty Category : Fiscal Management

Duty / Responsibility : Develops annual budgets within the constraints of zero-based funding and under the guidance of Associate Vice President of Facilities Operations. Monitor and control annual operating fund expenses to meet final budget. Identify and report projects and maintenance programs where expenses will exceed budgets. Request supplemental funding from Associate Vice President of Facilities Operations plant fund balances as assigned.

Job Duty Category : Customer Service

Duty / Responsibility : Focus on good customer service within all sections both internal and external to the department. Coordinate between various departmental sections and throughout the university community to ensure seamless response. Develop and maintain excellent customer support and communication. Maintain professional and supportive relationships with university customers, contractors, City of Fort Collins.

Application Details

Special Instructions to Applicants : To apply, please upload a cover letter that addresses the required and preferred job qualifications, a resume, and the contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates. CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Conditions of Employment : Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires), On-call Status

Search Contact : Michelle Hyatt, Michelle.Hyatt@colostate.edu

EEO : Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Background Check Policy Statement : Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and / or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

References Requested : Minimum Requested 3 Maximum Requested 3