Assistant Director, Central Utility Plant

Job Summary:

The Assistant Director is fully responsible for efficient, cost-effective and seamless Central Utility Plant (CUP) maintenance and operations functions.  The Central Utility Plant produces and distributes thermal energy (steam & chilled water) to buildings at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, including university buildings, UC-Health, and Children’s Hospital of Colorado. Steam and chilled water service is provided 24 hour, 7-day per week basis, used for comfort air conditioning and heating, and service processes.

The Assistant Director provides direct management and supervisory responsibility for the Central Utility Plant (CUP) Auxiliary and is responsible for the multiple mechanical, electrical and technical functions within this facility. The Assistant Director provides administration and oversight for multiple programs requiring implementation, refinement, and/or development. These programs address engineering support for campus building, maintenance and operations, support of regulatory compliance needs associated with emission permits and storm water permits for Central Utility Plant equipment, and annual identification of deferred maintenance and capital planning needs for the Central Utility Plant.

Provides leadership and support for:

Central Utility Plant Building Operations and Maintenance

• This position is responsible for providing overall leadership and supervision for the daily operations and maintenance for the Central Utility Plant and all strategic planning initiatives.

Anschutz Campus building maintenance and operations

• Coordinates directly with the Assistant/Associate Director for Building Maintenance and Operations for the Anschutz campus.  This includes collaboration and coordination when CUP chilled water/steam supply to the Anschutz campus is impacted, and investigation and repairs need to be conducted and analyzed on a per building basis. 

• Ensure organizational structures, staffing plans, and operating standards are optimized to meet University-wide needs and goals

Facilities Projects

• Coordinates as needed with the Associate Director for Facilities Projects regarding specific projects taking place within the CUP.  This position will also coordinate with the Director of Facilities Projects and the Executive Director for Building Maintenance and Operations regarding specific facilities projects impacting the steam distribution system and/or chilled water loop, and all funding discussions for all Facilities/CUP projects.

Finance and Administration

• Provides long-range planning of program goals and objectives, recommends and provides discussions regarding allocated resource needs in both fiscal and human resource circumstance, and establishes guidelines for program implementation.

• Provide analytical recommendations in cost studies, cost modeling, rate analyses and staffing levels to ensure efficient Central Utility Plant operation.

• Ensure fiscal compliance and responsibility for how enterprise revenues are tracked and captured, and expenditures from staff in the procurement and usage of materials and equipment utilized in the function and operation of the Central Utility Plant. This includes providing leadership and guidance to staff to ensure their education and compliance in all operational matters and training opportunities.

Planning and Design and safety compliance

• Coordinate with fire marshal, building official, sustainability team and environmental/infrastructure safety and compliance for all matters specific to Central Utility Plant Projects, function, and operations.  This includes providing leadership and guidance to staff to ensure their education and compliance in all operational matters and training opportunities.

Work Location:

The Assistant Director for the Central Utility Plant will be expected to work onsite at the Anschutz Medical Campus, located in Aurora, CO.

Why Join Us:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus seeks individuals with demonstrated commitment to creating an inclusive learning and working environment. We value the ability to engage effectively with students, faculty and staff of diverse backgrounds.

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a world-class medical destination at the forefront of transformative science, medicine, education and patient care. The campus encompasses the University of Colorado health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked independent hospitals - UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children's Hospital Colorado - that treat more than two million adult and pediatric patients each year. Innovative, interconnected and highly collaborative, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus delivers life-changing treatments, patient care and professional training and conducts world-renowned research fueled by over $650 million in research grants. 

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10%25 of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 10/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, business administration, public administration, facilities management, construction management, or a directly related field from an accredited institution

• 6-8 years of professional industry experience

• Certification from programs within the Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA) and/or the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) organizations.

• Licensure through the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors.

   

• Substitution: An advanced degree (Masters or Doctorate) may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis if the degree is in a field of study directly related to the work assignment.

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four years of professional experience as a licensed professional engineer.

• Licensure through the State Board of Registration for Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors.

• Licensure as a Stationary Engineer through the City/County of Denver

• Certification as a Certified Energy Manager

• Demonstrated experience of management of engineering programs and utility plant operations

• Experience in supervising staff and developing a cohesive team

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral communication skills with the ability to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.

• Troubleshooting and problem solving skills for chillers, mechanical systems, boilers, steam systems and electrical systems

• Ability to administer, effectively plan, organize and direct a wide variety of facilities projects

• Ability to develop and implement policies and complex administrative procedures, and evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of facilities management

• Ability to manage a large team

• Knowledge of building systems, utilities, maintenance operations,

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution.

• Outstanding customer service skills.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position is only open to current University of Colorado employees.

• Licensure as a Stationary Engineer through the City/County of Denver, or the ability to attain this licensure within the first six months of employment.

• Certification as a Certified Energy Manager, or the ability to attain this certification within the first six months of employment.

• Must possess and maintain a current, valid Driver’s License.

• Must be willing and able to pass a criminal background check, motor vehicle check, and drug test.

• Subject to pre-employment, post-accident incident, or reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing per UCD Facilities Operations Department Policies.

• Must be willing and able to stand and walk constantly, with or without accommodation.

• Must be willing and able to climb, crawl, kneel, bend, and reach above shoulders frequently, with or without accommodation.

• Must be willing and able to lift and carry up to 10 pounds constantly, with or without accommodation.

• Must be willing and able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently, with or without accommodation.

• Must be willing and able to push and pull frequently, with or without accommodation.

• Must be willing and able to use manual dexterity, eye/hand coordination, and near vision constantly.

• Must be willing and able to use far vision frequently.

• Must be willing and able to use hearing and verbal communication constantly.

• Must be willing and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including snow, rain, heat, and cold.

• Must be willing and able to work with chemicals/solvents.

• Must be willing and able to work in areas where you may be exposed to hazardous chemicals or infectious materials.

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer-sponsored work authorization. 

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1.    Please submit a Letter of Interest describing relevant job experience as related to the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to be successful in this role.

2.     Please submit Curriculum Vitae/Resume summarizing the candidate’s education and work experience.

3.    Please provide four professional references and one personal reference, to include name, address, appropriate phone number, and e-mail address. 

Questions should be directed to:

Gregory Gibson, Executive Director, Business Maintenance and Operations - gregory.gibson@cuanschutz.edu

Screening of Applications Begins:

Screening begins immediately. The screening and interview process will continue until the position is filled.  For best consideration, please apply as by March 16, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The hiring range for this position has been established as $109,328 - $139,06.

●        This position may be eligible for a one time non-base building sign-on bonus up to $2,000. Details of this recruitment incentive program will be provided during the interview process.This salary range represents the University’s reasonable and good faith estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu​.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.