Professional/Administrative

Mechanical Trades Supervisor

Full Time

Finance and Administration

Facilities Department

$85,000 to $97,500

• 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.

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.

• A current valid driver’s license, in accordance with the University’s Driver Safety and Motor Vehicle Use Policy is required.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

• 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.

2025S022Posting

No

Monday through Friday
37.5 hours per week
12 month position.

03/14/2025

Yes

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.

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: . Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu .