As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.
Job Location (Full Address):
250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623
Opening:
Worker Subtype:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department:
250548 LLE-Laboratory for Laser Energ
Work Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)
Range:
UR URG 115
Compensation Range:
$96,860.00 - $145,290.00
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Responsibilities:
The Assistant Director of Facilities provides leadership, operational oversight, and strategic management of the facility infrastructure for the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), a 300,000+ square foot advanced research complex supporting high-intensity laser fusion operations and scientific research.
Reporting directly to the Administrative Director, the Assistant Director of Facilities manages personnel, equipment, and infrastructure required to maintain the stringent environmental conditions necessary for precision laser operations in a world-class laser facility. The position ensures continuous operational readiness of all mechanical, electrical, and environmental systems while overseeing facility personnel, contractors, budgets, and capital infrastructure projects.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Facilities Operations and Infrastructure
- Maintain operational readiness of all mechanical, electrical, and infrastructure systems supporting a 300,000+ sq. ft. research facility operating 24/7/365.
- Ensure the stringent environmental conditions required for high-intensity laser fusion operations are maintained within the laser bays and throughout laboratory areas.
- Prioritize and coordinate operations and maintenance (O&M) service and repairs for mechanical and electrical systems and building infrastructure.
- Monitor facility systems and alarms using the Building Management System (BMS) with working operator-level knowledge of environmental monitoring and control systems.
- Ensure all planned work and facility operations comply with local, state, and federal codes and regulations.
- Serve as primary liaison between LLE Facilities and University of Rochester departments
Strategic Planning and Project Management
- Serve as Senior Facilities Project Manager responsible for managing both large and small infrastructure projects including building expansions.
- Act as the primary facilities contact for internal LLE divisions.
- Manage design coordination, budgeting, scheduling, and execution of facilities construction and laboratory modifications.
- Provide long-term planning, modernization, engineering oversight, and management of critical infrastructure upgrades including but not limited to:
- Process chiller, cooling tower and piping, boiler, diesel generator and fuel system, HVAC system, medium-voltage electrical substations, automatic transfer switches, roofing
- Utilize AutoCAD to update and modify building drawings supporting facilities planning and project execution.
Personnel Leadership and Management
- Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring for mid-level managers, supervisors, trades foremen, and more than 25 union trades personnel and contractors.
- Direct personnel responsible for preventive and corrective maintenance planning and scheduling.
- Manage LLE facilities personnel and equipment assets to support research and operational requirements.
- Foster team collaboration, workforce development, and strong safety practices within the facilities organization.
- Manage a diverse workforce including mechanics, electricians, custodial personnel, and contracted service providers.
Budget and Resource Management
- Manage the annual Operations and Maintenance budget exceeding $9 million.
- Prepare and submit annual capital budget projections for future facilities and infrastructure projects.
- Plan equipment lifecycle replacement strategies and manage repair or replacement purchases.
Contractor and Vendor Management
- Manage facilities service contracts and direct contractors performing facilities work.
- Coordinate building construction activities and laboratory renovations to ensure minimal disruption to research operations.
- Ensure contractor work meets quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
Safety, Compliance, and Fire Protection
- Serve as the LLE Fire Safety Officer, responsible for fire code compliance, emergency planning, and life-safety system oversight.
- Maintain working knowledge of NFPA standards and LLE fire alarm systems.
- Coordinate inspections and compliance with University officials, Town and State authorities, fire marshals, government representatives, insurance underwriters, and risk management personnel.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field and
- Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant facilities or infrastructure management experience
- Or equivalent combination of education and experience
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Working knowledge of mechanical and electrical plant systems
- Experience in project management, including scope, schedules, budget, risk and coordination while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
- Ability to make decisions under difficult conditions and critical, sometimes very short timelines required
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of an Academic and research organization
- Experience with Auto-CAD
- Experience supporting technical research or laboratory environments preferred
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.