We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results
New

Mechanical Shop Manager (Building Maintenance)

UMass Amherst
United States, Massachusetts, Amherst
Mar 18, 2026

Title: Mechanical Shop Manager (Building Maintenance)

Executive Area: Administration and Finance

College/School/MBU: Facilities Management

Department: Building Maintenance

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Maintenance, the Mechanical Shop Manager manages and coordinates the daily activities of the Controls, Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, Mechanical and Refrigeration Shops. This manager serves as the primary contact for university customers with responsibility to communicate work order status, ensure the efficient delivery of repair services, systems monitoring, preventative maintenance planning, procurement of parts, inventory control and the management and coordination of work of the technical trades staff for the above-mentioned shops. Mechanical Shop Manager manages third-party service contractors when the demand for services exceeds the capacity or expertise of existing staff.

Essential Functions

Ensures that mechanical shop is staffed and organized to maximize the strength of the multiple trade disciplines and respective technicians.

Collaborate with the support teams including trade supervisors, directors, engineers, user groups and customers.

Manages backlog levels by trade area. Evaluates, updates and develops new standard procedures to prioritize work and directs activities. Manages the need for supplemental services, allocation of additional staff, and overtime.

Supervise and/or coordinates activities of the staff and maintenance personnel engaged in maintenance, renovation, central utility plant/infrastructure operation, and other facility activities.

Manages after-hours on-call staff, including scheduling, ensuring coverage and serves as a main contact for emergencies that cannot be addressed by an on-call staff.

In consultation with the Management team, establishes and documents building needs.

Utilizes in-house and sourced reports, building inspection evaluations, and work order information to identify and prioritize deferred maintenance projects. Establishes scopes of work and develop estimates for these projects. Assists in the development of three to five-year deferred maintenance plans.

Working closely with the Energy Management group, provides support and assists in the development and implementation of the University's energy conservation programs.

Participates in the review of all University capital project plans and specifications; determines an impact on operations, maintenance, and available staff resources.

Leverages key performance indicators (KPIs) to enhance operational efficiency, while managing and evaluating staff performance and work quality. Develops and implements a strategic University-wide plan for HVACR including control technicians to make improvements to reduce service calls and elevate customer satisfaction. Fosters a culture of accountability and ownership in all aspects of work performed.

For renovation and maintenance projects, reviews and/or develops scope of work, cost estimates, schedules, contingencies, and project risks. Obtains necessary permits and agency approvals required for renovation or maintenance projects.

Monitors project associated costs, coordinates resources with all parties involved as necessary; documents all scope changes; tracks KPIs e.g., remaining completion time, estimated cost at completion.

Assures compliance with all Federal, State, Local and University safety policies, building codes, fire codes, and environmental regulations. Supports training programs for trades employees.

Maintains working knowledge of the management and removal of regulated materials including asbestos, mold, lead, silica, and PCBs.

Establishes a procurement program to support staff operations with required contract services and materials. Determines the optimum level of parts and supply inventories. Develops Requests for Proposals and work with purchasing or capital procurement to establish contracts.

In addition to project budgeting, develops and controls the operating budgets for the shop. Periodically audits work orders to ensure that labor and material is charged properly.

Ensures that staff are organized effectively, and each member of the shop is knowledgeable of their assigned responsibilities. Maintains supportive coaching style emphasizing professional development.

Participates in the selection and hiring of staff; supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned staff members; follows progressive disciplinary procedures in conjunction with management; participates in fact-finding activities and grievances ensuring follow through on all required procedures.

Implements a formal communications program with key stakeholders. Monitors and tracks customer satisfaction.

Interacts with Facilities and the campus community in a customer friendly, professional, and cooperative manner.

Provides support to the department's continuous improvement program through participation in team meetings and events. Continuously improves department work methods, procedures, and systems in order to improve the level of services that are provided to the Campus.

Operates University-owned motor vehicles to various work sites.

Other Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Facilities Management, Construction Management, or related field and five (5) years of related experience; or an Associate's degree and seven (7) years of related experience, or nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in management, mechanical systems maintenance, HVACR, or facilities operations.

At least one (1) year of experience must include serving as a manager or supervisor of a moderate-sized department or unit.

Leadership skills and experience that shows significant accomplishments in improving the operational efficiency of a large crew.

Experience planning and responding to emergency failures in buildings with technically sophisticated systems and infrastructure.

Must have thorough understanding of failure modes of Modern Mechanical systems including HVACR, Controls and components and the consequences of the failures.

Thorough understanding of Planning, Procurement, Scheduling and Field Execution processes.

Must be able to create a scope of work and be able to read and interpret complex engineering/architectural drawings and contract documents.

Extensive working knowledge of HVACR, and Controls equipment and computerized systems.

Experience troubleshooting building and mechanical systems problems and the ability to make recommendations to mitigate systemic issues.

Demonstrated ability to work without supervision to resolve problems of both a technical and administrative nature.

Experience managing personnel to include activities such as hiring and interviewing for multiple trades.

Must be proficient in the use of computers and have skills in MS Office applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, electronic mail, internet applications and computerized maintenance management software programs.

Must have the ability to positively interact with a variety of individuals through direct and non-direct interactions and communications to build relationships with a broad spectrum of customers.

Must have the ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written communication with a diverse audience both internal and external to the University.

Must have the ability to prioritize the importance of assets and maintenance tasks and link to strategic goals.

Must possess a current driver's license.

Must be willing and able to work occasional evening and weekend hours and be on-call to report to work during emergency closures, inclement weather or significant events that affect campus operations.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a unionized environment.

Experience at a large college or university or other organization of similar size and complexity.

Familiarity with quality assurance methods.

Demonstrated experience using programs such as Computer Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) such as TMA and strong technical skills to work with database programs and/or enterprise applications.

Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and nationally recognized standards and guidelines, as related to OSHA, NFPA, EPA etc.

Familiarity with the International Building Code's mechanical provisions.

Working knowledge of AutoCad and the capability to use for take-offs.

Demonstrated skill set for estimating resource hours, material, and sequencing for maintenance tasks.

Line management experience directly supervising trade crews in a 24/7/365-day operation.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an indoor university environment and involves lifting and transporting materials or equipment and general physical activity, including prolonged standing, walking, or assuming low postures.

Work Schedule and Work Arrangement

Monday-Friday; 7am-3pm

Salary Information

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 30

Click here to view the Professional Staff Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions for Applicants

This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

Applied = 0

(web-bd9584865-ksnsn)