Senior Superintendent HVAC/Plumbing/BMS

HOW TO APPLY

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INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 07-02-2026

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Physical Planning, Development & Operations (PPDO) manages and oversees all University activities and services related to physical and environmental planning, design and construction, engineering, physical plant maintenance and operations, capital and space planning, space management, and the associated business services necessary to support these functions. The University's main campus is spread across more than 2,000 acres and includes over 500 buildings comprising more than 8 million square feet. The department oversees operating budgets of over $60 million, manages a project portfolio of approximately $990 million, and employs over 400 full-time staff to carry out the duties necessary for campus development and operation.

More information can be found at: https://ppdo.ucsc.edu/physical-plant/building-utilities-and-fleet-services/hvac-shop/

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Superintendent HVAC/Plumbing/BMS manages the operation, maintenance, alteration, and repair of campus water and natural gas distribution, sewers, regulation and metering, and cathodic protection systems. The incumbent is responsible for the operation, maintenance, alteration, and repair of campus buildings' plumbing, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration, (HVAC&R) systems, in addition to building management systems and other mechanical equipment, including programmable logic controllers and similar network or independent computer-controlled systems. The Senior Superintendent reviews and approves recommendations for functional programs and performs facility and equipment condition assessments for deferred maintenance and renewal. The incumbent guides subordinates to achieve goals and is responsible for shop budgets, staffing, performance management, employee development and dismissals. The Senior Superintendent also conducts analysis of processes and implements changes to achieve overall improvements in efficiency.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $168,000 - $178,000/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: 000538 (SKLD CRAFTS TRADES MGR 1) - Grade 24

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

35% - Operations, Maintenance & Repair

• Ensures the timely completion, documentation, and quality of preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, routine service, and emergency repairs for HVAC, plumbing, BMS, and associated utility systems (including gas, water, and sanitary sewer).
• Works with the PM manager to evaluate and adjust preventative maintenance programs for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Monitors and prioritizes work order assignments using standardized practices across shops.
• Performs or oversees facility condition assessments, identifies deferred maintenance opportunities, plans for minor capital improvements, and establishes deferred maintenance priorities.
• Oversees contract work related to repair and replacement activities and supports customer satisfaction through effective project coordination and communication.
• Supports campus and UC sustainability goals through maintenance and operational practices.
• Provides oversight for the preparation of maintenance reports for the City of Santa Cruz and maintains monthly maintenance reports on backflow devices in accordance with California state law.
• Provides oversight for the planning, maintenance, and upgrades of trades maintenance shops and vehicles to ensure staff have appropriate resources.
• Drives a University vehicle with clients and vendors to visit campus job sites.

25% - Supervision, Performance Management & Employee Development

• Manages staff, including the scheduling and prioritization of work assignments across multiple shops.
• Conducts performance management and employee evaluations.
• Develops and submits merit recommendations and staffing assessments to support operational efficiency.
• Ensures employee development through coaching, mentoring, and technical training.
• Verifies staff maintain required safety training and certifications.
• Promotes consistency and standardization of work practices across assigned shops and work units.

15% - Budget Management

• Monitors shop budgets, expenditures, staffing resources, and operational costs to ensure cost effectiveness and efficiency in support of campus needs.
• Reviews budget trends and operational requirements and makes recommendations or operational adjustments to remain within budget parameters.
• Coordinates with the Business Office, director, and colleagues regarding financial planning, human resources, resource allocation, scopes of work, timelines, space planning, and operational funding needs.

15% - Procedure Development, Safety & Compliance

• Develops, updates, implements, and standardizes shop procedures, protocols, and operational practices to improve efficiency, consistency, and effectiveness.
• Oversees procedures to ensure HVAC, plumbing, and utility systems follow ASME, and state codes and laws.
• Applies industry-standard methodologies and best practices in procedure development and operational planning.
• Ensures staff are current with required safety training, I2P2 requirements, and regulatory compliance obligations, including documentation of attendance and training records.
• Manages safety planning and compliance, specifically for the HVAC, BMS, and Plumbing Shops.
• Ensures assigned operations comply with applicable federal, state, local, UC, EH&S, and industry regulations, codes, standards, and safety requirements.
• Represents the campus to internal committees and departments/schools regarding HVAC, plumbing, and BMS standards to ensure customer satisfaction and operational readiness.

10% - New Construction Project Design / Construction Support

• Performs project design and construction document reviews, including plans, specifications, equipment submittals, and commissioning requirements, and provides comments and recommendations from an operations and maintenance perspective.
• Performs, oversees, or collaborates on the development of commissioning check sheets for field devices associated with HVAC and Plumbing systems, BMS system head-end, in-building data systems, and other associated systems or utilities.
• Supports construction projects involving shutdown coordination, commissioning activities, punch list development and verification, acceptance processes, and transition of new systems into campus operations.
• Coordinates with project managers, engineers, architects, contractors, and campus stakeholders to support maintainability, reliability, and operational readiness of new and renovated systems.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certification in a specialty skilled trade required
• Strong knowledge of facilities maintenance, operations and administration.
• Strong technical skills in the HVAC, Plumbing, and Building Management Systems trades, including associated utility systems (water, sanitary sewer, and Gas).
• Supervision skills- including assignment and direction of work, delegation of responsibility, recruitment, training, and performance management- attained through experience or participation in training programs.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of applicable laws, rules, regulations, and internal policies.
• Strong management skills, including organization, interpersonal, written/oral communication, and short/long-term planning.
• Ability to take initiative, organize, and perform work in various situations where numerous and diverse demands are involved.
• Ability to ensure that subordinate staff provide quick, accurate, and appropriate responses to both routine maintenance issues as well as emergencies.
• Ability to promote and maintain a safe working environment through subordinate supervisors and staff.
• Knowledge of architectural and engineering designs or practices pertinent to buildings, structures, equipment, utilities, electronic systems, and system components.
• Knowledge of ASME (state) and local codes.
• Knowledge of technical and safety training methods.
• Ability to estimate, plan, prioritize, schedule, and organize projects and work orders.
• Ability to write reports, make recommendations, and analyze technical and budgetary options for those people who administer funding sources or initiate policy.
• Knowledge of and ability to use CMMS software, MS Office, and other types of facilities management software.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
  • Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.