Job Details

Assistant Director, Utility Distribution Systems

Position Number: 6891057
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Facilities Management

Assistant Director, Utility Distribution Systems

Requisition Number: 69790
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 01-Mar-2026
Date Posted:

Job Summary

Utility and Energy Services at CU Boulder encourages application for an Assistant Director, Utility Distribution Systems! This role has direct oversight of all utility distribution budgets, applications, assessments, safety program, training programs and engineering design criteria including planning strategically for systems. The role develops and maintains unit operating and commissioning procedures to ensure distribution systems are optimized and operate in a safe and reliable manner.

The utility distribution systems include all utility infrastructure, from the District Energy Plants and City of Boulder Water Utilities to campus buildings. Namely tunnels, water, sanitary, storm, steam, condensate, chilled water, raw water, and compressed air.

This position will be designated Critical/Essential Services and is expected to report to work during emergency situations.
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.

Who We Are

Utility and Energy Services is responsible for the design, operation, maintenance, and repair of the campus's energy generation and distribution infrastructure for steam (heating), chilled water (cooling), and electricity. We provide the campus community with reliable utility services in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner and offer measurement, line locating, performance engineering, regulatory and data management services.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Provide management and oversight of distribution engineering and operational functions including: system modeling, stress analysis, equipment applications and procurement, Capital & Expense Construction Projects, risk management programs, system optimization, testing, development of standards and procedures for work units through observation, and monitoring of key performance data. Develop and assure adequate emergency response plans and personnel training. Maintain accurate, up-to-date P&ID and distribution master [record] drawings.
Support Environmental Health and Safety with management of the comprehensive non-standard Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems permit program and Storm Water Management Program. Provide engineering and reporting support for major State and Federal regulatory programs, Clean Water Act, Confined Space Entry, Under Ground Storage Tanks and Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure.
Management oversight of utility distribution civil, structural, mechanical, and plumbing design criteria, construction project design review, and all commissioning. Responsible for providing the Owner Project Requirement document to all A/E firms. Continuously assess the quality, efficiency, and condition of Distribution infrastructure. Coordinate the plant and distribution design criteria and training with Assistant Director for District Energy Plants.
Hire and supervise utility distribution personnel including: performance planning and evaluation, identifying and providing training opportunities for immediate reports and their staff, and mentoring for skill and behavioral development.
Manage $3.5 million-dollar annual expense budget; ensure alignment with financial requirements, equipment renewal and replacement, contracts, supplies and expenses. Provide annual estimated projections. Assist in utility billing and consumption estimates.
Coordinate and collaborate with other Facilities Management staff regarding utility capacities for campus growth (capital development projects, campus master plans, climate action plans, energy master plans, etc.) Develop and maintain the strategic plan for all utility distribution systems based on campus plans, including decarbonization plans. Act as a liaison to the City of Boulder Water Utilities Division on behalf of campus to advance utility related projects and coordinate permit applications.

What You Should Know

This in-person position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday - Friday during regular business hours.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $145,000 annually, depending on experience.
Relocation assistance is available per department guidelines.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be dynamic. Be pioneering. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical or related engineering specialty.
4 years experience in Facilities Engineering, Facilities Maintenance and/or Energy management techniques.
Must have a valid driver's license.

What You Will Need

Knowledge of Computer Aided Design (AutoCAD), functionality of Structural, Civil Utility, and Mechanical systems.
Demonstrated ability and experience in supervising and training staff and developing a cohesive team.
Strong financial and quantitative analysis skills.
Ability to develop and maintain record keeping systems and procedures.
Demonstrated ability to use personal computers and laptops.
Good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to document work (repairs/ installation).

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

A current resume.
A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by March 1, 2026, for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Assistant-Director-Utility-Distribution-Systems/69790