Director of Engineering

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Functions as Director of the Engineering design process for the University's Capital Construction Program and coordinates closely with the Design and Renovations Department and Planning and Construction Department to coordinate the implementation of design standards and initiatives for the University. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  • Support the development of energy-conscious design, maintenance and operation standards, and policies for the approval/adoption by the University’s Senior Administration.
  • Maintain University Design Standards
  • Reviews designs of university consultants to ensure they are following University design standards
  • Oversees the improvement of instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, and other building systems.
  • As necessary, directs and coordinates manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, and testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, and University’s requirements.
  • Performs detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, and installation standards and specifications.
  • Inspects completed installations and observes operations, to ensure conformance to design and equipment specifications and compliance with the University’s operational and safety standards.
  • Works closely with the Director of Energy Management and Sustainability to develop training options and improvement plans to ensure best operation in the area of HVAC and energy equipment operation and maintenance.
  • As necessary, supports sub-metering, data collection and maintains detailed records of the University’s water and energy consumption.
• Reviews and coordinates the reviews of project design documents, submittals, shop drawings, requests for information, and revisions to construction documents.
• Effectively communicates/coordinates with University faculty, staff, and administration to obtain design requirements and objectives and facilitate the achievement of those objectives.
• Evaluates, coordinates with the necessary parties, and provides direction for design components and parameters.
• Confers with staff and provides assistance and advice to high level University staff regarding planning and design for projects; develops, prepares and presents recommendations and reports as requested.
• Cooperates/Coordinates with the Director of Health and Environmental Safety to maintain a safe environment for students and faculty/staff during the project's construction activity period and achieve other established University safety objectives and mandates.
• Cooperates/coordinates with Planning and Construction Department to implement the University’s construction standards, maintains design within established budget constraints, and accomplishes design to achieve project completion schedule, and incorporates other applicable objectives into the design process and construction documents.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with University staff, faculty, Administration, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), regulatory agencies, code officials, and industry professionals to enhance partnerships and facilitate the achievement of the University’s design objectives.
• Attends and, as required, facilitates/conducts all relevant meetings with regards to overseeing the coordination and completion of design documents.
• Remains abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services and leading industry performance benchmarks.
• Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering Liberty University’s mission.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides functional guidance to University staff and outside consultants.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

Candidate must possess a:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in engineering design or accepted equivalent work experience.
• Engineering degree and experience in the construction management field.
• Knowledge of energy management program development and implementation.
• Professional Engineering license; preferrably in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• General knowledge of local, state and federal building codes and regulations - specifically pertaining to public housing and commercial construction in an academic setting.
• Excellent working knowledge of the International Building Code (IBC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), National Electrical Code (NEC) and other applicable electrical design standards and codes.
• Thorough knowledge of construction plans and Master Specs.
• General working knowledge of AutoCAD software.
• Thorough working knowledge and understanding of all project management control systems (scheduling, estimating, cost control, and procurement).

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well-articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Disciplined and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to freely access all points of a construction site in wide-ranging climates and environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, possessing public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business and community customers and associates.
• Good attention to detail, with the ability to recognize discrepancies.
• Strong computer skills.
• Create and make presentations with computer based available University licensed software packages.
• Fundamental knowledge of contract law and project accounting.
• Commitment to customer service.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• Required to travel to local and campus locations, navigating all types of construction sites.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb to move about the interiors, exterior and grounds of construction sites.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 20 or fewer pounds, occasionally required to lift heavier items such as chairs or full-size plan sets.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

Requires significant office and computer work, as well as visits to construction sites, may be exposed to extreme heat and cold temperatures and humidity and noise levels; requires some travel between buildings, campuses and out-of-town for meetings.

Driving Requirement

Use of one's personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) is required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position. A valid Virginia driver's license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance are required.