Director of Energy Systems

South Dakota State University is seeking a Director of Energy Systems to lead HVAC, utilities, energy conservation, and sustainability efforts. This full-time, 12-month role involves strategic guidance and collaboration with campus stakeholders to ensure efficient facility operations. Candidates must have a relevant bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of experience. The position is based in Pierre, SD, and does not offer remote work options.
South Dakota State University (SDSU) Facilities and Services Department seeks a unique and talented individual to serve as Director of Energy Systems. This individual will serve as a strategic partner to provide forward-looking and transformational guidance, embracing a culture where facilities and services are aligned to support the University’s land-grant mission. This position will work with a variety of stakeholders across campus; ensuring projects meet the intended programs and provide safe and comfortable facilities for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors to SDSU. This is a 12-month, full-time position, offering great benefits and a generous leave package. Candidates must be authorized to work in the US. Sponsorship is not available for this position. South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access. RESPONSIBILITIES:The Director of Energy Systems will lead and direct the development of an internal team supporting the areas of HVAC, central utilities, energy conservation, engineering, and sustainability. The position will manage campus resources to ensure the continuous delivery of reliable and efficient heating, cooling, ventilation, and automated building control systems within the University. Energy Systems is responsible for the delivery of quality, cost-effective and reliable services including the generation and distribution of central steam and chilled water utilities, as well as for quality maintenance and continuous operations of these systems. The Director is also involved with campus projects to provide planning, design, and construction oversight to designers and contractors. Energy conservation and sustainability are also areas under the leadership of the Director of Energy Systems. This individual will collaborate with the leadership team of Facilities and Services to develop objectives, policies, and procedures, and to formalize and implement the vision of SDSU, with an emphasis on high quality, cost-effective services. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field, completed by start date; At least 5 years of related experience in mechanical engineering, energy systems, HVAC, project management, commissioning, or other related field; Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills;Computer experience including Microsoft E-mail, Word, and Excel;Demonstrated effective customer service skills;Organized, detailed, and results oriented;Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire; andStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to exercise sound judgment and make good decisions based on the best interests of the campus community. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, completed by start date; Licensed professional engineer;Experience working with university facilities or in facilities management;Experience in managing or operating central utility generation;Experience with HVAC design, operation, and maintenance;Experience with building automated controls;Knowledge of or experience with energy conservation practices;Knowledge of or experience with sustainability; andExperience with Revit and/or Autocad. BENEFITS:South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions. We offer a generous retirement plan that includes 6% matching, 10 hours of annual leave each month, 9.34 hours of sick leave each month, and eleven paid holidays. Relocation benefits are available per university’s guidelines. APPLICATION PROCESS:This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, resume, and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references. Email applications will not be accepted. Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. Any offer of employment is contingent on the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check. South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is the policy of the University to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students. This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14.