Director of Energy Systems

South Dakota State University is hiring a Director of Energy Systems in Brookings, SD. The role focuses on strategic initiatives, overseeing energy infrastructure, and promoting sustainability. Key responsibilities include managing energy systems, collaborating with various departments, and ensuring efficient heating and cooling services. Candidates should have a relevant bachelor's degree and at least five years of related experience. The position offers comprehensive benefits but does not allow for remote work.
Posting Details

Posting Details

Logo

Institution

South Dakota State University

Working Title

Director of Energy Systems

Posting Number

NFE02990P

Department

SDSU-Facilities & Services-Energy Systems

Physical Location of Position (City)

Brookings

Posting Text

South Dakota State University ( SDSU ) is seeking an exceptional
individual to join our team as the Director of Energy Systems. This
pivotal position involves driving strategic initiatives, overseeing
energy infrastructure, and spearheading programs that align with
the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

This position is located in Brookings, South
Dakota.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Sponsorship is not available
for this position.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :
• Serve as a strategic partner in advancing the mission of the
Facilities & Services Department.
• Lead and develop an internal team focused on Energy Systems
management and innovation.
• Oversee campus resources to ensure the reliable and efficient
delivery of heating and cooling services.
• Coordinate activities with other divisions, departments, and
external agencies to achieve shared goals.
• Provide critical support to the Associate Vice President ( AVP
) of Facilities and Services.
• Collaborate with the Facilities & Services leadership team
to establish objectives, policies, and procedures that align with
the vision of South Dakota State University ( SDSU ).
• Ensure the quality, cost-effectiveness, and reliability of
services related to the generation and distribution of central
steam and chilled water utilities.
• Manage the design and implementation of improvements to
heating, ventilation, air-conditioning ( HVAC ), and building
automation systems, ensuring compliance with established
standards.
• Maintain ongoing operations and oversee the maintenance of
these systems to ensure long-term efficiency and performance.

BENEFITS :

SDState offers a wide range of excellent benefits including
medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans,
compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave. 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. 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. Relocation benefits are available per university’s
guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field completed by
start date;
• At least five years of related experience in mechanical
engineering, HVAC, energy systems, project management,
commissioning, or related field
• Computer experience including Autodesk, Microsoft E-mail, Word,
and Excel
• Demonstrated effective customer service skills
• Organized, detailed, and results oriented
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability
to exercise sound judgment and make good decisions based on the
best interests of stakeholders
• Effective written communication skills
• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of
hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering by
start date
• Supervisory or leadership experience
• 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
• Master’s degree in architecture, engineering or related
field

APPLICATION PROCESS :

SDState accepts applications through an on-line employment site. To
apply, visit: https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu
, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and
click on “apply for this job.” 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 SDState 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.

SDState 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.

Posting Date

03/02/2026

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

First Consideration Date

03/16/2026

Advertised Salary

The salary range for the Director of Energy Systems position is
$95,000 - $115,000.

Duration of the Term

12 months

If Other, describe duration

Appointment Percent

100

Work Hours

Monday – Friday 8a-5p normally but will involve
weekends/holidays.

Typical Hours Worked Per Week

Appointment Type

Regular

Faculty Status

No

Scope of Search

External (includes Internal)

If internal, define scope of search

This position requires

Weekends/Holidays, Valid Drivers License

If other, please indicate

Department Description and Cultural Expectations

SDState is
the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with over $94
million annual research expenditures, more than 200 academic
programs and an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students. The
university is part of a
dynamic community for families, students, young
professionals, and retirees, which offers an abundance of
attractions and activities. The
Energy Systems Division of Facilities and Services
manages the production and distribution of the heating and cooling
for campus. Our staff of engineers and technicians continually
assess new technologies and energy options to assure SDSU utilizes
the most efficient and reliable systems both environmentally and
fiscally.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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 access mission. SDSU is an
affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified
applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU
prohibits discrimination on, the basis of, sex, race, color, creed,
national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identity,
sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, age,
disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or any other
status that may become protected in the offering of all educational
programs and employment. Arrangements for accommodations required
by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals
with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal
Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill
Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007. Phone: (605) 688-4128
.

Contact Information

For questions on the position, contact Associate Vice President,
Barry Mielke at 605-688-4136 or Barry.Mielke@sdstate.edu
.

Working Conditions

Cognitive Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the
cognitive requirements for this position.

Analyzing, Comprehend, Frequent Change, Logic, Memory, Multiple
Priorities, Multiple Stimuli, Perform calculations, Reading,
Reasoning, Verbal Communication, Written Communication

Protective Clothing/Equipment

Please check the appropriate response for this position's use of
the following protective clothing or equipment.

Ear Protection (including earplugs), Eye Protection, Latex Gloves,
Other, Protective Clothing

If other protection is used please identify

Hard hat, high visibility vest

Physical Requirements

Please designate the physical requirements of this
position

Balancing, Bending, Stooping, Twisting, Carrying, Climbing Ladders,
Climbing Stairs, Crawling, Crouching, Driving, Kneeling, Lifting
Above Waist, Lifting Below Waist, Lifting light, Lifting moderate,
Pushing/Pulling, Reaching, Sitting for sustained periods of time,
Squatting, Standing for sustained periods of time, Stretching, Use
Both Hands, Use of Either Hand, Independently, Walking

Describe any of the conditions selected

Sensory Requirements

Please check the appropriate response that describe the sensory
requirements for this position.

Color Vision, Depth Perception, Distant Vision, Hearing, Near
Vision, Peripheral Vision, Speaking

Working Conditions & Exposures

Working Conditions or Exposures (or potential exposures) that
this position may encounter during the course of the work
day.

Atmospheric Contaminants (includes odors & fumes), Changes of
Temperature, Chemical Hazards, Electrical Current, Exposure or
Potential Exposure to Blood/Body Fluids, Exposure to Dust, Exposure
to Noise, Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat >100F, Extreme Weather
Conditions (wind, rain, snow, humidity), Vibrations,
Walking/Standing on rough or uneven surfaces (gravel, rocks, etc),
Walking/Standing on wood, metal or concrete, Work in
confined/congested spaces (tunnels), Work in narrow
aisles/passageways, Working Around Machinery, Working from
scaffolding and high places

Please describe, in more detail, any of the conditions checked
above

Working Environment

Check the appropriate box(es) that best describes the
environment in which the primary function of the position is
performed.

Animal Facility, Animal Research Farm, Athletic/Wellness
Facilities, Classroom Environment, Clinical Environment, Greenhouse
Environment, Lab Environment, Mechanical Facility, Office
Environment, Outdoors Environment

If you have indicated Other Environment, if work tasks involve
one or more of the above, or if further explanation is necessary,
please use the space provided.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
• Where did you hear about this position?
• LinkedIn
• SDBOR Employment Site
• South Dakota Department of Labor
• Employee Referral
• Department Announcement / Inside State
• Handshake
• Job Board (Indeed, Monster, ZipRecruiter) - Please specify
• Industry Conference
• Search Engine - Please specify
• Employment Agency - Please specify
• Newspaper - Please specify
• HigherEdJobs.com
• Chronicle of Higher Education
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) - Please
specify
• Radio - Please specify
• APLU
• List Servs - Please specify
• Alumni
• Other - Please specify

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Reference List

Optional Documents