Associate Director of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems

Associate Director of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Associate Director of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406\-0001

United States

Division VP Finance and Administration

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded No

Salary Range 93,883\.00 \- 127,019\.00

Pay Grade

E17

Posting Close Date April 30, 2026

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full\-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H\-1B).

Job Summary

The Associate Director of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Services provides advanced mechanical and electrical engineering expertise and technical guidance to Physical Plant personnel, architects, contractors, and subcontractors. This position coordinates and oversees the installation, maintenance, modification, overhaul, service, and repair of all university mechanical and electrical systems to ensure operational efficiency and reliability. The role also monitors and evaluates energy usage and utility consumption to support cost\-effective and sustainable campus operations. As an essential position, the Associate Director may be required to remain on campus during storms or emergency situations to support critical infrastructure and continuity of operations.

Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides oversight and technical support to Energy Management, Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing personnel in the performance of daily maintenance and construction.
• Plans, designs, and oversees construction of mechanical and electrical systems for new construction, as well as renovation projects with energy efficiency and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) design principles.
• Monitors and reviews existing electrical and mechanical systems to determine operation within design criteria and develops and implements improvement strategies for those systems that don’t meet design criteria.
• Manages compliance of campus gas systems with the Mississippi Public Service Commission.Includes inspecting systems for safety, operability, and efficiency.
• Provides engineering support to trades and contractors for location of all underground utility systems.
• Identifies, analyzes, and prioritizes energy conservation and utility cost reduction opportunities for implementation through computer simulations and monitoring.
• Prepares, prioritizes, justifies, and submits technical grant applications and funding proposals for energy enhancement projects.
• Responsible for monthly data entry of meter readings, reconcile readings, and confirming accurate usage. Submit monthly reports to Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) Energy Division for consumption and costs.
• Provide monthly internal utility reports. Update USM annual energy reports along with submitting MDA five\-year energy plans.
• Monitors and evaluates utility consumption costs, maintains monthly accurate records, and assists Physical Plant Accounting with preparing charge reports for campus auxiliaries monthly.
• Serves as Campus liaison with State energy offices, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), utility suppliers, including coordinating contacts, special rates, and utility rebate programs.
• Attending national, state, regional, and local conferences.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or construction management. Four (4\) years of facilities related experience and or training. In lieu of a degree, ten (10\) years of progressively responsible experience in a similar role, preferably within a higher education environment, may be considered. Must have a valid driver’s license. Must provide technical support for electrical systems and plumbing operations, including knowledge related to small gas operator certification.

Knowledge, Skills \& Abilities

• Utilizes personal computer, computer software (word processing, spreadsheets, writing, energy management, CAD), calculator, gas leak detection equipment, underground system locator, volt–ohmmeter, light meter flow meters, and data loggers.
• Uses standard hand tools such as, hammers, screwdrivers, and pliers.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions, from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
• Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.
• Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions.Ability to interpret and extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and specifications.
• Working knowledge of building automation systems (BAS) and energy control systems.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional Engineering license in mechanical or electrical engineering with four (4\) years of experience in a higher education setting. Must obtain a Professional Engineering license in the State of Mississippi within six (6\) months of employment. Must have Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accreditation.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community\-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student\-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.