Operations & Mechanical Systems Lead

Description

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Lead – Facilities Repairs, Operations & Mechanical Systems provides technical and operational leadership for the maintenance, repair, reliability, and day-to-day operation of the hospital and clinic physical environment. This position has a strong mechanical systems focus and serves as the organization's primary technical resource for building mechanical systems, HVAC, heating and cooling systems, pumps, motors, boilers, chillers, air-handling systems, building automation, plumbing, and related facility infrastructure. 

The Lead is responsible for ensuring that facility systems operate safely, efficiently, reliably, and in accordance with applicable healthcare, life-safety, regulatory, and organizational requirements. In addition to providing hands-on technical expertise, this position provides daily direction to Facilities maintenance staff, coordinates preventive and corrective maintenance, responds to facility emergencies, manages work orders, coordinates outside service vendors, and identifies opportunities to improve equipment reliability and reduce facility downtime. 

The Lead works closely with the Director of Facilities and the Lead – Construction, New & Renovations to ensure that existing facility operations are maintained while new construction and renovation projects are successfully transitioned into ongoing maintenance and operations. Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the needs and operations of the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES

Mechanical Systems Leadership 

Serve as the primary Facilities resource for the operation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of mechanical building systems, including, as applicable: 

• HVAC systems. 
• Air-handling units. 
• Rooftop units. 
• Boilers and hot-water systems. 
• Chillers and chilled-water systems. 
• Cooling towers. 
• Pumps and motors. 
• Compressors. 
• Heat exchangers. 
• Domestic hot-water systems. 
• Building automation/control systems. 
• Exhaust and ventilation systems. 
• Medical air and related mechanical infrastructure. 
• Plumbing systems. 
• Mechanical piping and valves. 
• Refrigeration systems. 
• Emergency mechanical systems. 
• Other hospital and clinic mechanical equipment. 
• Troubleshoot mechanical system failures and determine appropriate corrective action. 
• Perform or oversee mechanical repairs and adjustments. 
• Monitor equipment performance and identify developing problems. 
• Recommend repair, replacement, or capital improvement when equipment reaches the end of its useful life. 
• Maintain appropriate documentation of mechanical repairs, inspections, testing, and preventive maintenance. 
• Provide technical guidance and training to Facilities staff. 

Preventive Maintenance & Reliability 

• Develop and maintain effective preventive maintenance practices for mechanical and building systems. 
• Ensure preventive maintenance is completed according to established schedules and applicable requirements. 
• Monitor equipment condition and performance. 
• Identify recurring equipment failures and develop strategies to eliminate root causes. 
• Establish appropriate maintenance intervals based on equipment condition, manufacturer recommendations, operational requirements, and facility experience. 
• Promote a proactive rather than reactive maintenance culture. 
• Track equipment history and identify trends that may indicate future failures. 
• Recommend equipment replacement and lifecycle strategies to the Director of Facilities. 

Daily Facilities Operations 

• Provide daily oversight of facility maintenance and repair activities. 
• Prioritize work based on patient-care impact, safety, regulatory requirements, and operational needs. 
• Assign work orders to appropriate Facilities personnel. 
• Monitor completion of work orders and preventive maintenance. 
• Inspect completed work to ensure quality and proper operation. 
• Maintain a visible presence throughout hospital and clinic facilities. 
• Respond to facility problems affecting patient-care areas. 

Emergency & Critical System Response 

Provide technical leadership during facility emergencies, including: 

• HVAC failures. 
• Boiler/chiller failures. 
• Electrical interruptions. 
• Generator or emergency power issues. 
• Water leaks or flooding. 
• Plumbing failures. 
• Loss of heating or cooling. 
• Ventilation failures. 
• Mechanical equipment failures. 
• Utility interruptions. 
• Severe weather-related facility damage. 
• Assess the immediate risk and operational impact of system failures. 
• Implement appropriate temporary or permanent corrective measures. 
• Coordinate with outside contractors and service providers when specialized assistance is required. 
• Communicate significant facility issues to the Director of Facilities and affected departments. 

Healthcare Environment & Patient Safety 

• Understand the critical relationship between mechanical systems and patient care. 
• Maintain appropriate environmental conditions in patient-care areas. 
• Monitor HVAC and ventilation conditions that may affect patient safety or clinical operations. 
• Coordinate maintenance activities in occupied patient-care areas in accordance with infection prevention and safety requirements. 
• Respond promptly to environmental conditions that could affect patients, staff, or visitors. 
• Support regulatory and accreditation requirements related to the physical environment. 

Staff Leadership & Technical Development 

• Provide daily direction to maintenance and facilities personnel. 
• Serve as a technical mentor to maintenance staff. 
• Evaluate employee skills and assign work according to competency. 
• Train staff in mechanical troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, safety practices, and equipment operation. 
• Identify technical training needs. 
• Promote development of a skilled, self-sufficient maintenance team. 
• Establish expectations for quality, response time, documentation, safety, and accountability. 

Work Orders & Maintenance Management 

• Manage and prioritize the Facilities work-order system. 
• Monitor open work orders and ensure timely completion. 
• Identify high-frequency repairs and recurring equipment problems. 
• Analyze maintenance trends to identify opportunities for improvement. 
• Maintain accurate records of equipment repairs and maintenance activities. 
• Utilize the organization's CMMS or other maintenance tracking system. 

Vendor & Contractor Management 

• Coordinate specialized mechanical service and repair contractors. 
• Review contractor recommendations and repair proposals. 
• Monitor contractor work for quality and compliance with hospital requirements. 
• Assist in evaluating repair-versus-replacement decisions. 
• Maintain relationships with mechanical equipment service providers. 
• Escalate significant cost, safety, schedule, or performance issues to the Director of Facilities. 

Capital Planning & Equipment Replacement 

• Assist the Director of Facilities in identifying aging or unreliable mechanical equipment. 
• Develop recommendations for equipment replacement and lifecycle planning. 
• Provide technical input for the Facilities capital budget. 
• Assist with developing scopes of work for mechanical replacements and facility improvements. 
• Review proposed equipment and systems for maintainability and long-term operating costs. 
• Coordinate with the Construction/New & Renovations Lead when mechanical systems are impacted by capital projects. 

Construction & Renovation Coordination 

Although the Lead – Facilities Repairs, Operations & Mechanical Systems is primarily responsible for existing facility operations, the position will provide technical input during construction and renovation projects. 

Responsibilities may include: 

• Reviewing mechanical plans and equipment specifications. 
• Providing operational and maintenance input during project planning. 
• Identifying maintenance access requirements. 
• Reviewing equipment selections for maintainability. 
• Participating in inspections and project walkthroughs. 
• Assisting with commissioning and testing. 
• Reviewing equipment documentation and warranties. 
• Participate in staff training for new systems. 
• Assisting with project turnover and acceptance. 
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance. 
• Perform other essential duties as assigned. 

Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS 

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred. 
• Health Care Construction experience preferred. 
• Must be able to successfully pass a background check including MV records. 
• Strong understanding of OSHA safety. 
• Strong project management skills. 
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills. 
• Strong written and verbal communication. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications. 
• Ability to identify construction and operational risks. 
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. 
• Ability to work effectively with clinical and non-clinical personnel. 
• Ability to negotiate and coordinate with contractors and vendors. 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Walk through active construction sites and hospital facilities. 
• Navigate stairs, construction areas, mechanical rooms, and other facility spaces. 
• Work around equipment noise, dust, equipment, and other environmental conditions. 
• Wear required personal protective equipment. 
• Respond to facility emergencies and project-related issues as needed. 
• Must be able to sit and stand, intermittent 8 to 10 hours a day. 
• Continuously utilizes manual/bi-manual dexterity, near vision, speech, and hearing. 
• Frequently stands, walks, sits and utilizes eye/hand coordination and color definition. 
• Occasionally reaches above shoulder, regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 40 lbs. 
• Occasionally walks on uneven surfaces.