Chief Engineer / Operations Support Supervisor (OSS)U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) - Energy & Minerals Research Facility (EMRF)
Golden, Colorado
Position SummaryThe Chief Engineer / Operations Support Supervisor (OSS) is responsible for the day-to-day technical oversight, operation, maintenance, and reliability of building systems supporting the USGS EMRF facility. This role supervises maintenance personnel and contractors while ensuring building equipment, laboratory support systems, utilities, and critical infrastructure operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with contract requirements. The Chief Engineer supports continuous 24/7 facility operations and serves as a key technical liaison to the Project Manager and Government representatives.
Key Responsibilities- Supervise daily operations and maintenance activities for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, BAS/BMS, fire protection, and related building systems.
- Lead preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting, and repair activities.
- Monitor facility performance and respond to equipment failures, alarms, service requests, and emergency conditions.
- Ensure laboratory and critical facility environments are maintained to required operational standards.
- Support scheduling, assigning, and tracking maintenance work through FMMS/IBM Maximo.
- Review work orders, maintenance records, inspections, logs, and system performance data for accuracy and completion.
- Assist with implementation of the Quality Control Program (QCP) and correction of identified deficiencies.
- Coordinate subcontractors, vendors, and specialty service providers supporting facility systems.
- Support energy conservation, operational efficiency, and sustainability initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, security, and federal contract requirements.
- Maintain communication with the Project Manager, COR, and facility stakeholders regarding operational issues and system status.
Minimum Qualifications- Minimum five (5) years of experience operating and maintaining commercial, institutional, laboratory, or critical facility systems.
- Experience supervising maintenance technicians and coordinating multi-trade maintenance activities.
- Strong working knowledge of HVAC systems, central plant operations, electrical systems, BAS/BMS controls, plumbing, and life safety systems.
- Experience with CMMS platforms, preferably IBM Maximo/FMMS.
- Strong troubleshooting, leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
- Ability to obtain and maintain required federal background clearance and PIV credentials.
Preferred Qualifications- Technical degree or formal apprenticeship in mechanical, electrical, or facilities engineering field.
- Experience supporting federal government or laboratory/research facilities.
- Relevant trade licenses or certifications such as HVAC, boiler, electrical, or stationary engineer licensing.
Work Requirements- Must support facility operations during core operating hours and participate in after-hours emergency response activities as required.
- Must be capable of working in mechanical rooms, rooftops, laboratories, and other operational facility environments.
- Must comply with all USGS safety, security, and information protection requirements.
