Contracts Estimator Manager (Building Maintenance) at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 525476

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Building Maintenance

Union: PSU

Categories: Facilities/Grounds, PSU A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Assistant Director for Building Maintenance, the Contract Manager oversees the management of Facility Management team contracts, ensuring compliance with all state and university procurement policies. This role also includes the supervision of skilled and semi-skilled trades personnel, as well as service contractors. The Contract Manager is responsible for overseeing the maintenance, repair, alteration, and operation of buildings, systems, and equipment across the Amherst campus, university properties, and remote locations.

Essential Functions

Supervise in-house staff responsible for managing contracts that support the maintenance and alteration functions within the Facilities Management department.

Draft, review, and approve contract documents for all service labor and small service contracts.

Collaborate with other Facilities Services departments, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Building Coordinators, and Campus Planning personnel to optimize effectiveness and minimize disruptions on campus and in surrounding neighborhoods.

Manage personnel processes, including interviews, recommendations for hire, performance evaluations, corrective actions, skills development, and training.

Ensure all staffing needs are met, including scheduling, training, and maintaining up-to-date licenses and certifications for staff.

Maintain standards for the maintenance of architectural, electrical, and mechanical systems in academic, residential, research, and administrative spaces. This includes coordinating with safety inspectors to ensure code compliance and maintaining necessary permits and inspection certificates.

Review DOFs (Delivery Order Forms) submitted by the contract estimator for accuracy and adherence to state procurement rules.

Collaborate with Customer Service and Work Management to develop and maintain accurate and up-to-date records of deferred maintenance work across all campus facilities.

Engage with campus stakeholders to assess needs, implementing procedures and initiatives that enhance quality and demonstrate a strong commitment to customer service.

Contribute to staff planning and resource allocation discussions.

Handle sensitive employee-related matters, including acting as a grievance hearing officer and participating in labor relations discussions with decision-making authority for Building Maintenance.

Exercise confidentiality regarding sensitive and/or not-yet-public university information, ensuring careful handling to prevent unnecessary disclosure.

Support and adhere to affirmative action and non-discrimination goals in all responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Associate's degree or valid Construction Supervisor License, Plumbing License, or Electrician license with five years of progressively responsible facilities management experience.


• Extensive knowledge of all aspects of Building Maintenance and systems.


• At least two years of contract administration experience, including the use of estimating tools.


• Demonstrated experience in budget planning and employee supervision in a large organization.


• Current valid driver's license.


• Capable of wearing a respirator.


• Working knowledge of Microsoft programs, including Excel and Word and CMMS databases.


• Proficiency in Microsoft programs, including Excel and Word, as well as CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) databases.

Physical Demands/ Working Conditions

Ability to engage in significant physical activity in the field, including inspecting buildings and responding to emergency situations whenever required. Capable of wearing a respirator.

Work Schedule

Mon-Fri 1st shift. Must be able to work nights and weekends during campus weather and facility-related emergencies.

Salary Information

Level 28

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please complete the application in full and provide a résumé and cover letter. Contact information for three professional references is required.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of the UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Oct 24 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Jan 24 2025 Eastern Standard Time

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