Bennington College welcomes applications for a Systems Manager and Chemical Hygiene Officer to support the day-to-day management and operations of the College’s mechanical systems infrastructure, chemical hygiene plan, as well as safety compliance and sustainability plan. The Systems Manager and Chemical Hygiene Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations, and ensuring that the College complies with all environmental, health and safety regulations. The position supervises the work activities of the technical team:  boiler attendants, electricians and plumbers, serving as part of the Buildings & Grounds leadership team and in the absence of the Associate Vice President for Facilities Management, may periodically direct broader facilities operations. The position is campus-based and functions as part of the regular on-call response team and is required to respond to campus emergency situations that involve facilities, weather and related incidents. The Systems Manager/Chemical Hygiene Officer reports to the Associate Vice President for Facilities Management and a dual reporting relationship to the Dean of Faculty (or, as determined by the College, a designated faculty member in Science).

The position works with all College departments, students, faculty and staff and requires extensive interaction and coordination with all Buildings and Grounds managers. External relationships include, but are not limited to: maintenance contractors, vendors, suppliers, inspectors, auditors, and regulatory agencies such as HAZMAT, OSHA, VOSHA, and VT Division of Fire Safety.

General Responsibilities

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to, ensuring the proper operation and maintenance of all College building and infrastructure systems; participating in College safety initiatives; ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state and local regulations, and ensuring that the College complies with all environmental, health and safety regulations; keeping track of required safety plans, audits and training requirements and striving to ensure that plans and inspections are complete and up to date.  Additional responsibilities include supervision of Buildings and Grounds staff in the absence of the Associate Vice President for Facilities, as well as contracted service providers and other College personnel re-assigned to Buildings and Grounds seasonally.

Systems

• Oversee all building and campus mechanical systems and infrastructure including, but not limited to, biomass boiler steam heating & domestic hot water (DHW), oil and propane fired heating & DHW, geothermal, HVAC, electrical, fire alarm, plumbing, fire protection, domestic water supply, mechanical rooms, and generators.

• 1. Coordinate systems management to ensure continuous operation of College facilities. Work collaboratively with Associate Vice President for Facilities, Assistant Director of Operations, College Design Coordinator, Buildings and Grounds/Conference Services Assistant, and other staff as needed to ensure efficient and effective allocation and scheduling of College resources as needed.

  2. Perform regular inspections of systems to develop maintenance needs. Work with all Facilities and other relevant College personnel to develop schedules to implement system maintenance making sure to accommodate scheduling needs from all college departments.

  3. Direct investigation of reported deficiencies/code violations; ensure resolution and compliance as needed.

  4. Track and furnish institutional systems statistics as needed internally and in response to external approved requests.

  5. Schedule and oversee contracted services within the approved budget and for approved work on campus.

  6. Schedule and direct testing for fire prevention and safety as required by Local, State and Federal regulations

  7. Evaluate, assess and lead the long-term sustainability goals for the college

• Work with Associate Vice President for Facilities, and other College staff to develop and procure fuel and service contracts for campus mechanical systems.

• Work with architects, engineers, contractors, and other professionals to maintain or expand the building’s features and capacity to meet strategic goals.

• Supervise, hire and evaluate all assigned personnel; supervise the broader Facilities Management staff as assigned. Coordinate duties of maintenance staff with Associate Vice President for Facilities as required.   Train staff in the proper and safe procedures and techniques used to respond to system maintenance needs on campus, and ensure that College  policies adhere to local, state and federal regulations. Continuously promote safe work practices.

  1. Manage weekly ADP payroll for all systems personnel, including verifying payroll accounts and researching discrepancies. Ensure compliance with personnel budget.

• Oversee/prioritize, schedule and monitor completion of work. Establish performance standards for each phase of work and ensure quality of work performed. Correct reported deficiencies and monitor results.

• Review work orders and perform site inspections to verify quality of work. Follow up with “client” to discuss the project / work order to ensure that work was correct, timely, and complete. Discuss findings with staff to continually improve the quality of service.

• Maintain inventory of equipment, materials, parts and supplies; ensure proper storage of same.

• Maintain systems maintenance files and records, as well as safety review documentation related to the above listed programs. Develop a database of system conditions to use in scheduling maintenance.

• As directed, work with the Associate Vice President for Facilities Management, to review and monitor forecasting budget reports.

• Coordinate and direct on-call coverage in conjunction with the Associate Vice President for Facilities; respond to calls for emergency systems assistance. Coordinate resolution through designated personnel and/or consultants; continuously monitor resolution as needed.

• Perform administrative duties, including completion of incident reports and work orders, drafting maintenance policies and procedures, assisting with the development and tracking of Maintenance budget, and other duties as required.

• Support all facets of the Buildings & Grounds operations to ensure the effective and efficient support for the campus community.

Chemical Hygiene Officer 

1. Develop, implement and ongoing maintenance of required written safety and health programs and plans.  These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Hazardous Communications Program

• Exposure Control Program (Bloodborne Pathogens, TB)

• Hazard Assessment and Personal Protective Equipment Program (PPE)

• Occupational Health and Safety

• Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan

• Respiratory Protection Program

• Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

• Confined Space Entry Program

• Emergency Action Plan

• Monitor and update the College’s Chemical Hygiene Plan 

1. Promote education and awareness for College staff, faculty and students on health and safety regulations and associated practices.  This entails identifying appropriate training courses and initiatives, and working with other College departments to ensure that there is awareness and collaboration in achieving safety awareness and practices across campus.

1. Work with Human Resources to develop the annual safety training schedule and position-specific requirements. Work collaboratively with Human Resources and the College’s workers’ compensation carrier to develop and implement training programs. Ensure that safety training and all other specifically required training is provided for all employees.  

2. Participate on the College’s safety committee.

2. Organize and maintain control of chemical and material stock and inventory according to the College’s chemical hygiene plan and other established protocols. 

3. Complete, and stay current with Hazwoper and other hazardous materials training as required by OSHA, VOSHA, and other government agencies.

4. Complete and stay current with RCRA Hazardous Waste training, DOT Hazmat Ground Shipper training, and any other training necessary to oversee compliant hazardous waste disposal.

5. Implementation of all aspects of the Chemical Hygiene Plan assigned to the CHO, including arrangement for inspection of safety equipment, disposal of chemical waste by outside contractors, and annual laboratory safety inspections.

6. Review the Chemical Hygiene Plan as circumstances warrant, but at least once every 12 months, and to recommend revisions to the Plan to the Vice President of Finance and Administration.

7. Consult regularly with faculty and staff regarding the use of hazardous substances in labs, studios and other work spaces, including Buildings & Grounds, and inform and train all personnel who fall under the purview of this Plan. Provide technical assistance to faculty, staff, and students concerning appropriate storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous chemicals.

8. In conjunction with the Office of Human Resources, designate required training for personnel dealing with hazardous materials.

9. Maintain and update online presence/intranet as it relates to the College’s Chemical Hygiene Plan.

Bennington serves a diverse student population inclusive of members of ethnically/racially minoritized, international, LGBTQIA+, and disability communities as well as diverse gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. Our staff and faculty also reflect diverse and intersecting backgrounds and identities. All employees are expected to be respectful and responsive to these differences in the service of building community that promotes student and employee success and community cohesiveness. Each individual (faculty, staff and students) will be accountable for upholding these values. The College’s approach to pluralism and inclusivity—both as fields of inquiry and practice—is to prioritize flexible thought, and to invite the examination of access, value, power, and privilege through its institutional policies and areas of study. We encourage applicants from diverse realms of interest, backgrounds, experience, and accomplishment to apply.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant systems maintenance practices, federal/state/ local regulations and reporting requirements pertaining to systems management and/or science as would be acquired through a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field (engineering, chemistry, physics, biology, industrial hygiene, environmental or health and safety science preferred) or equivalent 5 years’ experience; experience with management of institutional environmental services in roles of increasing responsibility preferred. 

• 2-4 years of experience with supervision and management of facilities personnel preferred. Demonstrated ability to engage with a team in a positive manner, develop staff and negotiate/resolve conflicts, and foster a safe work environment for employees.

• Experience with commercial building construction, building systems and the required maintenance procedures for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire suppression systems, and low voltage systems preferred.

• Effective understanding of and current knowledge of regulatory requirements including all applicable federal, state and local regulations governing facilities and environmental services management.

• Appropriate training in OSHA and VOSHA safety regulations and protocols related to campus facilities management including staffing and procedures. 

• Requires RCRA Hazardous Waste (initial one-week training and refresher training)

• DOT Training 

• Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification Course (once/3 years)

• Hazwoper Online Training (40 hours) + 3 days field experience training

• Hazwoper Refresher Training annually

• Silica Training

• Respirator Training

• Art and Theater Safety Course

• Proven organizational skills and the ability to be flexible and creatively solve problems.

• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to maintain positive relations and open communication with students, faculty, staff, and guests. The ability to make sound judgments and respond effectively in a broad range of emergency situations is essential.  Exceptional customer service skills; demonstrated experience interacting and developing relationships with internal customers. Demonstrated ability to multi- task, respond to requests with a sense of urgency, and complete work orders in a timely manner.

• Must be able to work with limited direction and handle multiple tasks, including detailed process issues. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple competing tasks and demands. 

• Strong written,oral communication and mechanical aptitude skills; demonstrated computer proficiency using Google Suite and spreadsheet applications, FML systems, building automation systems,  work order system, and other facilities related systems.

This position requires successful completion and acceptable results of a background check.

Working conditions and physical demands

Work may be physically demanding and requires extensive movement to and from various campus facilities. Work involves exposure to extreme physical conditions/work environments, temperatures, noise, and weather. Some extended work days/weeks may be required to handle emergent maintenance situations. Minimal travel is associated with the position. The position requires regular on-call rotation.

The College

Bennington College offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, and tuition benefits including Tuition Exchange scholarships. The College also offers an on-site fitness center as well as generous time off benefits.