Penn State Job Catalog

Additional levels that exist for this job profile can be seen below.

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Operations Engineering

The Operations Engineer conducts investigations, evaluations, and applied research directed toward managing the procurement and consumption of energy and related commodities; uses known engineering theories and principles and applies them in methods specific to energy management and problems encountered; requires the use of known theories and principles to develop new market driven solutions that may not be in existence, may not be documented, or may not be proven; prepares technical reports and recommendations for use by University administration for guidance on energy procurement, energy production and energy market conditions, as well as issues of long- and short-range planning for capacity/load, energy use and production, budgeting, capital planning, and capital renewal; assists in procurement of energy and energy commodities; initiates, evaluates, develops and implements energy conservation projects and programs to reduce consumption and/or operating cost; evaluates and interprets current and evolving codes and regulations on energy procurement, and assists in permit preparation and compliance documentation; maintains, evaluates and validates energy use and consumption data for reporting, billing and benchmarking; assists in the review and implementation of facility design and construction to ensure reduction strategies are implemented and maintained; develops operational and maintenance program parameters; organizes, coordinates, and provides technical presentations and workshops for operations personnel, researchers, educators, students, and the public.

• Manage projects, including feasibility, planning, and budgets
• Review drawings and documents of other engineers; comment and critique
• Participate in development and lead energy-related programs and initiatives across college or University units (internally) or governmental agencies (externally)
• Evaluate alternative energy procurement strategies
• Seek funding for programs and projects
• Author/co-author and present papers, proposals, presentations, and reports
• Understand and contribute to the strategic plan of the unit
• May prepare materials and teach workshops and short courses
• May supervise staff members, including hiring, development, and performance management

Level:

– Principal Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Displays mastery of defined skill areas/applications, principles, theories and practices. Evaluates and enhances existing practices. Recognizes emerging trends in area of expertise. Works independently on complex or strategic assignments. Directs and delegates appropriate tasks to others. Implements strategies to ensure achievement of initiatives. Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and deliver to broad audiences. Identifies and implements innovative solutions to important, highly complex strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– Validates and pays invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding
– May plan and forecast budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters complex and novel problems
– Applies policies, practices, specialized knowledge, and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on complex or strategic assignments
– Uses existing practices as guidelines as well as working knowledge to determine specific work methods
– Carries out work activities independently, with supervisor available to resolve problems
– Reviews work of others to verify technical soundness

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates with both internal and external audiences
– Collaborates closely with team members and area leads across the University
– Prepares written and/or verbal presentations or proposals on complex issues and delivers to a broad variety of audiences
– Establishes and maintains networks to facilitate successful communication among units

• Comp Grade – 15
• Minimum – $109,300.00
• MidPoint – $136,600.00
• Maximum – $164,000.00