Chief Operating Officer

The expected hiring range for this position is:

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such the scope and responsibilities of the position, qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

About the Role:

Reporting directly to the Lab Director, the Deputy Laboratory Director for Operations and Chief Operating Officer (COO) is accountable for ensuring achievement of short- and long-range Laboratory goals and objectives by establishing expectations, monitoring performance, integrating activities, and reporting to stakeholders. In accordance with Lab policy and US Department of Energy (DOE) directives, the COO provides leadership in planning and overseeing activities of: Facilities and Engineering Services, Campus Strategy and Readiness, Human Resources, Finance (including Procurement), Information Systems, and Strategic Partnerships. Responsible for driving performance improvement across the portfolio of functions.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Develops and plans implementation of special and long-range strategic plans and programs to improve operating processes throughout the Lab. Evaluates and advises on the impact of long-range plans and introduces new programs/strategies and other regulatory actions, including enterprise risk management and resource allocations.
• Directly oversees the Human Resources, Facilities Engineering and Site Services, Campus Strategy and Readiness, and the Offices of Finance (including Procurement), Information Systems, and Strategic Partnerships.
• Organizes, implements, and reports on the associated activities established to support the Lab's business and operational plans.
• Provides leadership for the Lab’s infrastructure strategy, planning and execution.
• Builds and maintains a productive relationship with the Associate Laboratory Directors, DOE site office and headquarters, and the Board of Directors.
• In accordance with the operational framework, coordinates with senior management in executing the strategies for operational systems. Advises and aids the Director in formulating and administering organization policies on all aspects of operational and strategic issues.
• Interacts with DOE and other stakeholders to ensure compliance, transparency, and smooth conventional facility operations.
• Reviews, approves, and oversees the Operations budgets and objectives in accordance with the Fermilab annual plan and annual DOE reports.
• Responsible for the final stage hearing and reconciling of all non-scientific employee grievances.
• Works with Lab scientific leadership to support users and affiliates on items related to Lab operations and facilities relevant to the scientists and engineers visiting Fermilab to carry out research.
• Collaborates closely with LBNF/DUNE, PIP-II and other key project and initiative stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Abides by and is responsible for performing all duties in accordance with all environmental, health and safety regulations and practices pertinent to this position.

Minimum Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and experience commensurate with the scope of this position. Master’s degree or higher preferred.

Applicable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Knowledge and skill in large facility planning and operation in a government contractor environment.
• Excellent leadership, organizational planning, communication, and management skills.
• Must be clearable for a DOE Q security clearance.

Work Arrangement:

 Please note that the described work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs and is not guaranteed to be final.

• Onsite: This is an onsite role, and the candidate must be able to work from our Batavia office.

Benefits/Perks:

 Fermilab offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, including:

Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Account

Paid time-off

Life insurance

Short and Long-term disability insurance

Retirement benefits

Onsite day care

Why Fermilab: 
Fermilab is America’s premier laboratory for particle physics and accelerator research, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. We support discovery science experiments in Illinois and locations around the world, including deep underground mines in South Dakota and Canada, mountaintops in Arizona and Chile, CERN in Europe and the South Pole.

Pre-Employment Screening:

Drug-Free Workplace & Pre-Employment Screening  

Fermilab is dedicated to fostering a safe, productive and drug-free environment. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

HSPD-12

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a federal background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

Foreign Government Sponsored Activities

Fermilab employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. Such individuals will be asked to disclose any participation for review by Fermilab's Office of General Counsel.

REAL-ID Requirement for access to Fermilab Campus
Fermilab requires all members of the public to produce a REAL-ID, or equivalent, to access the Fermilab Campus for interviews or career events. A list of acceptable forms of ID can be found here: https://get-connected.fnal.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/REALID-Documents.pdf. If a candidate is selected for an interview but does not possess any of the equivalent documents, we may schedule a virtual interview. 

Equal Opportunity Statement   

Fermilab is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, and other legally protected categories.