Facilities & Grounds Technician

Facilities & Grounds Technician
FLSA Classification
Exempt
Salary Range/Grade
Salary Range: $40,000 - $50,000
Reports to
Director, Facilities Management
Job Description
Summary/Objective
The Department of Facilities Management is responsible for maintaining, planning and designing the University's buildings, grounds/properties, transportation/vehicular maintenance, and safety policies. The Department is a key campus partner that is responsible for the maintenance of the physical environment of the campus and providing services that support the University’s goal of academic excellence and providing students with a living / learning environment that supports their academic aspirations.
In this role, the Facilities & Grounds Technician (Technician) possesses the knowledge and skillset needed to independently, and at times under direction of the Director, develop and manage maintenance schedules and project timelines. The Technician is responsible for the upkeep and repair of HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing, flooring, and other building infrastructure controls and needs of the University. The Technician coordinates with contractors to complete campus projects as needed and verifies work is completed within specification.
The Technician is considered essential personnel and is required to support emergency response as needed. Additionally, the Technician works any shift as needed by the University and supports the On-Call weekend rotation of the Residential Life & Housing Department.
Essential functions
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Performs skilled and semi-skilled maintenance and repair work on campus buildings, facilities, equipment or machinery to include scheduled, unscheduled, and preventive maintenance on all facilities and grounds equipment.
- Assembles, installs and/or repairs: wiring, electrical and electronic components, plumbing/pipe systems, physical structures, fixtures, paint, HVAC systems, locks/access systems, compressors, generators, engines, etc.
- Diagnoses problems and determines corrective solutions, referring to and/or adhering to building codes, blueprints, repair manuals, and parts catalogs as necessary.
- Collaborate with contractors and vendors to support campus operations, which includes recommending improvements related to contracted services and oversee their work (e.g., HVAC, electrical, plumbing, landscaping).
- Assist in planning and decision-making to ensure the safety, functionality, and appearance of the University’s buildings and grounds.
- Maintain records of inspections, repairs, and safety systems to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Repairs or replaces defective equipment parts using hand tools and power tools, and reassembles equipment, and maintain inventory of critical spare parts and consumables.
- May lead other maintenance staff on projects or assist in a general maintenance capacity when others are in a lead role.
- Ensure proper operation and upkeep of university vehicles and equipment, and drives University vehicles as needed.
- Support event logistics, including setups, teardowns, and clean-up.
- Oversee landscaping projects and seasonal grounds care.
- Other duties as assigned.
Competencies
- Ability to work in a safe and efficient manner.
- Proficient communication skills.
- Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
- Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
- Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
- Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
- Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
- Highly thorough and dependable.
- Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Ability to represent the company with external constituents.
- Ability to drive multiple projects to successful completion.
- Strong verbal communication and listening skills.
- Ability to build strong customer relationships.
- Quickly troubleshoots and resolves problems.
- Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools used to perform job duties in area of expertise.
- General knowledge of multi-craft maintenance in carpentry, electric, heating/cooling, and plumbing.
- Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
- Ability to operate the specific tools used in the area of expertise, including related tools and equipment such as common hand and power tools, hammers, hoists, saws, drills, and wrenches, precision measuring instruments and electrical and electronic testing devices.
- Ability to operate a computer.
- Ability to work with wide variety of cultures and backgrounds.
- May be required to acquire and maintain position-required certifications.
Work environment
This role requires the ability to remain in a stationary position as well as the ability to move about the workplace for long durations. It requires effective communication, the ability to operate machinery, tools, and controls. The role requires the ability to ascend/descend ladders/stairs, and to position one's self in low level positions, detect a variety of chemicals and/or gases. The role requires the ability to ascend to rooftops and move in tight spaces to perform and complete inspections. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
This role requires availability to work during inclement weather (e.g., tropical storms, excessive heat, etc.) when weather emergencies dictate the department is needed to take care of the campus.
Physical demands
Ability to sit/stand/walk at will; Ability to climb stairs; Ability to communicate verbally and in writing; Ability to use a keyboard; and Ability to lift or carry up to 50 pounds.
Travel required
Up to 75%. Travel may frequent trips between the University’s two campuses, etc.
Required education and experience
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- 5 years Verifiable journey-level experience OR Certificate in DOL apprenticed trade (electrical/plumbing/HVAC/carpentry)
Preferred education and experience
- Experience in operation and maintenance of HVAC related equipment (including bearings, coils, motors, etc.)
Additional eligibility requirements
Valid, unexpired drivers’ license required.
Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Non-Discrimination Statement
In compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal, state, and local laws, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) forbids discriminating or harassing conduct that is based on an individual's race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, membership in Uniformed Services, and all other categories protected by applicable state and federal laws.
This commitment applies but is not limited to decisions made with respect to hiring and promotion, the administration of educational programs and policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other College-administered programs. Discriminatory acts of any kind are strictly forbidden.
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement
Southern University of New Orleans (SUNO) complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the Office of Human Resources.