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Human Resources

Director, Facility Maintenance

August 25, 2023
Position Vacancy Announcements

 

 

Director, Facility Maintenance 

Job Description  

Summary/objective 

The Director of Facilities Management coordinates and drives efforts to develop and manage physical assets to ensure a sustainable, safe, inclusive and welcoming physical environment in support of the mission of Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) and the Southern University System.  Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration, The Director is responsible for directing the activities for safe and efficient facility operation. The Director is responsible for facilities planning and maintenance, campus beautification and landscaping, real estate management, campus cleanliness, energy and utilities, physical asset maintenance, construction and renovation, and emergency preparedness within a framework of safety and inclusion.  

The Director assists the Vice Chancellor with policy development for areas within his or responsibility.  The Director also partners with the Southern University System and SUNO campus personnel to support the University’s risk management and safety efforts.  This includes the day to day operations of the department while ensuring that all policies, procedures, controls and reporting regulations are complied with at all times. This position also administers tasks, programs, reporting, and other initiatives related to environmental sustainability of University facilities. 

Moreover, the Director ensures that University facilities support and embrace the present and long-range, educational, and other campus programs. Advises and liaises with architects, engineers, and construction firms during the design and construction stage of campus development.  Subsequently, the Director participates in the planning and management of capital renewal and replacement budgets for facility maintenance and improvements.  

Essential functions 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. 

  1. Directs and manages staff in the maintenance and operation of buildings and campus facilities to support academic and resident hall operations.  Plans, organizes and provides daily supervision of a variety of programs, projects and activities related to maintenance, custodial, grounds, facilities, enhancements, warehouse, safety and health hazards. 
  1. Provides technical expertise, information and assistance regarding assigned functions; supervises skilled workers in the performance of new construction, major repairs and alternations of University facilities. 
  1. Assures the optimal functioning of building systems, to include mechanical, electrical, HVAC, emergency generators, and plumbing systems.  Consults with engineers on HVAC, mechanical and electrical requirements of new and renovated buildings; maintain utility and energy management systems. 
  1. Establishes, recommends, and implements approved policies and procedures relevant to the efficient utilization of the department's human and fiscal resources.  Assure compliance with laws, codes, regulations, and health and safety precautions related to maintenance and operations activities. 
  1. Inspect buildings, equipment and grounds for fire, safety and health hazards; recommend or require proper elimination of hazards; inspect buildings relative to energy usage and savings; evaluate and recommend cost-saving methods.  Supports efforts to reduce energy and water consumption and expenses. 
  1. Develops planned maintenance schedules for staff and contractors to follow to ensure maximum life of capital equipment.  Assist in the development of plans and specifications for work to be completed; review cost estimates submitted by outside contractors; recommend or determine equipment and materials to be purchased. 
  1. Develops preventative maintenance plans to ensure maximum life of capital equipment; maintains an accurate database of facilities deficiencies and deferred maintenance. 
  1. Oversees the Computerized Maintenance Management System; monitors progress and completion of assignments; prepares and submits quarterly reports. 
  1. Assist in the development of plans, specifications, bid documents and related materials; evaluate bids and recommend award of contracts for major & minor maintenance projects, capital projects, equipment and major repairs.  Follows all purchasing policies and procedures as prescribed by the State of Louisiana, Southern University System, and Southern University at New Orleans. 
  1. Supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned staff in accordance with University guidelines, personnel policy and procedures; plans, coordinates and arranges for appropriate training of staff. 
  1. Identifies unsafe conditions and practices and recommends and/or implements remedial action. 
  1. Maintains familiarity and strong working knowledge of recognized standards of good practice and relevant government codes and regulations related to fire, life-safety, building maintenance, renovation, and new construction. 
  1. Works closely with other campus departments, including Student Life, Information Technology, Athletics, and Residential Life, to minimize disruption of campus activities during maintenance and construction projects. 
  1. Ensures preparation and submission of all payroll information; maintains pertinent records and assists in resolution of discrepancies. 
  1. Maintains inventory records of fixed assets; prepare documentation, evaluate and recommend disposition of surplus property. 
  1. Oversees space utilization documentation and reporting. 
  1. Participates in the budget planning and management. 
  1. Other duties as assigned. 

Competencies  

  • Computer literacy in Window's based software environment. 
  • Willingness to obtain required certifications for facilities and grounds activities. 
  • Must have a working knowledge of building and safety codes (Louisiana Uniform Construction Code, Americans with Disabilities Act, Louisiana State Fire Code, and Occupational Safety Code). 
  • Demonstrated skills managing and leading facility maintenance and operations departments comprised of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled staff. 
  • Demonstrated skills leading emergency and routine repair, preventative maintenance, housekeeping, and grounds maintenance departments in a complex setting. 
  • Practical knowledge of architectural programming, space planning, building code compliance, construction cost budgeting, and design contract management. 
  • Practical knowledge in architectural or civil engineering design of buildings, roads, and grounds; strong proficiency in reading and interpreting building prints. 
  • Knowledge in the renovation of buildings and an understanding of the administrative processes of project delivery. 
  • Must be able to maintain cooperative working relationships with the internal and external community, local municipal agencies as well as regulatory agencies, construction inspectors, and architects/engineers 
  • Demonstrated sensitivity, knowledge, and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of the students we serve and sensitivity to and knowledge and understanding of groups historically underrepresented, and groups who may have experienced discrimination. 
  • Must have excellent oral and written communication skills as well as a demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity and multiculturalism 

Required education and experience 

  • Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
  • A valid Louisiana driver's license with insurability with the University’s insurance carrier. 
  • Five years' experience in the maintenance and operations of a facility and journey-level experience in at least one of the building trades. 
  • Five years of increasingly responsible management/supervisory experience in the area of maintenance, operations, and facilities. 
  • Minimum of three years' journey-level experience in the operation, repair and maintenance of facilities equipment with a thorough understanding of electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems, emergency generation and distribution and life safety systems. 

Preferred education and experience 

  • Graduate degree. 
  • Current Professional Architect of Engineers License. 
  • Previous experience working in Higher Education. 

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.