Director of Facilities Operations
Whitman College
Compensation: $103,860 - $110,000
WHITMAN COLLEGE
Located in the historic community of Walla Walla, Whitman's vibrant and beautiful tree-lined campus is home to an intellectually diverse, dynamic, welcoming and supportive community of some 500 staff and faculty serving approximately 1,500 students from the local region and across the globe. With exceptional students, accomplished faculty and staff, and a fiercely loyal and growing number of engaged alumni, Whitman College continues to build on its national reputation for academic excellence as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country.
Whitman College is cultivating a community built on inclusion and belonging. We recognize the value of those who can offer historically underrepresented perspectives and encourage applications from those whose background, knowledge, and insights from lived experience can add to the college's working and learning environment. Whitman College is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EEO).
POSITION PURPOSE
Under the general supervision of the AVP of Facilities Services, the Director of Facilities Operations (DFO) is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of custodial, grounds, and building maintenance activities for a variety of facilities, including on/off campus, leased properties, athletics and the stadium. Participates in the development, recommendation, and administration of policies, procedures and processes in support of Facilities Services' operations. Responds to inquiries and requests for service from college departments and supervises administrative services paraprofessionals and technical/support staff. The DFO also partners with departmental managers to schedule, assign, review and supervise the work of all employees in Facilities Operations representing a variety of skills necessary for the maintenance and repair of Whitman's facilities; participates in the design, review, and planning of new construction and remodeling projects; and performs related project management as required.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES
- Plan, organize, maintain, and manage the operations and reliability of college facilities and general infrastructure systems. Establish and monitor preventative maintenance processes and programs, and facility inspection processes for ongoing review of maintenance work by agencies having jurisdiction.
- Supervise managers for departments in respective disciplines of maintenance, grounds, custodial, and project management. This also includes administrative services, and skilled technical/support staff. Hire, evaluate, train, discipline and recommend dismissal of staff as necessary.
- Develop, recommend, and administer policies, procedures, and processes in support of custodial, grounds, and building maintenance operations; implement and monitor compliance with approved policies, procedures, and processes.
- Administer procurement and fiscal management activities associated with building operations activities, which may include: RFQ/Ps, and contracts for custodial, grounds and maintenance-related work to acquire trades and professional assistance; monitor spending on project and cost account basis; recommend and implement corrective spending plans; review and authorize purchase orders; administer contracts; obtain price quotes and bids; purchase and approve employee purchases; ensure compliance with college and public purchasing rules; and/or, perform other related activities.
- Troubleshoot and respond to after-hour issues as needed regarding the operational aspects of the facilities such as HVAC issues, alarm malfunctions, electrical outages, water leaks, etc.
- Monitor the safety and accessibility of the College and its facilities. Provide support as an alternate point-of-contact for code (e.g., ADA, Fire Life Safety) compliance issues, accessibility improvement projects, and/or other code related issues.
- Update and maintain list of college facilities equipment, including life-cycle and replacement costs.
- Monitor and oversee the work of external contractors to ensure terms of agreements are met and work is completed satisfactorily.
- Participate in the development and administration of custodial, grounds and building maintenance budget; coordinate the allocation of resources following budget approval; recommend approval of expenditures.
- Collect and analyze a variety of complex data and information, including utility costs and usage. Perform statistical analysis and summarize findings in applicable reports or other communication mediums.
- Participate in/on a variety of meetings, committees (including chairing), task forces, and/or other related groups to communicate information regarding services, programs, areas of opportunity, and/or other pertinent information as appropriate.
- Serve as a liaison with other departments within the College, the community, and external agencies in order to provide information on available resources, projects, and/or services.
- In addition to the responsibilities above, may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
- As part of Facilities Services' DOC and the department's Emergency Management (Incident Command System) essential personnel, requires after hours and 24/7 on-call for response as needed.
- After hours and weekend work may be required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Must be able to explain and/or demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. Specifically,
- Knowledge of principles and practices in the following fields: supervising, grounds and custodial, contract management, budgeting, procurement, project management, preventative maintenance, and continuous quality improvement.
- Knowledge of facilities maintenance (institutional and residential).
- Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, drawings, maps, and/or other related technical documents.
- Ability to manage complex, multi-discipline projects involving multiple locations.
- Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes, including the Landlord-Tenant Act.
- Work within the safety regulations for federal, state, and Whitman College. Actively participate in the Accident Prevention Program, including attending safety training programs.
- Observe safety precautions and procedures at all times, being alert for unsafe conditions and correcting the conditions accordingly.
- Maintain data and components for facilities, such as: 6 Years for Life Cycle, Scheduled Maintenance, Facilities Condition Assessment.
- Analyze processes and make recommendations for improvement.
- Prepare a variety of data-driven reports related to operational activities, statistical analysis, planning and budgeting.
- Utilize a CMMS system and computer technology used for communication, data gathering and reporting.
- Communicate effectively through verbal and written mediums, including presenting to large and diverse audiences.
- Knowledge of sustainability in Facilities Management and maintaining currency in sustainable practices.
- Demonstrate a high level of intercultural competence, an understanding of the diverse identities and cultures of Whitman students, faculty and staff, and in developing and supporting inclusive communities.
- Ability to positively and actively contribute to the College's core values of diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism.
- Mediate conflicts and conduct negotiations.
- Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions and consequences of proposed actions, and make recommendations in support of goals.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Administration or a related building construction field.
- Six years' progressively responsible, professional custodial, grounds, or maintenance experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's Degree in Facilities Management, Engineering, Administration or a related field.
- Applicable Board Certification (e.g., CEFP, CFM, LEED AP).
- Facilities supervisory and management experience in Higher Education.
Please note that while the description details both required and preferred qualifications, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications and have passion for the work, you are encouraged to apply.
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is generally performed in both an office environment and an outdoor environment, with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. Requires frequent walking, standing, climbing, lifting, stooping, and carrying of equipment and materials may be required. Incumbent may be exposed to dirt, dust, extreme temperatures, close quarter situations, high and precarious places, moving mechanical parts, and vibrations. Work may require periodic use of personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators) and may be required to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
BENEFITS
Whitman College offers a competitive benefits program that is designed to attract qualified candidates and retain talented employees. Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:
Medical/Dental/Vision Insurances.
Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment and long term disability insurances with the capability to elect additional voluntary coverage.
403(b) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan with a 10% matching contribution after eligibility requirements are met.
Paid Time Off: 20 accrued vacation days, 12 accrued sick days, 13 paid holidays.
Tuition Remission - Dependent Children.
Employee tuition waiver for one Whitman course per semester.
Employee Assistance Program.
Relocation benefits for eligible employees.
Learn more about benefits eligibility here.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR JOB CANDIDATES
Contact Human Resources regarding requests for disability accommodation in the employment application process.
APPLICATION REVIEW
Application review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
START DATE
August 2024
For full application instructions and position description, visit https://whitman.bamboohr.com/careers/360
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