Facilities Director

Position Summary: 

As the Facilities Director, you support the mission of the Urban Ecology Center by leading the strategic planning and management of our physical assets (4 buildings, 20 vehicles, misc equipment, grounds) as well as guiding our sustainability efforts. You will oversee daily operations and major maintenance needs, support programs, events, capital projects, and daily use of spaces in an effective, timely, and cost-efficient manner.  This is a hands-on role: you will assess systems, solve problems, and make decisions without significant reliance on vendors or subcontractors.

Starting Compensation: $65,000 – $75,000 annually, plus full benefits

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations

• Oversee day-to-day operations across all four locations
• Support events and educational programs with setup, coordination, and building readiness
• Maintain HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and building systems
• Respond to issues quickly and fix root causes 
• Work collaboratively with the Ecology Director to ensure any work performed on the grounds (outside of weather clearance- snow, ice etc) is in line with the objectives of the Land Management plan. 
• Work collaboratively with the program departments to ensure work on program equipment is in line with the objectives of the Program needs.

Maintenance & Asset Management

• Build and run a preventative maintenance program
• Track asset condition, lifecycle, and replacement timing
• Reduce reactive work through planning and standards
• Manage fleet of vans (maintenance, inspections, replacement planning)  

Sustainability

• Ensure operations align with sustainability goals
• Analyze and possibly reduce energy, water, and waste across all sites
• Support green practices in maintenance, cleaning, and capital work
• Track and report on sustainability efforts 

Capital Planning

• Build and manage a 5 to 10-year capital plan
• Prioritize work based on risk, condition, and cost
• Plan for building systems, site work, and fleet replacement
• Lead capital projects from scope through completion 

Financial Management

• Manage operating and capital budgets
• Track spend and keep work within budget targets
• Code expenses correctly and control costs 

Vendor Management

• Manage contracts and vendor performance
• Get bids and control pricing
• Hold vendors accountable to scope and quality 

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain OSHA and local state and federal code compliance across all sites
• Oversee fire/life safety systems and inspections
• Support a strong safety culture for staff and participants 

Leadership

• Lead and develop facilities staff (maintenance and custodial staff)
• Set clear expectations and accountability
• Build a culture of ownership and respect 

Sustainability Leadership

• Considers the environmental impact of all decisions regarding care and maintenance of Urban Ecology Center facilities, equipment, and vehicles.
• Analyzes energy expenditures, consumption, and production, making changes to operations and systems as needed to curb usage.
• Finds efficiencies in building systems while understanding potential impact on the environment. 
• Provide staff leadership to the Board of Directors’ Sustainability Committee.

TEAM AND SUPERVISION

• You will lead the Facilities team and be managed by the Vice President of Finance & Operations.
• Though all of our teams work together in some capacity, you will most frequently collaborate with Community Managers, Land Management, and Facility Rentals and Events.
• In this role, you will lead the staff Safety Circle, Sustainability Circle, and the Board’s Climate Mitigation and Resilience Committee.
• All UEC team members should expect interaction with volunteers, members, and youth participants.
• You will encourage, plan for, and manage volunteer involvement in facilities management work.

ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT

• All team members of the Urban Ecology Center work a minimum of 1-2 weekend or evening events each year. Our events are a great way to engage with our communities and see our mission in action; examples include Urban Candlelight Hike, Autumn Celebration, and HKE MKE. Some roles may have increased responsibility for event leadership.
• Most team members are asked to support our building hours by providing building coverage, which may include opening/closing the building, communicating with staff on-site, and welcoming visitors or guests. You may sign-up for an ongoing shift or provide backup support.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments
• Drives Engagement: Creating a culture where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its outcomes 
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through integrity, consistency, and authenticity 
• Decision Quality: Makes sound decisions, even in the absence of complete information
• Situational Adaptability: Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations  
• Resourcefulness: Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently
• Optimizes work processes: you know the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Employee Coaching: guiding and supporting direct reports to enhance skills, knowledge, and abilities, ultimately improving performance and achieving professional goals.
• Physical operations management: you possess a proficient understanding of the function, care/maintenance, and ergonomics of our centers and their associated physical resources (equipment, vehicles, and furniture); you have an awareness of necessary annual maintenance and proactively establish repair schedules.
• Relationship Stewardship: you maintain strong, meaningful relationships with partners and vendors that demonstrate value and appreciation for their efforts, in turn promoting support for UEC operations and programs; you take time to provide personal recognition and support for their initiatives to encourage a mutually beneficial relationship.
• Strong cultural competency and commitment to equity, dignity, and justice.
• Affinity to the Urban Ecology Center’s mission, vision, and values.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• You have a minimum of 8 years of working experience in the operation and maintenance of multiple commercial facilities, including a well-rounded background and knowledge of HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as equipment and vehicle maintenance and repairs. Experience leading or managing other employees is highly preferred.
• 2 or more years of college education in a related field is recommended; completion of a four-year degree program is preferred. Relevant work experience can be substituted.
• You have a strong commitment to safety practices, with experience training others on the safe use of tools and equipment. Training in Safety/OSHA standards is preferred.
• You can operate equipment relevant to the position.
• Experience with budgeting and capital planning in Google Sheets (Excel).
• You must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to meet the requirements of insurability under Urban Ecology Center’s commercial vehicle insurance policy.
• A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or the ability to obtain a CDL is preferred; the UEC can support in attainment.
• First Aid/CPR Certification is required; the UEC can assist in obtaining.

WORKING CONDITIONS, LOCATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Condition & Location: Open office workspace with an active team atmosphere. Using shared workspaces at all three UEC locations. Up to 50% of the work time will be spent outdoors in all weather conditions throughout the year.
• Physical Requirements: You have the ability to bend, crawl, kneel, stoop, stand,  lift and move materials of significant weight for 75% or more of your work hours, with or without accommodation. 
• Equipment Used: Computer equipment, Google software, CDL Vehicles, heavy machinery, power tools.
• Schedule: Standard business hours with occasional evening and weekend events.

The Urban Ecology Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to make all personnel decisions without discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, physical disability, mental disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national or ethnic origin, and any other protected status.