Director of Physical Plant

Position Summary:

The Director of Physical Plant provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and administrative direction for the university's campus infrastructure, facilities, and grounds. This role is responsible for ensuring a safe, clean, sustainable and well-maintained environment that supports the university's academic mission and campus community. The Director of Physical Plant oversees capital projects, routine and preventative maintenance, energy management, utilities, groundskeeping, and custodial operations while ensuring strict compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Direct and manage all physical plant operations, including building maintenance, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, custodial services, and groundskeeping.
• Strategic and Capital Planning: Collaborate with university leadership to develop and execute long-range campus master plans, deferred maintenance strategies, and capital improvement projects.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure all campus facilities and operations comply with OSHA, EPA, ADA, local building codes, and life safety regulations. Serve as a key stakeholder in campus emergency preparedness and disaster response.
• Sustainability and Energy Management: Implement and oversee energy conservation programs, waste management, and sustainability initiatives to optimize utility consumption and reduce the university's carbon footprint.
• Personnel Management: Supervise, develop, and evaluate a diverse team of professional, technical, and trade staff. Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and high-quality customer service.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 3 years in an educational system with management experience.
• 5 years experience in a Physical Plant operation may be substituted for a degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Kowledge of HVAC, electrical distribution, commercial plumbing, structural integrity, and building automation systems (BAS).
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, ADA compliance, local building codes, EPA satandards, and fire/life safety regulations.
• Knowledge in Project Management.
• Basic knowledge in all areas of maintenace.
• Knowledge of computerized maintenance systems.
• Ability to lead and direct.
• Skilled at building rapport and cultivating productive, long-term partnerships with external vendors.

Physical Requirements:

• Mobility and Campus Inspections: Ability to frequently traverse campus, navigate construction sites, climb stairs/ladders, and access mechanical spaces (susch as roofs, basements, and utility tunnels).
• Environmental Adaptability: Capacity to work in varied conditions including indoor office settings and outdoor environments subject to extreme weather, noise, dust, and confined spaces.
• Physical Exertion: Ability to occasionally lift, move, or position equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Stamina and Response: Stamina to endure extended periods of standing or walking during campus events or emergency response situations, with the flexibility to respond to urgent operational needs outside of standard business hours.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403B Retirement Savings Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance

Philander Smith University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on age, race, sex, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status or religion. Philander Smith University is a smoke-free and drug-free work environment. Philander Smith University participates in E-Verify.