What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Facilities and Maintenance position at Brookgreen Gardens?
Director of Facilities and Maintenance
Full-time | Exempt
About Us
Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, is a unique blend of art, nature, and history. Established in 1931, our mission is to preserve and display American sculpture and regional plants, animals, and historical sites for the education and enjoyment of the public. Spanning over 9,100 acres, Brookgreen Gardens includes a renowned sculpture garden, wildlife preserve, botanical gardens, and a rich historical landscape, offering a dynamic and inspiring experience for all visitors.
Position Summary
The Director of Facilities and Maintenance leads the planning, budgeting, and daily operations needed to maintain Brookgreen Gardens' buildings, infrastructure, equipment, and vehicles, balancing long-term maintenance priorities with daily operational needs and managing resources responsibly to keep facilities safe, reliable, and well maintained for staff, volunteers, and visitors. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Director provides department leadership while participating in troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Sample job duties include:
- Lead the Facilities and Maintenance department by setting priorities, assigning daily work, coaching and evaluating staff, and maintaining accountability.
- Develop annual and long-term maintenance plans and preventive maintenance programs, and recommend repair, replacement, and capital improvement priorities to the COO.
- Prepare and manage the annual departmental budget, and oversee purchasing and inventory.
- Determine which repairs and projects are handled internally or by outside contractors, and provide hands-on troubleshooting and repair support as needed.
- Plan and oversee renovation and construction projects, including scope, cost estimates, and schedules, and monitor contractor work for quality, safety, permits, and inspections.
- Coordinate projects with volunteers and department leaders to limit disruption to operations and visitors.
- Manage maintenance emergencies and after-hours inspections, including repairs to security, fire detection, and alarm systems, and work with Safety to maintain a safe working environment consistent with OSHA standards.
Minimum Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED and at least five years of progressively responsible experience in facilities maintenance, building trades, or a related field, including supervisory or management experience.
- Practical knowledge of building systems, construction, preventive maintenance, and repair, with familiarity with vehicle and small-engine maintenance and safe equipment operation.
- Experience preparing or managing budgets, estimating project costs, coordinating contractors, and organizing maintenance priorities.
- Ability to lead staff, collaborate with volunteers and other departments, and communicate priorities and expectations clearly.
- Sound judgment in troubleshooting, allocating resources, and determining when specialized contractors or services are needed.
- Valid South Carolina driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
- Technical or vocational training in a relevant trade or facilities management; experience coordinating volunteer projects or maintaining facilities open to the public.
Work Environment
This full-time, exempt position includes office duties, facility inspections, and hands-on work in indoor and outdoor settings, with flexibility for planned after-hours work and availability for maintenance emergencies outside regular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Employment is contingent upon a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
Why Brookgreen?
Brookgreen Gardens offers an excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance, 9 paid holidays, paid time off starting at 15 days annually (prorated upon hire and growing with tenure), a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, and Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts. Employees also enjoy a complimentary household membership, complimentary guest tickets, free daily access to Huntington Beach State Park, employee discounts on food and retail, and an Employee Assistance Program, all while working in one of South Carolina's most treasured destinations.
To Apply
Apply by clicking the Apply Now button, or submit your cover letter, resume, and a completed Brookgreen Gardens application (available at brookgreen.org/careers) by any of the following:
- Email: hr@brookgreen.org
- Fax: 843-235-6039
- Mail: Attn: Human Resources, PO Box 3368, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
- In person: Drop off at the Gardeners Cottage Ticket and Information Center at the garden entrance
No phone calls, please.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Brookgreen Gardens is an equal opportunity employer committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment which is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Director of Facilities and Maintenance | Facilities & Property | 10.2026
Salary : $55,162 - $82,061