What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Environmental & Support Services position at Jackson College?
Description
SUMMARY
The Director of Environmental and Support Services (DESS) serves as the operational leader for custodial services, campus event support, and facilities service delivery across all College facilities. The role ensures high standards of cleanliness, safety, regulatory compliance, and facility readiness while overseeing CMMS governance, service performance, and continuous improvement.
Working in close coordination with maintenance and grounds leadership, the Director supports integrated campus operations, aligns preventive maintenance priorities, and contributes to the planning and execution of internally performed facilities projects across more than one million square feet.
This position provides leadership and oversight for compliance with OSHA, MIOSHA, EPA, and public health regulations and leads the campus safety committee. The Director leads custodial and event support teams, manages vendors, and implements quality assurance systems to ensure facilities are safe, professional, and operationally efficient.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESinclude the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Cleanliness, Sanitation & Safety Leadership
Project Planning & Internal Delivery
Direct supervision of Custodial and Campus Event Support personnel, including full-time, part-time, and temporary employees.
Direct supervision of Facilities support staff personnel (Facilities Coordinator)
Contacts And Purpose Of Contacts
Internal Contacts & Purpose
Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated Knowledge Of
Ability to present a positive image of the college and the Facilities Department in relationship with others and in one’s personal habits. Neatness in one’s personal habits and dress in accordance with tasks.
Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, shop drawings, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, percentages, area, flow calculations, pipe sizing, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Licensure, Certification, Registration Or Other Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly expected to stand, walk, climb, use hands to finger, handle and feel and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally will stoop or crouch. Employee requires good hearing and ability to smell. Normally will be required to lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds. Ability to have both close and distance vision and reasonable depth perception. Able and willing to work in inclement weather.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving parts, risk of electrical shock and normally exposed to work in wet/humid conditions, fumes, extreme heat and occasionally exposed to vibration/outdoor weather and toxin or caustic chemicals and work in precarious places.
This job requires that the employee is occasionally needed to work a flexible schedule to include some weekend and evening work. The work schedule is determined by coordinating/weighing the available equipment and labor resources against prioritized work requests and pre-planned special events. Work may be required during unscheduled environmental emergencies, building system failures, or occupant driven cleaning needs.
“This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required and shall not be construed as declaring the specific duties and responsibilities. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.”
Supplemental Information
Jackson College only accepts on-line applications though this system. For assistance with this, please call 517-796-8468.
Please use your legal first and last names on your application. If you are hired you will have the opportunity to identify and utilize your preferred name.
The Jackson College Nepotism policy prohibits hiring of a relative or someone with a familial relationship to work in the same instructional department, office or administrative unit of the College including spouse, child, stepchild, parent, stepparent or sibling of the employee or spouse, aunt, uncle, niece/nephew, grandparent, grandchild, and members of the same household including domestic partner.
It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess (even if you are repeating it from your resume or cover letter). For instance, do not say, "See Resume or C/V." Your resume, cover letter that includes your salary requirements and an unofficial transcript for the degree required must be attached to your application. Applications will be rejected if incomplete. When you apply for the position, you will get to the document upload area where you will be given an opportunity to attach your documents such as your resume/vita, transcripts, etc. Instructions will also be found there.
The College reserves the right to request proof of degree or certification at a later date, if these documents are required as part of the qualifications for the position.
Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background as part of the employment process.
If selected you will be required to complete the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Employment Eligibility Verification form I-9 and provide documentation verifying identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Jackson College is NOT able to support Visa applications for employment at the college. Applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States to be considered.
Applicants with disabilities may request accommodation to complete the application and interview process. Please notify Human Resources at least three (3) working days prior to the date of need.
A copy of Jackson College's Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report is available on the JC Campus Safety & Security website. The security report contains crime statistics for the previous three years for all of our campus locations and the annual fire safety report, which contains statistics for any reported fires in campus housing units and fire safety systems in these buildings. Additionally, the report contains policies, available resources and information concerning personal safety, fire safety and reporting procedures for both crimes and fires.
Applicants have rights under Federal employment laws . Jackson College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively supports workforce diversity.
SUMMARY
The Director of Environmental and Support Services (DESS) serves as the operational leader for custodial services, campus event support, and facilities service delivery across all College facilities. The role ensures high standards of cleanliness, safety, regulatory compliance, and facility readiness while overseeing CMMS governance, service performance, and continuous improvement.
Working in close coordination with maintenance and grounds leadership, the Director supports integrated campus operations, aligns preventive maintenance priorities, and contributes to the planning and execution of internally performed facilities projects across more than one million square feet.
This position provides leadership and oversight for compliance with OSHA, MIOSHA, EPA, and public health regulations and leads the campus safety committee. The Director leads custodial and event support teams, manages vendors, and implements quality assurance systems to ensure facilities are safe, professional, and operationally efficient.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESinclude the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Cleanliness, Sanitation & Safety Leadership
- Establish and enforce rigorous cleanliness and sanitation standards across all College facilities.
- Develop and implement inspection protocols to ensure consistent compliance with safety and cleanliness expectations.
- Lead quality assurance programs focused on infection control, environmental safety, and hazard prevention.
- Ensure facilities consistently provide safe, hygienic, and welcoming environments for students, employees, and guests.
- Identify safety risks proactively and implement corrective action plans.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, MIOSHA, EPA, and applicable public health standards.
- Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and chemical inventory management, and hazard communication programs.
- Develop and maintain written safety procedures, and training documentation.
- Maintain documentation for inspections, audits, corrective actions, and compliance reporting.
- Support institutional response to regulatory inquiries or inspections.
- Implement infection control and environmental risk mitigation programs.
- Direct daily custodial and campus event support operations.
- Establish and enforce cleanliness, sanitation, and facility readiness standards.
- Develop structured cleaning schedules and standardized work procedures.
- Oversee staffing models that balance routine operations and event demands.
- Conduct quality assurance inspections and performance evaluations.
- Oversee operational space management processes, including move/add/change requests and interior reconfiguration coordination.
- Collaborate with campus leadership to ensure efficient space utilization and alignment with institutional priorities.
- Support space planning decisions through data tracking, documentation management, and workflow coordination.
- Coordinate with IT, maintenance, and custodial teams to ensure seamless implementation of approved space adjustments.
- Monitor space usage trends and recommend operational improvements to support effective facility utilization.
- Supervise, frontline staff, and event support personnel.
- Interview, hire, and train employees in safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and operational standards.
- Conduct regular safety meetings and compliance training.
- Promote safety culture, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Provide leadership coaching and professional development opportunities.
- Manage custodial-related vendors and service contracts.
- Ensure contracted services comply with safety and regulatory standards.
- Inspect vendor performance and approve invoices within delegated authority.
Project Planning & Internal Delivery
- Support planning, scoping, and coordination of internally performed facilities projects, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and available resources.
- Develop project plans, timelines, and resource allocations for small to mid-scale capital, renewal, and operational improvement projects.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams to execute internal projects, including custodial, maintenance, grounds, and external vendors as needed.
- Establish standardized processes, documentation, and workflows for internal project delivery to ensure consistency, accountability, and efficiency.
- Monitor project progress, budgets, and outcomes, adjusting plans as needed to meet timelines and performance expectations.
- Oversee campus moves, reconfigurations, and event-related setups as planned operational projects, ensuring minimal disruption and high service quality.
- Support capital planning efforts by identifying project needs, developing preliminary scopes, and contributing operational insight to larger institutional initiatives.
- Assist in preparation of budget projections.
- Monitor financial reports and resource utilization.
- Manage custodial supply procurement and inventory systems.
- Plan for seasonal and event-related labor demands
Direct supervision of Custodial and Campus Event Support personnel, including full-time, part-time, and temporary employees.
Direct supervision of Facilities support staff personnel (Facilities Coordinator)
Contacts And Purpose Of Contacts
Internal Contacts & Purpose
- Facilities Maintenance & Grounds Teams – Coordinate service delivery, align preventive maintenance schedules, and support execution of internally performed projects.
- Campus Safety & Security – Collaborate on safety protocols, emergency preparedness, regulatory compliance, and lead the campus safety committee.
- Campus Services (Dining, Retail, Shipping/Receiving) – Coordinate operational needs, event support, and service responsiveness.
- Residence Life & Housing – Ensure facility readiness, cleanliness standards, move-in/move-out coordination, and ongoing service support.
- Athletics – Support event setup, facility readiness, and coordination of athletic facility needs.
- Academic & Administrative Departments – Coordinate moves, space reconfigurations, work requests, and project planning aligned with operational needs.
- IT & Facilities Systems Support – Support CMMS functionality, reporting, and integration with other campus systems.
- Finance & Business Office – Align on budgeting, procurement, vendor management, and project cost tracking.
- Human Resources – Coordinate staffing, training, compliance, and performance management processes.
- President’s Office & Executive Leadership – Provide updates on operational performance, project planning, and campus readiness initiatives.
- Vendors & Service Providers – Manage contracts, service delivery, performance expectations, and quality assurance.
- Contracted Custodial or Event Support Providers (if applicable) – Ensure alignment with institutional standards and service expectations.
- Regulatory Agencies (e.g., OSHA, MIOSHA, EPA, Local Health Departments) – Ensure compliance, reporting, inspections, and adherence to safety and environmental standards.
- Suppliers & Equipment Providers – Source materials, equipment, and cleaning technologies that support operational effectiveness.
Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated Knowledge Of
- Commercial cleaning systems and sanitation standards
- OSHA and MIOSHA regulations and compliance practices
- Hazard communication and chemical safety protocols
- Safety documentation and regulatory reporting requirements
- Event support logistics and facility readiness standards
- Facility maintenance software systems
- Budget and staffing models
- Strong regulatory and compliance leadership
- Quality control and inspection systems
- Risk identification and mitigation planning
- Team development and safety-focused coaching
- Managing multiple competing priorities and event timelines
- Data-informed decision making
- Experience working within collective bargaining environments
- Bachelor’s degree and/or five years of related custodial, facilities services, or environmental health leadership experience
- Demonstrated CMMS experience, preferably Brightly Software
- Demonstrated experience managing safety compliance and documentation systems
- Experience supporting events preferred
- Experience in unionized environments preferred
- Experience in educational environments
- Community College experience preferred
Ability to present a positive image of the college and the Facilities Department in relationship with others and in one’s personal habits. Neatness in one’s personal habits and dress in accordance with tasks.
Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, shop drawings, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Mathematical Skills
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, percentages, area, flow calculations, pipe sizing, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Licensure, Certification, Registration Or Other Requirements
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Documented MIOSHA, OSHA, safety training.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly expected to stand, walk, climb, use hands to finger, handle and feel and reach with hands and arms. Occasionally will stoop or crouch. Employee requires good hearing and ability to smell. Normally will be required to lift up to 50 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds. Ability to have both close and distance vision and reasonable depth perception. Able and willing to work in inclement weather.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving parts, risk of electrical shock and normally exposed to work in wet/humid conditions, fumes, extreme heat and occasionally exposed to vibration/outdoor weather and toxin or caustic chemicals and work in precarious places.
This job requires that the employee is occasionally needed to work a flexible schedule to include some weekend and evening work. The work schedule is determined by coordinating/weighing the available equipment and labor resources against prioritized work requests and pre-planned special events. Work may be required during unscheduled environmental emergencies, building system failures, or occupant driven cleaning needs.
“This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required and shall not be construed as declaring the specific duties and responsibilities. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his or her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.”
Supplemental Information
Jackson College only accepts on-line applications though this system. For assistance with this, please call 517-796-8468.
Please use your legal first and last names on your application. If you are hired you will have the opportunity to identify and utilize your preferred name.
The Jackson College Nepotism policy prohibits hiring of a relative or someone with a familial relationship to work in the same instructional department, office or administrative unit of the College including spouse, child, stepchild, parent, stepparent or sibling of the employee or spouse, aunt, uncle, niece/nephew, grandparent, grandchild, and members of the same household including domestic partner.
It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess (even if you are repeating it from your resume or cover letter). For instance, do not say, "See Resume or C/V." Your resume, cover letter that includes your salary requirements and an unofficial transcript for the degree required must be attached to your application. Applications will be rejected if incomplete. When you apply for the position, you will get to the document upload area where you will be given an opportunity to attach your documents such as your resume/vita, transcripts, etc. Instructions will also be found there.
The College reserves the right to request proof of degree or certification at a later date, if these documents are required as part of the qualifications for the position.
Final candidates will be subject to a criminal background as part of the employment process.
If selected you will be required to complete the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Employment Eligibility Verification form I-9 and provide documentation verifying identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Jackson College is NOT able to support Visa applications for employment at the college. Applicants must already be eligible to work in the United States to be considered.
Applicants with disabilities may request accommodation to complete the application and interview process. Please notify Human Resources at least three (3) working days prior to the date of need.
A copy of Jackson College's Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report is available on the JC Campus Safety & Security website. The security report contains crime statistics for the previous three years for all of our campus locations and the annual fire safety report, which contains statistics for any reported fires in campus housing units and fire safety systems in these buildings. Additionally, the report contains policies, available resources and information concerning personal safety, fire safety and reporting procedures for both crimes and fires.
Applicants have rights under Federal employment laws . Jackson College is an Equal Opportunity Employer that actively supports workforce diversity.