Assistant Director of Buildings & Grounds

JOB SUMMARY: The Assistant Director of Buildings & Grounds assists in planning, directing, and supervising the operation and maintenance of district facilities and grounds to provide safe, clean, secure, and well-maintained learning and working environments for students, staff, and the community. This position provides day-to-day leadership and supervision of custodial and maintenance operations, oversees preventative maintenance programs, coordinates facility services across multiple sites, and ensures compliance with applicable safety regulations, district policies, and operational standards. The Assistant Director serves as an essential member of the Buildings & Grounds leadership team and responds to facility-related emergencies as needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate degree in Facilities Management, Construction Management, Business Administration, Industrial Technology, or a related field
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in facilities, custodial, or maintenance operations
• Previous supervisory or management experience required
• Experience supervising multiple facilities and large staff preferred
• Valid Iowa driver’s license

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Supervision

• Provide daily leadership, supervision, and support for custodial and maintenance employees.
• Plan, assign, prioritize, and monitor work to ensure efficient district-wide operations.
• Conduct employee evaluations, coaching, investigations, and discipline in accordance with district policy.
• Recruit, screen, interview, and recommend candidates for hire. 
• Develop work schedules and staffing assignments to maximize efficiency.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, accountability, growth, and high performance.

Operations & Facility Management

• Oversee maintenance and custodial operations for district facilities.
• Prioritize and manage work orders to ensure timely, quality completion.
• Inspect custodial areas, building conditions, and maintenance work for cleanliness, safety, and effectiveness.
• Respond promptly to facility needs from administrators, staff, and community users.
• Coordinate facility support for school programs, extracurricular activities, and community events.
• Ensure all work is completed safely and in compliance with district policies, safety regulations, and best practices.

Preventative Maintenance & Project Management

• Manage the implementation and continuous improvement of a comprehensive preventative maintenance program.
• Maintain preventative maintenance schedules, equipment records, and documentation.
• Coordinate maintenance projects from planning through completion.
• Solicit bids, manage contractors, monitor progress, and verify completion.
• Research and recommend best practices, equipment, systems, and improvements.

Training & Safety

• Develop, implement, and maintain employee training programs and standard operating procedures.
• Provide new employee training and ongoing professional development for custodial and maintenance staff.
• Train employees on district safety procedures, security systems, equipment operation, and regulatory compliance.
• Promote a strong culture of workplace safety through regular communication, inspections, and training.

Inventory & Resource Management

• Coordinate the purchasing, distribution, and inventory control of custodial supplies and related materials for all district facilities.
• Monitor inventory levels to ensure adequate supplies while promoting cost-effective purchasing practices.
• Assist in evaluating equipment needs and replacement schedules.

Communication & Customer Service

• Maintain effective working relationships with administrators, staff, contractors, vendors, students, and community members.
• Communicate clearly regarding project status, facility issues, schedules, and priorities.
• Respond professionally to facility concerns, emergencies, and service requests.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Engage in professional development related to functions and responsibilities.
• Complete all required training.
• Performs other job-related duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of custodial operations, commercial cleaning methods, building maintenance, preventative maintenance, and facility management
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, workplace safety standards, and environmental health practices
• Knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, security, and building automation systems
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn district software applications and systems
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to supervise, evaluate, and motivate employees while maintaining positive working relationships
• Ability to organize multiple priorities and coordinate operations across multiple facilities
• Ability to analyze operational needs and develop practical solutions
• Ability to manage projects and resources effectively

In evaluating candidates for this position, Johnston Community School District may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent walking, climbing, lifting, bending, reaching, and operating equipment
• Moderate sitting, standing, crouching, and kneeling
• Ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to push, pull and reach above shoulder
• Exposure to chemicals, dust, noise, electrical hazards, moving machinery and equipment, and varying weather conditions
• Combination of office, school, warehouse, and site-based work across district facilities and grounds
• Regular travel within district and metro area
• Availability for emergency response and after-hours work as needed

Salary : $77,465 - $86,067