What are the responsibilities and job description for the Facilities Specialist position at EducareDC?
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Educare DC serves over 350 children from birth to five years – and their families – through our state-of the-art center and through community partnerships. Building on the program foundations of Early Head Start and Head Start and accredited by NAEYC, Educare DC promotes school readiness by providing high quality, comprehensive early learning programming for children who are historically underserved due to systemic racism, eliminating the opportunity gap often experienced by low-income communities. Educare DC is part of the 25-school Educare Learning Network that serves as a platform for broader change, inspiring high-quality programs in communities, improving public policies nationally and within each state, and demonstrating a comprehensive, research-based approach to the first five years of life and learning. Educare DC draws on a blend of private and public dollars, including federal childcare funding, Early Head Start, Pre-K, and other state and federal funding streams.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Facility Specialist works closely with the Director of Facilities to monitor and ensure that all Educare DC schools and partner buildings are clean, maintained and work order requests are closed in a timely manner, so all students and staff are given the opportunity to learn and work in an environment that is safe, and engaging. The Facility Specialist works with school leaders and custodial staff to ensure facility issues are reported appropriately as they arise and remains in compliance with all applicable regulations. The Facility Specialist may at times be required to respond quickly to emergencies via phone, email, or in-person outside of the normal workday or workweek hours.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
- The Facility Specialist reports to the Director of Administration.
- The Facility Specialist may assign tasks to the Facility Coordinator.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS
Facility (50%)
- Maintains a safe environment with proper lighting, signage, and disability access.
- Oversees security, fire prevention, and other safety systems.
- Coordinates scheduling of regular building maintenance repairs and services.
- Primary point of contact for contractors/building service providers with repairs and scheduled maintenance.
- Overseas contractors and inspecting repairs/facility projects through completion, which may include working extended hours.
- Ensures all occupants are provided with proper utilities.
- Resolves complaints, problems, and requests as it pertains to the facility.
- Assists with coordinating emergency response and evacuations.
- Inspects the building frequently for signs of damage or wear.
- Ensures all facility systems (e.g. HVAC, Water, Electrical, Lighting, etc.) are functioning at optimal capacity.
- Performs minor maintenance building repairs (e.g. electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and attractive building.
- Responds to immediate safety and/or operational concerns (e.g. facility damage, vandalism,
alarms, etc.) for the purpose of taking the appropriate action or notifying appropriate staff for resolution.
- Maintains and administer facility keys and key fobs.
- Assist with meetings, events, tour setup, and clean up.
Compliance / Health & Safety (30%)
- Works closely with Health & Safety Coordinator to ensure all repairs, modifications are
completed to remain in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Administrative (10%)
- Responsible for monitoring and tracking all facility Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E) by conducting an annual inventory of all materials or as requested.
- Maintains records, reports and documentation for the facility.
- Responsible for drafting correspondences, forms, letters, and emails necessary to complete tasks.
Custodial (10%)
- Ensures facility remains in an attractive and clean condition.
- Coordinates with cleaning team the planning, prioritizing and scheduling building and custodial activities, repairs and cleaning.
- Monitors students and staff in and around work areas (e.g. halls, meeting rooms, restrooms, grounds, etc.) for the purpose of preventing injuries and ensuring facility safety
- Serves as a backup to the cleaning on the following:
- Cleans assigned facilities and/or grounds (e.g. restrooms, classrooms, multipurpose rooms, exterior ground, etc.) as needed.
- Replenishes classrooms and restrooms supplies (e.g. paper towels, soap, toilet paper, etc.) for ensuring adequate quantities for daily use as needed.
- Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- High School diploma, GED.
- Associates degree or Certificate in Building Maintenance preferred.
- 5 years of facility maintenance experience, preferably in an educational setting.
- Strong customer service background.
ADDITIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to work effectively with diverse staff and communities
- Clearance of background checks as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
- Physical examination and diagnostic tests as required by local, state, and federal regulations.
- A biannual physical exam, drug screen, COVID vaccination, and TB test are required as a
condition of continual employment.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Reliable transportation. This role requires traveling to multiple locations.
- Intermediate to advanced level skills with computer applications thorough understanding of
- Microsoft Outlook (Microsoft Office required), word processing (Microsoft Word), mail merge, spreadsheets (Excel) and email systems. Knowledge of Building Automation System (BAS) a plus.
- Good command of Internet usage.
- Strong critical thinking, problem solving, and negotiation skills.
- Ability to learn childcare policies and procedures, specifically the understanding of building codes and safety regulations.
- Must have excellent customer service skills.
- Must have good computation skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively and in a familyfriendly manner.
- Must have experience with office equipment and ability to manually operate and use a computer.
- Must be able to fluently speak, read, write and understand English.
- Must be well organized and detail oriented.
- Able to process, secure and exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
- Ability to work well independently and in a team environment and communicate effectively and
appropriately with a diverse staff and external constituents.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Must be able to travel 1525% and have reliable transportation.
- Visual and auditory acuity within professionally determined normal ranges, with correction if needed.
- Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer and office equipment, including, but not limited to, the telephone, fax machine, copier, and tape recorder.
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds.
- Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle without assistance and withstand exposure to adverse weather conditions.
- Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
- This position may work 40 or more hours per week.
About EducareDC
Educare DC is a leading early childhood education source for preparing children for success in school and life. With a focus on equity, excellence and continuous improvement, the Educare DC work environment is safe, fun and challenging. Come join our team and partner with us to provide the highest quality care and education to families.