What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Maintenance position at McDowell County Schools?
Length of Position: Permanent
Type of Benefits: Full
Month per year: 12
Number of hours per week: 40
Number of days per week: 5
State Salary Schedule: Yes
Director of Maintenance for McDowell County Schools
Position Summary:
The Director of Maintenance is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the comprehensive maintenance program for all school district facilities, grounds, and equipment. This position ensures safe, clean, and properly functioning educational environments that support student learning and district operations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Leadership & Management
- Develop, implement, and oversee the district's preventive and corrective maintenance programs
- Supervise, train, and evaluate maintenance staff, including custodians, skilled trades workers, and grounds personnel
- Establish work priorities, schedules, and standard operating procedures for maintenance operations
- Coordinate with school administrators and department heads to address facility needs and resolve maintenance issues
- Manage external vendor and contractor relationships for specialized maintenance services
- Make required reports to the Executive Director of Operations and Auxiliary Services
Planning & Operations
- Create and maintain a comprehensive maintenance management system for work orders, preventive maintenance, and asset tracking
- Develop long-range facilities maintenance and capital replacement plans aligned with district goals and budget constraints
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations, building codes, and environmental requirements
- Coordinate emergency repairs and respond to after-hours facilities emergencies as needed
- Oversee grounds maintenance, snow removal, and landscaping operations
- Identify and work with contractors in the performance of their duties
Financial Management
- Prepare and manage the annual maintenance department budget
- Monitor expenses and implement cost-control measures
- Develop specifications for equipment purchases and maintenance contracts
- Analyze utility consumption and implement energy conservation measures
- Maintain accurate records of maintenance expenses and prepare financial reports
Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations
- Develop and implement safety programs for maintenance staff
- Maintain updated documentation of safety procedures and training
- Coordinate with risk management on facility safety assessments
- Oversee environmental testing and remediation programs as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in educational facility management
- Professional certifications (e.g., CFM, FMP, OSHA, and CDL)
- Knowledge of building automation systems
- Experience with maintenance management software
- Active General Contractor's License
- Master Plumber's License
- Asbestos Management Certification
- Pesticide Applicator's License
- Minimum 5 years of experience in facilities maintenance management
- Experience supervising maintenance staff and managing contractors
- Knowledge of building systems, preventive maintenance, and safety regulations
- Familiarity with new construction
Required Qualifications
- H2/H3 Licensure for HVAC (Heating Group 2)
- NC Electrical Contractor’s License
- Valid North Carolina Septic Management Firm Pumper License
- Proficient with Energy Management System
- Valid driver's license and ability to be insured by district carrier
Physical Requirements
- Ability to walk through facilities and grounds for extended periods
- Capable of climbing ladders and accessing mechanical spaces
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
- Available to respond to emergency situations outside normal business hours
Working Conditions
- Primary work location in district maintenance office
- Regular travel between district facilities required
- Exposure to various weather conditions during grounds inspections
- May encounter dust, noise, and mechanical/electrical hazards
- On-call availability for emergency situations
All other duties as assigned.
Minimum Training and Experience
Graduation from high school, completion of vocal level course work in build trades or related field and 5-7 years of supervisory experience in construction or related fields; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Possession of valid driver’s license issued by the State of North Carolina.
