Director Of Buildings And Grounds
The Director of Buildings and Grounds serves as the district's facilities leader, responsible for the comprehensive management, safety, functionality, and long-term stewardship of all Hazel Crest School District 152.5 buildings, grounds, mechanical systems, and custodial/maintenance operations. This role requires a highly skilled facilities professional with extensive experience in building construction management, high-level operational oversight, and a proven ability to lead highly effective teams in fast-paced, mission-critical environments. The Director ensures that all district facilities are safe, clean, well-maintained, and fully operational to support high-quality learning environments. This includes strategic planning, daily operational management, budgeting, staff supervision, regulatory compliance, and coordination of all construction, renovation, and maintenance projects. Work hours are not standard and require flexibility Monday through Friday; however, this position requires some on-call availability for emergencies, weather-related issues, and urgent facility needs. The Director must regularly inspect all buildings, including temperature checks during inclement weather.
Leadership & Team Management
Lead, supervise, and evaluate custodial, maintenance, and grounds staff to ensure high performance, accountability, and adherence to district standards. Build and sustain a highly effective team culture focused on safety, responsiveness, and operational excellence. Provide ongoing coaching, performance management, and professional development for custodial and maintenance personnel. Coordinate daily work schedules, vacation schedules, attendance records, and staffing assignments.
Construction & Capital Project Management
Oversee all construction, renovation, and capital improvement projects across the district. Serve as the district's primary liaison with architects, contractors, engineers, and vendors. Ensure all construction work meets specifications, timelines, safety standards, and budget requirements. Provide expert guidance on building systems, structural needs, and long-term facility planning.
Facilities Operations & Maintenance
Direct all districtwide buildings and grounds operations, including custodial services, maintenance, repairs, landscaping, and grounds-keeping. Develop and manage the annual maintenance program, including: furnace start-ups and maintenance, HVAC system monitoring and preventive care, landscaping and grounds maintenance, some snow and ice removal, holiday and summer cleaning projects. Lead the district's preventive maintenance program to ensure optimal performance and longevity of equipment and building systems. Inspect buildings, grounds, and equipment regularly to identify repair needs and safety concerns. Oversee repair, lubrication, and cleaning of boilers, furnaces, and other mechanical systems. Monitor and maintain public announcement systems and other building communication systems.
Long-Term Facilities Planning
Develop and manage long-term maintenance schedules, including: districtwide paint cycles, furniture replacement plans, flooring and equipment replacement timelines. Maintain a comprehensive understanding of facility life cycles and capital needs to support long-term planning and budgeting.
Budgeting & Inventory Management
Develop, manage, and monitor the Buildings and Grounds budget to ensure responsible fiscal stewardship. Oversee ordering, storage, and distribution of cleaning and maintenance supplies. Maintain accurate inventory levels for all materials, tools, and equipment. Ensure cost-effective purchasing and vendor management.
Regulatory Compliance & Safety
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to facilities, safety, and environmental standards. Housekeeping Program Maintain accurate documentation and submit required reports on time.
Additional Responsibilities
Provide in-service training for custodial and maintenance staff. Coordinate district vehicle maintenance and repairs. Respond to emergencies, weather-related issues, and urgent facility needs at any time. Perform additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Director of Business Services.
Required Skills and Qualifications
High School Diploma required; college coursework or specialized training in Buildings and Grounds preferred. Minimum 5 years of supervisory experience with a strong background in building construction management. Minimum 3 years of experience in planning, maintaining, or managing physical facilities. Demonstrated knowledge of facility management, construction principles, maintenance operations, and building security. Experience leading high-performing teams in facilities or construction environments. Strong skills in personnel management, communication, and problem-solving. Ability to read blueprints, construction documents, and technical manuals. Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and manage multiple priorities.
Working Conditions
Twelve-month position. Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent fringe benefits including life, health, and dental insurance. Requires physical activity, including walking buildings, climbing ladders, and inspecting mechanical systems. Requires availability during evenings, weekends, and emergencies.
Salary Range: $110,000-$120,000
Application Procedure
Applicants must apply online and upload: Letter of application, Resume, Three (3) letters of recommendation. Applications should be submitted to the Hazel Crest School District clevy@sd1525.org.
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