Primary Responsibilities
The Manager of Skilled Trades is responsible for the direct supervision, leadership, and coordination of the University’s Skilled Trades workforce under the supervision of the Director of Construction Services & Skilled Trades in support of the operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of campus facilities. This position oversees the daily activities of trades personnel across academic, residential, administrative, and athletic buildings and is responsible for ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with University standards and priorities.
This role is well suited for a hands-on leader with a strong background in the skilled trades who is prepared to oversee a complex campus operation and effectively lead a unionized workforce. The Manager of Skilled Trades provides day-to-day leadership to trades staff, establishes work priorities, coordinates labor resources, and promotes a strong customer service and team-oriented culture.
The position works closely with the Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator to support compliance with applicable state and federal regulations, building codes, life-safety standards, and University policies. The Manager of Skilled Trades assists in addressing identified deficiencies, implementing corrective actions, and supporting inspection and compliance activities across campus facilities.
The Manager of Skilled Trades supports Facilities leadership through effective workforce management, coordination of maintenance and repair activities, and oversight of departmental operations. The position may also support small renovation, repair, and facilities improvement projects as assigned.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Supervise and coordinate the daily activities of unionized Skilled Trades employees, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, painters, masons, and other assigned trades personnel.
- Provide leadership, coaching, mentoring, and performance management to Skilled Trades employees.
- Develop work schedules, assign priorities, monitor productivity, and ensure timely completion of maintenance and repair activities.
- Plan, prioritize, and coordinate maintenance, repair, and improvement work across campus facilities.
- Ensure appropriate staffing and operational coverage for Facilities Operations, including emergency response, campus events, and seasonal operational needs.
- Administer personnel matters in accordance with collective bargaining agreements, University policies, and established labor relations practices.
- Support the Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator in regulatory compliance efforts, inspections, and corrective actions related to New York State Fire Code, Department of Health requirements, insurance inspections, fire alarm systems, fire suppression systems, elevators, emergency systems, and other life-safety infrastructure.
- Address and remediate issues identified through regulatory inspections, safety reviews, and compliance audits.
- Utilize the departmental work order and maintenance management system to coordinate work assignments, track progress, and monitor departmental workload.
- Coordinate and oversee small renovation, repair, and facilities improvement projects performed by Skilled Trades staff and contractors as assigned.
- Develop scopes of work, specifications, and project documentation as required.
- Coordinate Skilled Trades support for campus events, seasonal programs, and special initiatives.
- Ensure that work performed by staff and contractors meets safety standards, code requirements, and University operational expectations.
- Assist Facilities leadership with the development and monitoring of departmental operating budgets.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervision Given
Direct supervision of Skilled Trades employees, including unionized personnel, contractors, temporary employees, and student workers as assigned.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the Manager of Skilled Trades. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required. The Manager may be assigned additional duties as required to meet departmental and institutional needs. The University reserves the right to modify this position description at any time.
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate degree in a skilled trades field, construction, facilities management, engineering technology, or a related discipline and a minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in facilities operations, skilled trades, construction, or maintenance; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of five years of successful supervisory or leadership experience.
- Strong working knowledge of building systems, maintenance practices, skilled trades operations, and construction methods.
- Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, contracts, and technical documents.
- Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, competing demands, and operational deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supervising unionized employees or working within a unionized environment.
- Knowledge of applicable building codes, fire codes, OSHA regulations, and life-safety requirements.
- Experience in a college, university, healthcare, or other multi-building institutional environment.
- Relevant trade licenses, certifications, or OSHA training.
- Experience coordinating contractors, consultants, and small construction or renovation projects.
Salary $75,000 - $85,000 annually Status (FT, PT, Seasonal, Temp) Full-time (12 months)
Posting Detail Information
Open Date (to accept applications)
Close Date (date applications will not be considered)
Special Instructions to Applicant
Interested and qualified applicants should complete the online application form and upload required documents in the “applicant documents” section of the form.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be directed to Marijo Haggett, Associate Vice President of Facilities & Dining Services,
[email protected].
All offers of employment are contingent upon the finalist successfully passing a background (including criminal records) check.
