Interim Manager, Maintenance & Operations
Salary: $100,572.84 - $145,644.48 Annually
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: INTERIM
Job Number: 2600273
Division: Administrative Services
Department: Maintenance & Operations
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: N/A
Description
About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.
College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.
When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.
Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.
- The Community - Coachella Valley
- College of the Desert
Who We Want:
College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:
- Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
- Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
- Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
- Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
- Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.
BASIC FUNCTION
BASIC FUNCTION
Under the direction of the Director of Maintenance and Operations, understand and support the District's mission, values and goals, plan, coordinate, direct and participate in the activities of the maintenance, groundskeeping and other M&O personnel in the maintenance and operation of the Districts buildings, grounds, and related systems and facilities; assure a high quality condition of District facilities; effectively communicate with subordinates, District faculty, staff and supervisor; train supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
Essential Functions:
1. Support the District's Mission and Vision.
2. Plan, coordinate, direct and participate in the construction, maintenance, operation, repair, and alteration of all District structures, equipment and related physical facilities.
3. Plan, coordinate, direct, and participate in the operation, maintenance and repair of the District grounds, parking lots, sidewalks, playing fields and other related areas. 4. Confer and coordinate with other M&O supervisory staff regarding methods and procedures of work, supply and equipment requirements and operational problems and conflict.
5. Select, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of assigned staff; recommend transfers, reassignments, discipline, terminations, promotions and other personnel actions as appropriate; inspect work in progress regarding methods and procedures of work, supply of necessary tools, material and equipment; prioritize and complete projects in and effective, timely manner.
6. Maintain computerized work order system, track expenses and time resources, generate reports.
7. Maintain and monitor energy management system.
8. Provide oversight for and/or participation in a variety of skilled grounds, operations and maintenance work.
9. Schedule and supervise the use and application of herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, rodenticides, fertilizers and sterilant in a manner that ensures the health and safety of staff, faculty and students, following accepted health and safety practices and regulations.
10. Provide for the proper care, maintenance and repair of District equipment, vehicles and tools.
11. Plan and implement maintenance programs; maintain records of maintenance, repairs and use of the District's mechanical, plumbing, electrical systems; District equipment, tools, vehicles; and building equipment systems such as chillers, cooling towers, boilers, motor control centers, electrical panels, pumps, and drives.
12. Make determination of ongoing and future levels of stock, materials and equipment; make cost estimates of construction and repair projects and prepare requisitions for needed maintenance and grounds supplies and equipment.
13. Assist in preparation of annual budget; track and project departmental grounds and maintenance budget insuring compliance; provide budget status as needed; participate in preparation of annual budget including facility related projects, grounds and maintenance supplies and equipment.
14. Provide for training and development programs for maintenance and grounds personnel; implement maintenance and grounds operations and training manuals; evaluate assigned employees; review incident reports and accident investigations, make necessary corrective actions or recommendations; assign or reassign personnel to meet the District's business needs or emergencies; interview prospective employees and make recommendations.
15. Remain current on pertinent legal and legislative matters as they relate to maintenance, construction or Cal-OSHA issues.
16. Implement and maintain required or recommended equipment and systems logs and tracking; maintain required permit and certificates for equipment, systems and programs.
17. Direct, supervise and participate in furniture moving, fence mending, emergency repair or cleanup work; assist in the preparation of facilities for athletic and special events.
18. Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administration in carrying out the function, responsibilities and duties of the job.
19. Coordinate and work with vendors, inspectors, and others to ensure facility compliance in regard to hazardous materials/waste, fire and life safety, liability, and emissions.
20. Conduct and attend meetings as necessary.
21. Be available on-call; respond to District emergencies.
22. Meet schedules and timelines, organize multiple projects efficiently and effectively and carry out required project details throughout the year.
23. Seek and participate in professional development activities.
24. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
- Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in maintenance of grounds, buildings, and HVAC, electrical or plumbing systems. Two (2) years of supervisory/lead experience required and may be included as part of the five years listed above. Related college course work and/or journeymen training experience desirable.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES-
Knowledge of: Methods, tools, materials, equipment and practices utilized in building and grounds maintenance work; building construction work; plan checking and building inspection as it relates to structural, plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration; turf management, arboriculture, horticulture pest and plant disease control and eradication; irrigation principles and controls; athletic field preparation and maintenance; building equipment systems such as chillers cooling towers, boilers, motor control centers, electrical panels, pumps and drives; computers and applicable software including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email; laws governing construction, repair and regulatory compliance of public school facilities; principles and practices of supervision; and safe work practices and procedure.
- Ability to: Plan, coordinate, supervise, assign and participate in all aspects of the District's building and grounds maintenance activities; read, interpret and work from drawings and blueprints; estimate material and labor costs; plan, schedule and control a diversified maintenance, grounds and operations work program; inspect and supervise the various repairs, construction, maintenance and grounds work system; supervise the safety and proper operation of District equipment including and not limited to vehicles, welders, lifts, mowers, hedgers, and related power equipment; insure the safety of personnel and the proper care of District property and equipment; apply coatings, adhesives, lubricants, specialized chemicals in a safe, effective and appropriate manner; analyze situations correctly and adopt an effective course of action, using subordinates effectively; meet schedules and timelines, communicate effectively both orally and in written form with supervisor and assigned personnel; operate a computer and applicable software including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and email; maintain records; make mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; lift, carry, push and pull heavy objects; bend at the waist, kneel or crouch; walk or stand for extended periods of time, climb ladders, operate lifts, tractors or other heavy equipment; work independently and confidentially with minimal direction; exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive or confidential matters; establish and maintain effective working relationships with assigned employees, other staff and faculty and others as it relates to the duties of the position.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
EMPLOYMENT STATUS:
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Interim Classified Supervisor
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Classified Leadership Salary Range 7
SALARY PLACEMENT:
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Salary placement is contingent on education, experience, and department budget.
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Retirement System: CalPERS (upon meeting eligibility criteria)
SCHEDULE & LOCATION:
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This interim position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. Requires some evening and weekend responsibility, and to be available on-call to respond to emergency situations.
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The primary location is Palm Desert Campus, but it may travel to other campuses if needed.
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The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Environment: Both indoor and outdoor work environment. Regular exposure to fumes and noise from equipment operations. Working at heights and in tight, enclosed areas. Be available on-call to respond to emergency situations. Driving a vehicle to conduct work as necessary. Requires some evening and weekend responsibility. This position is housed at main location in Palm Desert campus but, it may travel to other campus if needed.
- HAZARDS: Working around and with machinery having moving parts. Working with chemicals, adhesives, and coatings.
REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:
To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:
- Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
- Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
- Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
OPTIONAL UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:
- College Transcripts: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.
REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:
- List of References: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:
- Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
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College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
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Employment is contingent on residence in California.
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Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
- All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
- Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.
- Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
- All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
- Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
- For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https:// www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.php or call (760) 773-2529.
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FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions.
TIMELINES:
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For consideration, please apply by Sunday, August 16, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
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Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on the week of August 17, 2026.
Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.
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Notice to all Candidates for Employment:
DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.
The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:
- Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
- Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
- Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
- Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.
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Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.
Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).
California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:
A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.
Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS
Disability Accommodations:
If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to
[email protected].
Attendance Requirement:
All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.
Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:
Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.
Non-Discrimination Notice:
The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
California Fair Chance Act:
The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:
The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.
The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.
Additional Resources
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
- Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
- Reasonable Accommodation
- Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
- AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
- COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
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THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5438328/interim-manager-maintenance-operations
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