Position: Director of Physical Plant
Department: Facilities
Reports to: Director of Operations
FLSA Status: Exempt
Overview
Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D) is a private, independent college of art and design serving a diverse community of artists, designers, and creative professionals. The College is committed to experiential learning, student engagement, and fostering an inclusive campus environment that values diversity in all forms.
PCA&D seeks a collaborative and service-oriented Working Director of Physical Plant to oversee the daily operation, maintenance, safety, and appearance of campus facilities and College-leased properties. This position combines hands-on facilities work with administrative and supervisory responsibilities in support of the College’s educational mission.
General Summary
The Director of Physical Plant is responsible for the management, maintenance, repair, and operational support of all College facilities and related infrastructure. As a working director, the position actively participates in day-to-day maintenance operations while also providing leadership in facilities planning, budgeting, contractor coordination, regulatory compliance, and project oversight.
The Director supervises facilities staff and vendors, responds to campus maintenance and emergency needs, and works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external contractors to maintain a safe, functional, and welcoming campus environment.
This position requires availability for emergency response and support of campus events during evenings and weekends as needed.
Primary Responsibilities
Facilities Operations and Maintenance
- Perform and supervise hands-on maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and operational support for campus buildings, systems, and equipment.
Develop,implement,andmaintainacomprehensivepreventivemaintenanceprogramfor all campus facilities and related systems.
- Coordinate and oversee custodial services, scheduled maintenance activities, inspections, and repairs.
- Monitor the condition of campus facilities and identify repair, replacement, and capital improvement needs.
- Oversee maintenance and repair activities for College-leased residential properties.
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels for maintenance supplies, tools, and equipment.
- Respond to facility-related emergencies and participate in after-hours emergency response as required.
Supervision and Contractor Coordination
- Supervise facilities and maintenance personnel, including scheduling, work assignments, training, and performance oversight.
Coordinate the work of outside contractors, service providers, and vendors.- Assist with obtaining quotes, bids, and proposals for maintenance services, equipment purchases, and construction-related projects.
- Monitor contractor performance and ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with College standards.
Construction and Capital Projects
- Assist with the planning, coordination, and oversight of renovation, repair, and capital improvement projects.
- Participate in project scheduling, contractor coordination, and site oversight to minimize disruption to campus operations.
- Monitor project progress and report budget or schedule concerns to the Director of Operations.
Event and Campus Support
- Coordinate facilities support for College events, exhibitions, and special programs.
- Supervise room setups, breakdowns, furniture movement, and related operational support activities.
- Provide operational support during major campus events as needed.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with applicable OSHA, EPA, fire safety, and related regulatory requirements.
- Maintain safe and orderly facility conditions throughout campus operations.
- Assist with employee safety training and documentation related to workplace safety and environmental compliance.
Maintain required certifications related to hazardous materials handling and regulatory compliance,includingDOT/RCRAManifestingandDOTSecurityAwareness,orobtain such certifications within an established timeframe.
Budgeting and Administrative Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation and administration of annual facilities operating and capital budgets.
- Monitor expenditures and assist in maintaining operations within approved budget parameters.
- Maintain facilities documentation, maintenance records, inspection reports, and fixed asset information.
- Utilize institutional software systems for work order management, asset tracking, budgeting, and facilities operations.
Minimum Experience and Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in facilities management, construction management, engineering technology, building trades; or an equivalent combination of education, technical training, and experience will be considered.
- Minimum of 5–7 years of progressively responsible facilities maintenance or physical plant experience, preferably in higher education, institutional, commercial, or
multi-building environments.
- Minimum of 2–3 years of supervisory or team leadership experience overseeing maintenance staff, custodial personnel, contractors, or vendors.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with building systems maintenance, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and general building repairs.
- Experience coordinating preventive maintenance programs, work order systems, inspections, and facility operations.
- Working knowledge of OSHA, EPA, fire safety, environmental compliance, and workplace safety regulations.
- Experience managing contractors, service agreements, and small to mid-sized construction or renovation projects.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, maintenance documentation, and regulatory materials.
- Proficiency with computer systems and software related to facilities management, work orders, budgeting, inventory control, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to respond to emergencies 24/7 as the needs require.
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
- Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications related to hazardous materials handling and regulatory compliance, including DOT/RCRA Manifesting and DOT Security Awareness training.
- Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative campus environment.
