Position Highlights
The Maricopa Agricultural Center seeking a highly organized and results-driven professional to fill the role of General Maintenance Services Manager (Skilled Crafts and Trades Manager I).
Under the general supervision of the Director, the General Maintenance Services Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the Maricopa Agricultural Center. This position oversees personnel and ensures the effective execution of all activities related to facilities management and research support. The General Maintenance Services Manager provides technical expertise, guidance, and leadership to staff, directing operations to ensure proper research-based agricultural practices are followed. The role works collaboratively with internal research faculty and external industry partners, supporting the mission, operational integrity, and overall well-being of the Maricopa Agricultural Center and its personnel.
The Maricopa Agricultural Center (MAC) strives to be at the forefront of disciplinary field investigations, as well as develop, deliver and service the best integrated agricultural technologies. Home to the USDA ARS Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, MAC's main focus is on cotton, small grains, alfalfa, and new specialty crops that could be used to provide fibers, oils, pharmaceuticals, and other biological products.
The facility provides 12 controlled environment greenhouses, a hoop house, a drying greenhouse, and a headhouse. Beyond research and development, MAC provides a community hub for Cooperative Extension and 4-H agricultural literacy programs including a hands-on Agventure demonstration area available for school and group tours. The facility also provides a plant diagnostic lab, cactus garden, demo garden, and orchard provided by the Master Gardener program.
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Duties & Responsibilities
Facilities Maintenance & Operations:
- Manage and perform routine and corrective maintenance of buildings, grounds, infrastructure, and equipment at the Maricopa Agricultural Center.
- Oversee and support the maintenance of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, painting, and refrigeration systems in a variety of building types including office space, living quarters, laboratories, greenhouses, shops, and storage facilities.
- Conduct regular inspections to ensure facilities, offices, laboratories, shops, common areas, and grounds are safe, clean, and fully operational.
- Serve as a working manager by providing hands-on technical expertise and performing repairs as needed.
- Ensure custodial services and waste management functions are performed to established standards.
- Perform support duties related to environmental health and safety (EHS) within a laboratory setting.
Project & Systems Management:
- Plan, coordinate, and oversee maintenance, repair, remodeling, and minor construction projects.
- Estimate labor, materials, and costs, monitor project progress, schedules, and expenditures.
- Assist with bidding, coordination, and oversight of major repairs and contracted services.
- Ensure reliable operation of production equipment, machinery, and supporting systems.
- Ensure reliable operation of life safety systems.
Supervision, Staffing & Training:
- Supervise maintenance and custodial staff; assign daily work and manage on-call rotations.
- Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, performance evaluations, discipline, and separations.
- Train employees in the safe operation of equipment (e.g., proper use of hand and power tools) to expand skill sets and operational flexibility.
- Mentor staff and promote cross-training and workforce development.
- Develop a safety training program for maintenance and custodial staff.
Planning, Coordination & Customer Service:
- Schedule work, prioritize service requests, and act as liaison with MAC departments and leadership.
- Coordinate facility condition assessments with Physical Resources, Risk Management, and Facilities Design & Construction.
- Support development, implementation, and evaluation of operational goals for MAC.
- Maintain positive customer service relationships with researchers, staff, faculty, and other stakeholders.
- Communicate regularly with leadership regarding operational status, priorities, and issues.
Inventory, Procurement & Compliance:
- Manage inventory, surplus property, tools, equipment, and supplies.
- Order parts and materials necessary to support maintenance and repair operations.
- Develop and standardize specifications for equipment, furniture, and materials.
- Assist with Federal Capital Inventory and other required reporting or compliance activities.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of facilities management, environmental health and safety and life safety systems
- Knowledge of building trades: mechanical, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, HVAC and painting.
- Skill in supervising personnel and providing effective group leadership.
- Skill in verbal and written communication to effectively interact with staff, faculty, and external partners.
- Skill in the use of computers and standard software applications for recordkeeping, communication, and data entry.
- Ability to work effectively under extreme environmental conditions typical of agricultural field operations.
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
- Minimum of three years of related work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience required.
- Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Facilities Manager or other relevant trade credentials.
- Experience supporting agricultural research, research conducted in a laboratory, or experimental farm operations.
- Previous experience supervising staff or coordinating the work of teams in an agricultural or research setting.
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