Staff Associate-Facilities Operations Manager

About Fitchburg State University:

Fitchburg State University, located in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, is a public institution dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies. Founded in 1894, the university now has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master's degree programs, and 7,000 full and part-time students. We invite you to learn more about us and how we can help you achieve your educational goals.

Institutional Diversity and Social Justice

Fitchburg State University embraces a commitment to diversity, inclusion, belonging and social justice. We encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply and also those who can contribute to diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity in higher education through their teaching, research and mentorship.

Job Description:

The Facilities Operations Manager provides strategic and administrative leadership for designated facilities service areas within Capital Planning & Maintenance. The position is responsible for ensuring the effective planning, coordination, and delivery of campus operational services through supervision of personnel, oversight of contracted services, performance management, policy implementation, and operational planning.

The Manager oversees operational functions that include campus grounds and exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow and inclement weather response, event and campus support services, and other facilities operations as assigned. The role ensures service excellence, regulatory compliance, operational continuity, fiscal stewardship, and alignment with institutional priorities.

Operating in a distributed leadership model, the Facilities Operations Manager collaborates with campus leadership, internal stakeholders, and external partners to maintain a safe, functional, and well-maintained campus environment.

As an essential employee, this position participates in campus emergency response and continuity operations, including evenings, weekends, and adverse weather events as required.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Provides direct and indirect supervision to professional staff, classified personnel, student employees, and contracted service providers within assigned operational areas. Supervise the Materials Management team by providing oversight and coverage at the Service Center, supporting inventory controls and central receiving operations. Responsible for workforce planning, performance management, staff development, scheduling oversight, and recommendations regarding personnel actions in accordance with institutional policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Grounds Maintenance and Snow Operations:

1. Provides leadership and daily oversight of campus grounds operations, including landscaping, exterior maintenance, snow and ice management, pest control, athletic field support, and related contracted services.
2. Plans, schedules, and coordinates work assignments to ensure efficient use of personnel, equipment, and resources while maintaining campus safety, functionality, and appearance.
3. Supervises staff, including performance management, scheduling, leave coordination, and recommendations regarding hiring and disciplinary actions in accordance with institutional policies and applicable agreements.
4. Leads and manages the University's snow and inclement weather response program, including phased snow removal operations, staffing deployment, equipment readiness, and on-call coordination.
5. Conducts routine inspections of campus grounds and exterior facilities to ensure compliance with safety standards and quality expectations.
6. Coordinates with Athletics and other campus partners to support maintenance and preparation of athletic fields and related outdoor facilities.
7. Coordinates emergency response activities within assigned areas and participates in the Facilities on-call rotation, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
8. Oversees vendor relationships and contracted services within assigned areas, including scope development, performance monitoring, safety compliance, and service quality evaluation.
9. Oversees procurement and management of supplies, materials, and equipment; maintains vendor relationships; and monitors related budgets, inventory, and operational reports.
10. Ensures adherence to safety regulations, operational procedures, and institutional standards; recommends and implements process improvements as appropriate.
11. Performs other related duties within the scope of the position.

Fleet Maintenance, Equipment Operations and Material Management:

1. Provides leadership and administrative oversight of Capital Planning & Maintenance fleet and equipment operations, including vehicles, grounds equipment, snow removal equipment, and specialized maintenance assets.
2. Develops and implements preventive maintenance programs to ensure operational readiness, safety compliance, and cost-effective asset management.
3. Oversees scheduling and coordination of fleet inspections, maintenance, and repairs, utilizing internal resources and external service vendors as appropriate.
4. Manages vendor relationships for outsourced repairs, warranty services, parts procurement, and specialized equipment maintenance; monitors performance, service quality, and contractual compliance.
5. Ensures compliance with applicable safety regulations, licensing requirements, environmental standards, and institutional policies related to fleet and equipment use.
6. Participates in fleet lifecycle planning, including evaluation, replacement forecasting, capital planning recommendations, and budget input.
7. Maintains records related to vehicle usage, maintenance history, inspections, fuel utilization, equipment inventory, and associated operational costs.
8. Collaborates with Grounds, Facilities Trades, and other CPM units to ensure fleet and equipment resources are properly allocated to support daily operations, emergency response, and snow removal activities.
9. Providing oversight and coverage at the Service Center, supporting inventory controls and central receiving operations.
10. Performs other related duties within the scope of the position.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Demonstrated supervisory and progressive professional experience in facilities operations, grounds management, fleet operations, or related service environments.
2. 2+ years of progressive experience
3. Experience overseeing operational service areas including grounds maintenance, snow and inclement weather response, fleet or equipment management.
4. Strong leadership, staff supervision, and team development experience; experience in a unionized environment preferred.
5. Experience coordinating vendor services and managing contracted work.
6. Demonstrated ability to assist in budget development, monitor expenditures, and manage operational resources effectively.
7. Knowledge of applicable safety regulations, environmental standards, and compliance requirements related to facilities operations.
8. Effective oral and written communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse constituencies, including students, faculty, staff, and external partners.
9. Computer skills and familiarity with various software programs.
10. Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and respond effectively in emergencies or time-sensitive situations.
11. Ability to perform duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree in Facilities Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience may be considered.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to perform physical tasks associated with facilities tasks.
2. Ability to lift and carry heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
3. Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, and bend for prolonged periods of time.

Additional Information:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible position in the Association of Professional Administrators (APA) bargaining unit with a union title of Staff Associate. The starting salary range is $80,000 to $90,000 commensurate with education and experience. Priority review will begin on 4/27/26. This position is not eligible for H-1B sponsorship.

Fitchburg State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• Nine different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options.
• Pension or 401(a) defined contribution plan, and supplemental plan retirement options.
• Life insurance up to 8x the annual salary.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Dental insurance.
• Twenty vacation days accrued per year.
• Fifteen sick days accrued per year.
• Five personal days per year.
• Paid holidays.
• Tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children.

Fitchburg State University conducts criminal history, and sexual offenders record checks on recommended finalists prior to final employment for all positions.

Fitchburg State University is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and be prepared to enter name/contact information for three professional references.

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