JOB SUMMARY: The Director of Buildings & Grounds provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all district facilities, grounds, maintenance, custodial, warehouse, and safety programs across the district. This position ensures safe, compliant, efficient, and well-maintained learning environments through comprehensive facility management, preventive maintenance, capital planning, and project oversight. The Director leads multiple operational teams, manages vendor and service contracts, oversees capital and operational budgets, and coordinates emergency preparedness and regulatory compliance across approximately 18 district facilities and 300+ acres of grounds.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, engineering, construction management, or related field
• Minimum of six years of progressively responsible experience in facilities, grounds, or operations management
• Demonstrated experience with capital projects, vendor management, and regulatory compliance programs
• Experience supervising multiple functional teams and managing complex facilities
• Valid Iowa driver’s license and Certified Pool Operator license, or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire
• OSHA Safety Certification and Asbestos (AHERA) Inspector/Management Planner certification
• Preferred professional certifications: Certified Facility Manager (CFM), Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Professional Project Manager (CPPM)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilities & Infrastructure Operations

• Direct and oversee operation, maintenance, and repair of all district buildings, systems, and infrastructure, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, structural, roofing, pavement, automation, controls, elevators, generators, pools, and specialized equipment.
• Manage building access systems, key control, security monitoring, and camera systems across all facilities.
• Administer the district Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to manage work orders, preventive maintenance, asset tracking, and operational readiness.
• Ensure continuity of operations through preventive maintenance planning and coordinated 24/7 emergency response.
• Oversee facility condition assessments, environmental programs, and required system inspections and testing.

Grounds, Custodial, Warehouse & Support Services

• Direct district-wide grounds management, including athletic fields, outdoor learning areas, irrigation, pavement, tree care, pest control, and snow removal.
• Lead custodial operations to ensure clean, safe, and well-maintained facilities; establish service standards, staffing plans, training, and safety practices.
• Manage custodial and maintenance supplies, equipment, and material inventories.
• Oversee warehouse, mailroom, receiving, surplus property, and distribution operations to ensure efficient logistics and inventory control.

Safety, Compliance & Emergency Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable life-safety, environmental, OSHA, AHERA, and regulatory requirements.
• Direct inspection and testing programs for fire and life-safety systems and other regulated building systems.
• Support Associate Superintendent with District Safety Plan addressing facilities-related emergency preparedness and response planning, including safety protocols, drills, communications systems, and surveillance infrastructure.
• Coordinate with fire marshals, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies regarding inspections, permits, and emergency readiness.
• Manage asbestos, lead, and environmental testing and abatement programs.

Financial, Contract & Vendor Management

• Develop and manage departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Review and approve utilities, payroll, invoices, and service and construction contracts.
• Lead bid, RFP, and procurement processes in compliance with district policy.
• Negotiate and manage vendor and service contracts to ensure quality, performance, and fiscal accountability.

Capital Planning & Project Management

• Lead long-range facilities and capital improvement planning aligned with district growth and instructional priorities.
• Develop multi-year capital and major maintenance plans, life-cycle cost analyses, and space utilization studies.
• Provide leadership and technical oversight for construction, renovation, and capital projects from planning through completion.
• Review designs, scopes, budgets, and schedules; ensure compliance with codes and standards.
• Direct contractors and consultants and monitor project performance, safety, timelines, and costs.

Leadership & Administration

• Supervise and evaluate facilities, maintenance, grounds, custodial, and warehouse staff.
• Establish performance standards, training programs, and safe work practices.
• Advise district leadership on facilities strategy, regulatory matters, and infrastructure investment priorities.
• Promote continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and high service standards across all facilities functions

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Engage in professional development related to functions and responsibilities.
• Complete all required training.
• Performs other job-related duties, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Extensive knowledge of building systems, grounds management, maintenance practices, and safety regulations
• Strong project management, budgeting, and contract administration skills
• Knowledge of OSHA, AHERA, environmental, and life-safety compliance requirements
• Ability to lead large, diverse operational teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Effective communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to respond to emergencies and manage on-call operations

In evaluating candidates for this position, Johnston Community School District may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, climbing; moderate squatting, crouching, kneeling, and bending
• Ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to push, pull and reach above shoulder
• Exposure to electrical hazards, moving machinery and equipment, and outdoor weather conditions
• Combination of office, field, and site-based work across district facilities and grounds
• Regular travel within district and metro area
• Availability for emergency response and after-hours work as needed