Assistant Electric Shop Manager

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University is seeking an Assistant Shop Manager within Facilities Management to lead preventive and corrective maintenance across campus. You will supervise skilled trades staff, coordinate daily operations, and ensure safety compliance and quality standards.

The role partners with the Shop Manager on planning, budgeting, and staff development, driving efficient service delivery and engagement with campus partners.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising trades staff.
• Strong knowledge of safety standards and building codes.
• Ability to plan maintenance activities and mentor staff.

Responsibilities

• Supervise trades staff and provide leadership to the team.
• Coordinate maintenance planning with Shop Manager and stakeholders.
• Ensure safety compliance and support training programs.
• Proactively identify maintenance needs and optimize workflows.
• Support budgeting, strategic planning, and administrative processes.

Skills

Leadership

Facilities maintenance

Safety compliance

Job description

The Cornell University campus is widely admired as one of the world’s most beautiful academic settings. The Division of Facilities and Campus Services is committed to providing the highest quality service to faculty, students, staff, alumni and visitors. With more than 260 major buildings enhancing the magnificent landscape of the Ithaca campus, approximately 1,000 highly talented and dedicated staff serve as stewards of the campus resources and operations. All employees are accountable for supporting the organization’s values of truth, respect, excellence, teamwork, and integrity; and supporting inclusive and sustainable practices in carrying out everyday responsibilities.

Facilities Management (FM) provides maintenance, grounds, and custodial services to the entire campus. As a key steward of the University’s facilities, FM is responsible for facility assessments, skilled trades, general construction, building care, grounds, recycling, asbestos, and the management of planned, corrective, and preventive maintenance.

While position responsibilities vary, all people leaders are expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by being trustworthy; respecting all individuals; being flexible; supporting work/life integration as well as healthy boundaries; inviting new ideas, alternatives, and perspectives; speaking up and taking action if others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and recognizing the contributions of others.

Under the supervision of the Shop Manager, the Assistant Shop Manager provides leadership and operational support for preventive and corrective maintenance per assigned specialty area(s)/shop(s), ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality services across campus facilities. This role supervises skilled trades staff, fosters teamwork, and maintains alignment with university policies and goals.

The Assistant Shop Manager collaborates with the Shop Manager to coordinate daily operations, develop maintenance strategies, and ensure compliance with safety standards, building codes, and university procedures for assigned specialty area(s)/shop(s). They oversee task prioritization, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication to meet productivity and quality expectations. This position also supports staff development through mentoring and training, while assisting with strategic planning, budget management, and administrative processes.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Supervising trades staff and providing leadership to (general)/forepersons and lead staff.
• Partnering with the Shop Manager on maintenance planning, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensuring safety compliance and supporting training programs.
• Proactively identifying and addressing maintenance needs while fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Provide consultation and partner with internal and external stakeholders, including Maintenance Planners, Asset Management and campus partners to plan, schedule and prioritize workloads.

This position plays a critical role in supporting the Shop Manager, ensuring the shop operates effectively and efficiently while advancing institutional priorities.

We are a value–based organization where all employees are accountable for supporting the organization’s values of truth