Assistant Maintenance Mechanic Shop Manager

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 103,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Tuition benefits

Holiday and paid time off

Job summary

Cornell University is seeking an Assistant Shop Manager/Superintendent I to lead maintenance operations across campus facilities in Ithaca. The role focuses on supervising skilled trades, coordinating planning, and upholding safety and quality in service delivery.

You will mentor staff, drive maintenance strategies, and ensure compliance with university procedures, codes, and budget guidelines while supporting strategic planning.

Qualifications

• Three to five years of relevant trade experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and wellbeing in workplace.
• Ability to lead a large, diverse team and foster a collaborative environment.
• Experience developing preventive maintenance programs and using CMMS like Maximo.
• Familiarity with building codes, safety programs, and coordination with internal/external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Supervise trades staff and provide leadership to forepersons and lead staff.
• Plan maintenance with Shop Manager and allocate resources effectively.
• Ensure safety compliance and support training programs.
• Identify maintenance needs and maintain productive work culture.
• Coordinate with Maintenance Planners, Asset Management and campus partners to schedule workloads.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

People leadership

MS Office

Driver's license

OSHA 10

Maximo

Construction documents

Education

Associate's degree or equivalent

Tools

Maximo

Enterprise maintenance software

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 Require These Qualifications

• Three to five years of relevant trade experience, an Associate's degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Demonstrated skill in understanding of cultural differences.
• Proven ability to manage and provide strategic leadership for a large group of employees in a diverse environment.
• Experience developing and implementing preventive maintenance programs.
• Familiarity with collective bargaining agreements and workforce management.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and well-being, with skill in understanding cultural differences.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Experience in worksite safety programs, hazardous materials protocols, and compliance with building codes.
• Experience with enterprise maintenance software (e.g., Maximo or equivalent).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Demonstrates sound judgment in decision-making.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license; may be required to operate a motor vehicle.
• OSHA 10 certification (or ability to obtain).
• Ability to understand construction documents and asset specifications and cut sheets.

You will be a top candidate with our preferred qualifications

• Associate’s degree in construction technology or related field.
• Experience in a unionized University or Institutional Facilities Management environment including research, teaching, agriculture, athletic, and residential facilities.
• Experience in project estimation, cost analysis, or budget planning.

Rewards & Benefits

• This position is based in Ithaca, New York.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

University Job Title

Superintendent I

Job Family

Facilities & Safety Services

Level

F

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Range

$102,720.00 - $119,378.00

Remote Option Availability

Onsite

EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.