BUILDING OPERATIONS MANAGER

Polk County; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County is seeking an experienced facilities and construction program leader to supervise staff across multiple divisions and oversee daily operations of building engineering, maintenance, services, and administrative support.

The role involves managing major construction and maintenance projects, coordinating with procurement, and ensuring regulatory compliance, safety, and quality while maintaining fiscal integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Public or Business Administration.
• Four years of experience in the building, construction, and maintenance trades including supervision, planning, and scheduling the work of skilled trades, maintenance, and building services personnel.
• Journeyman's license in any of the skilled building trades is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and evaluates staff across multiple divisions; handles personnel actions per policies; oversees daily operations of building engineering, maintenance, services, and admin support.
• Manages major construction and maintenance projects: reports, specs, change orders, contracts, permits, blueprints, cost docs, and quality control.

Skills

Staff supervision

Project management

Budgeting

Facilities management

HVAC knowledge

Reading blueprints

Communication

Safety regulations

Procurement knowledge

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Architecture/Engineering/Construction Management/Public or Business Administration

Journeyman's license preferred

Job description

1. In conjunction with the Director of General Services, supervises and evaluates staff across multiple divisions; effectively recommends personnel actions related to selection, performance review, discipline, scheduling, and administers personnel and related policies and procedures; oversees the daily operations of building engineering, building and grounds maintenance, building services, and administrative support.
2. Leads and manages major construction and maintenance projects by preparing reports, specifications, and change orders; monitors service and construction contracts; coordinates materials and services; oversees permitting processes; interprets and approves blueprints and construction documents, ensuring quality control and regulatory compliance; and maintaining accurate cost documentation and job reports.
3. Develops and manages preventative maintenance programs for all County facilities, equipment, and grounds; oversees the development of schedules and plans for repair .
4. Assists the Director in budget development and capital improvement planning; reviews and approves expenditures; maintains the department's fiscal integrity and ensures fiscal responsibility.
5. Coordinates with the procurement division to ensure compliance with procurement policies; collaborates with procurement staff to prepare itemized proposals for equipment purchases and facility projects.
6. Provides consultation, guidance, and recommendations to county officials regarding facility maintenance needs; ensures timely and efficient maintenance, repair, and renovations of county buildings, equipment, and grounds.
7. Supports front-line management and supervisory staff with job priorities and personnel management; directs the development of standard work methods and procedures.
8. Develops and implements ongoing professional training, certificate programs, and continuing education opportunities for building engineering, maintenance, and services staff.
9. Inspects all buildings and grounds on a regular basis to ensure proper maintenance and custodial activities are consistent with established standards.
10. Responds to and investigates emergency facility issues as needed.
11. Performs related duties as required.

• Considerable knowledge of maintenance, repair, construction, and improvement practices for public buildings and grounds.
• Considerable knowledge of HVAC, plumbing systems, custodial operations, and cleaning procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions in building maintenance and repair.
• Considerable knowledge of State and Federal Occupational Safety & Health regulations, Environmental Protection Agency standards, city and uniform building codes, and safety rules related to building operations and refrigerants.
• Considerable knowledge of modern management principles, personnel supervision, strategic management, and project oversight.
• Considerable knowledge of budget preparation, financial administration, inventory control, and government procurement procedures.
• Proficiency in using computers and relevant software for word processing, spreadsheets, and facilities management.
• Proficiency in maintaining operational records and assessing project feasibility.
• Skill in organizing and delegating work across multiple programs and teams.
• Skill in devising improved methods, schedules, and work procedures to optimize work flow across multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to establish program objectives, evaluate performance goals, and improve work methods and resource allocation.
• Ability to inspect buildings, premises, and other facilities to determine appropriate maintenance and repair requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, blueprints, schematics, and construction drawings.
• Ability to prepare time, material, and cost estimates.
• Ability to conduct personnel investigations and adhere to administrative policies.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs., climb ladders, work in confined spaces and at various elevations, walk on uneven surfaces, and perform physical tasks in adverse weather.
• Ability to adapt and maintain effectiveness in environments with frequent changes in requirements and deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, public officials, county staff, and the general public, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment.

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Public or Business Administration, or related field, and
• Four years of experience in the building, construction, and maintenance trades including experience in supervision, planning, and scheduling the work of skilled trades, maintenance, and building services personnel, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Journeyman's license in any of the skilled building trades is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
• A criminal background check is required.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A valid State of Iowa driver's license is required.