Director of Plant Operations

Vance-Granville Community College; Kentucky; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vance-Granville Community College in Henderson, NC is seeking a leader to oversee the Plant Operations Department, ensuring facilities, equipment and grounds are well‑maintained and compliant. You will supervise staff, manage vendor contracts, and coordinate renovation projects to support the college’s mission.

This on‑site role requires frequent travel within the service area and a proven background in facilities management, building automation, budgeting, and safety compliance to protect

Qualifications

• Associate degree and 3–5 years of related facilities management experience.
• Some experience in project management scheduling and directing professionals.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel/Word).
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Supervises and directs Plant Operations activities, including maintenance, grounds, custodial, and renovations.
• Coordinates management of supplies, equipment, and budgets.
• Oversees vehicle maintenance and asset records; manages third-party contractors.
• Inspects facilities and plans capital improvements and safety upgrades.
• Maintains building automation and energy efficiency initiatives.

Skills

Facilities management operations

Microsoft Office (Excel/Word)

Project scheduling

Driver's license

Education

Associate degree in Facilities Management or related field

Bachelor degree in related field (preferred)

Tools

Andover Continuum

KMC Controls

Reliable Controls

Job description

Vance-Granville Community College is where meaningful work meets real community impact. At VGCC, you’ll be part of a supportive, mission-driven team dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality education that transforms lives. Your work will help open doors for students, strengthen local communities, and prepare individuals for in-demand careers. Every day offers the chance to see the direct impact of what you do. If you’re energized by purpose, collaboration, and making a difference, we invite you to apply.

Under general direction, this position holds administrative responsibility for planning, organizing, and directing the operations and activities of the Plant Operations Department to ensure that College facilities, equipment, and grounds are properly maintained. Primary duties involve coordinating departmental staff efforts in building and equipment maintenance and repair, grounds maintenance, housekeeping and custodial services, courier services, and construction and renovation projects. Assigned duties may vary based on departmental needs and workload allocation. This position reports to the Vice President of Finance and Operations.

Teleworking:

This is a fully onsite position based at VGCC's Main Campus in Henderson, NC; however, it will require frequent travel within the service area. Remote or hybrid work is not available for this role

The following listing of essential job duties indicates the general nature and level of work required in this job. This is not designed to be a comprehensive listing of all the activities, duties, or responsibilities that may be required in this job. Individuals assigned to this job may be asked to perform other duties as required. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job.

• Supervises and directs the physical plant activities and operations of the Plant Operations Department, including building and equipment maintenance and repair, grounds maintenance, housekeeping and custodial services, courier services, and construction and renovation projects, with a focus on stewardship and sustainability of both financial and capital resources.
• Coordinates and provides support for the management of all physical plant supplies and equipment as needed and according to budget availability.
• Oversee maintenance, repair, and upkeep of the College's vehicles, ensuring they remain safe, properly serviced, and available for operational use.
• Coordinates and provides support for the management of fixed assets inventory record keeping, as well as the sale of surplus furniture, fixtures and equipment.
• Inspect all buildings and grounds periodically for deficiencies and necessary maintenance.
• Estimates cost of repair projects in terms of labor, materials, and overhead and coordinates contracted maintenance and renovation services.
• Coordinates and provides support for the operations of campus HVAC systems, including the monitoring and adjusting of the computer building automation system as required to maintain comfortable building temperatures and maximize energy efficiency.
• Prepares specifications, solicits proposals, manages, and oversees third-party contractors and vendors (janitorial, grounds maintenance at satellite campuses, construction, HVAC, and related services), ensuring work is performed in accordance with contract terms, quality standards, and timelines.
• Reviews plans and specifications for construction and renovation projects and monitors the completion of work.
• Assists the Vice President of Finance and Operations in creating, implementing, and maintaining repair and capital improvement budgets, including compliance with budgetary constraints and the forecasting and planning of facility improvements.
• Develops and implements strategies to support the goals of the College.
• Maintains current knowledge in the field of facilities management and maintenance, assists the Vice President of Finance and Operations in establishing, implementing, and updating facility related policies and procedures in compliance with all federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Trains and evaluates assigned Plant Operations Department staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including projects, special events and committee work.

Education and Experience Required:

• Associate degree from a regionally accredited college or university in Facilities Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field, and 3 to 5 years of related experience in commercial/industrial/institutional facilities management operations; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Moderate level of experience in project and facility management scheduling, and in providing field direction to professional skilled and semi-skilled employees. Some experience in building automations systems like Andover (Continuum), KMC Controls, and Reliable Controls.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Excel and Word.
• Valid NC Driver’s License.

Education and Experience Preferred:

• Bachelor degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Demonstrated effective supervisory experience in commercial/industrial/institutional facilities management operations.
• High level of experience in project and facility management scheduling, and in providing field direction to professional skilled and semi-skilled employees. .
• Previous experience in facilities maintenance within an educational environment.
• Ability to walk extensively throughout campus/facility grounds and buildings, including multiple floors, stairs, and outdoor terrain, to conduct inspections and oversee projects
• Ability to occasionally climb ladders and access mechanical rooms, rooftops, crawl spaces, and other confined or elevated areas
• Ability to lift and/or move up to 25-50 lbs (tools, equipment, supplies)
• Ability to stand, stoop, kneel, bend, and reach for extended periods when inspecting equipment or work sites
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle to travel between campus buildings and college locations
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including exposure to outdoor weather, dust, noise, and mechanical/electrical equipment
• Ability to respond to on-site emergencies outside normal business hours as needed