Facilities & Grounds Operations Leader

Polk County; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County in Des Moines, IA, seeks a Building and Grounds Supervisor to oversee county-owned buildings, grounds, and equipment. You will direct skilled staff, manage capital projects, and coordinate with departments, vendors, and contractors to ensure safe, compliant, and timely maintenance.

The role emphasizes supervision, safety training, and effective communication across teams, with responsibilities spanning planning, budgeting, and contract administration.

Qualifications

• Experience leading building maintenance and grounds teams.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and building codes.
• Ability to read blueprints and plans.
• Strong planning, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work with diverse departments and contractors.

Responsibilities

• Directs and evaluates staff in building and grounds maintenance at county buildings, including carpentry, painting, plumbing, and landscaping.
• Recommends personnel actions (selection, discipline, performance, leaves, grievances) and administers related policies.
• Plans, schedules, and assigns work orders for building and grounds maintenance, including snow removal and landscaping; prioritizes work and coordinates with staff.
• Inspects and evaluates ongoing construction and repairs for quality and compliance; initiates corrective actions.
• Conducts on-site inspections of county facilities to ensure safety and identify deficiencies; recommends maintenance; ensures safety and building-code compliance.
• Monitors and trains staff on methods and safety; ensures licenses and proper handling of chemicals.
• Prepares records and reports on maintenance, work orders, and inventories; maintains adequate supply levels.
• Attends meetings and coordinates activities with departments, contractors, vendors, and engineering staff.
• Processes work orders; prepares plans, estimates, and requisitions; inspects materials and tracks time and costs.
• Determines staffing vs. contractor work; writes bid specs, solicits bids, selects contractors, and administers contracts.
• Receives and resolves facility maintenance complaints, including emergencies.
• Performs related duties as required.

Skills

Carpentry

Painting

Plumbing

Landscaping

Supervision

Safety training

Budgeting

Contract administration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical/trade school certificate in building trades

Four years of experience in general building maintenance and construction

Tools

Word

Excel

Work order system

Job description

Polk County in Des Moines, IA, seeks a Building and Grounds Supervisor to oversee county-owned buildings, grounds, and equipment. You will direct skilled staff, manage capital projects, and coordinate with departments, vendors, and contractors to ensure safe, compliant, and timely maintenance.

The role emphasizes supervision, safety training, and effective communication across teams, with responsibilities spanning planning, budgeting, and contract administration.