Facilities Zone Lead

The George Washington University; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The George Washington University is seeking an experienced Facilities Zone Lead to oversee daily maintenance operations and lead a skilled trades team across GWU properties. Reporting to the Zone Manager, you will coordinate work, drive preventive maintenance, supervise third‑party vendors, and ensure compliance with safety standards while delivering reliable facility services across GWU campuses.

A valid driver’s license is required and the role typically follows a 7am–4pm schedule with on‑call

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus 2 years of professional experience, or a Master’s degree or higher.
• Must have a valid driver’s license to operate university vehicles.
• Experience in light construction or building maintenance is preferred.
• Lead/supervisory experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily zone maintenance work with zone staff.
• Inspect and supervise third‑party vendors and ensure safety and quality.
• Manage preventive maintenance programs per industry standards.
• Provide regular reports to the Zone Manager and communicate project status.

Skills

Leadership

Team coordination

Safety compliance

Communication

Project planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Master’s degree or higher

Tools

AiM work management

Job description

Job Description Summary:

The Division of Safety and Facilities aims to provide a safe and secure campus environment for all members of the university community through best-in-class technological and physical infrastructure, proactive assessment and analysis, and a caring team of professionals dedicated to upholding the university’s values with the highest level of care.

Posting Details

I. Job Overview

Job Description Summary:

The Division of Safety and Facilities aims to provide a safe and secure campus environment for all members of the university community through best-in-class technological and physical infrastructure, proactive assessment and analysis, and a caring team of professionals dedicated to upholding the university’s values with the highest level of care.

Facilities, Planning, Construction, and Management ( FPCM ), a department in GW’s Division of Safety and Facilities manages and maintains GW’s property and grounds on all three of GW’s campuses. Our maintenance team includes electricians, carpenters, painters, HVAC technicians, locksmiths, and plumbers. Reporting to the Zone Manager, the Facilities Zone Lead supports facilities maintenance operations as a leader of the maintenance team at GW’s Foggy Bottom Campus.

FPCM is seeking an experienced tradesperson to take on the role of a Facilities Zone Lead. The Facilities Zone Lead will assist the Facilities Zone Manager with day-to-day operations for their respective zone at the same time as being a working lead. The Facilities Zone Lead will be well-trained, highly organized and a professional who takes pride in their work and can perform various customer service duties as required throughout the day. The Facilities Zone Lead is responsible for the proper operation of all systems and equipment. The Facilities Zone Lead position oversees maintenance programs including required repairs, renovations and preventative maintenance so that the primary university mission may be maintained.

• Supports facilities zone leadership by facilitating the day-to-day work activity for zone staff. Plans, assigns, reviews, oversees and inspects the work of others, schedules facilities and staff, and coordinates work with other trades.
• In the absence of the zone manager, acts in a managerial capacity to ensure effective zone operations.
• Administer the preventative maintenance program to provide maximum life to facilities in accordance with industry standards.
• Coordinates and facilitates walkthrough inspections and due diligence investigations
• Provides regular verbal/written reports to the Zone Manager.
• Ability to oversee and train employees, including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments, as well as, the ability to perform complex tasks and to prioritize multiple projects.
• Comprehensive knowledge of trade tools and of occupational hazards, safety precautions, local codes, and regulations pertaining to a trade or trades.
• Knowledge and understanding of FPCM goals and objectives, policies and procedures, as well as the ability to work and communicate effectively in a multi-ethnic/multi-cultural environment with students, faculty, and staff.
• Coordinates with third-party vendors to schedule work and ensures that all relevant work authorization documentation is completed and approved by the appropriate parties.
• Supervises work assignments for third-party vendors to ensure service delivery is in compliance with contract or work order scope of services.
• Orders or directs the ordering of materials and equipment.
• Schedules and issues work orders and performs inspections for quality control.
• Advises administrators on possible alternatives to proposed projects and equipment purchases.
• Provides instructions and assistance in the solution of work-related problems and in the performance of specific tasks.
• Implements and enforces safety procedures and standards for staff.
• The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday; 7am to 4pm. However, the desired candidate must be flexible to work on-call shifts, and weekend/holiday work as needed.
  

Performs other work related duties as requested. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the lead from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:

Must have valid driver’s license to operate university vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in light construction and/or building maintenance that involves a reasonable knowledge of trades like electrical, plumbing and carpentry is desired.
• Lead worker and/or supervisory experience is preferred.
• Graduation from a trade school (or the completion of a certified licensed program) that involved light construction and/or building maintenance is desired.
• Proficiency with computers, other smart devices, and work management applications (like AiM) is preferred.
• Knowledge of safe work practices based on industry standards, injury and illness prevention practices is desired.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

This position desires an individual with the following characteristics:

• Commitment to GW’s values.
• Intellectual, professional and a person of integrity.
• Honest, with the highest ethical standards.
• Passionate, collaborative, strategic, and smart with a hands-on, roll-up-the-sleeves orientation.
• Ability to work independently. Self-starter; hard-worker. Takes the initiative; very high energy.
• Personally accountable. Assumes ownership, control, and accountability for all areas of responsibility and commitments made to others.
• Sincere, open, and direct communicator. Puts organizational interests above self- interests and is comfortable expressing candid opinions.
• Highest levels of responsiveness.
• Combination of strong intellect that is combined with a practical and realistic common sense understanding of how to get things done.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, a strong desire to succeed and exert the extraordinary effort often required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-growth, entrepreneurial