Manager 1, Facilities Operations

Inside Higher Ed; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 50,130 - 65,504; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Columbus, Ohio seeks a Manager 1 in Facilities Operations to oversee maintenance activities across university buildings. Responsibilities include responding to facility issues, training staff, and ensuring safety standards. Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and a valid Ohio driver's license, with a minimum of 3 years in a related field. This role is essential for maintaining operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience, preferred 4-8 years.
• Valid Ohio driver's license and satisfactory driving record required.
• Ability to read and write and perform calculations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee scheduled and unscheduled zone maintenance activities.
• Respond to facility issues and perform preventative maintenance.
• Train maintenance personnel and manage attendance.

Skills

Customer service orientation

Problem-solving skills

Technical competence

Interpersonal skills

Conflict management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

CMMS

Kronos work management systems

Job description

Manager 1, Facilities Operations

Inside Higher Ed is seeking a Manager 1 in Facilities Operations to oversee scheduled and unscheduled zone maintenance activities across assigned university buildings. The role delivers high‑quality customer service, supports a wide range of facilities management functions, integrates environmental sustainability initiatives into daily operations, and prepares estimates for billable work performed by zone maintenance staff.

Responsibilities

• Respond to facility issues as they arise and perform preventative maintenance to ensure ongoing safety, functionality, and efficiency of university facilities.
• Deliver high‑quality customer service to end‑users, support wide‐range facilities management functions, and integrate environmental sustainability initiatives into daily operations.
• Coordinate and oversee contractors and university personnel in collaboration with zone and district leaders.
• Train maintenance personnel, develop daily work schedules, forecast maintenance needs, conduct performance reviews, administer corrective action, and manage attendance.
• Adhere to all safety practices and procedures; maintain clean and safe work areas and equipment; attend required meetings; ensure accurate and complete documentation; and communicate effectively with customers, coworkers, and supervisors through written, electronic, and verbal communication.
• Provide short‑term coverage for zone or district leadership when needed.
• Participate in on‑call and holiday rotation and be subject to 24‑hour emergency call.
• Coordinate with essential/alternate status and comply with Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Valid Ohio driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience.
• 4–8 years of relevant experience preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to read and write sentences and perform calculations involving fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Nine months of experience or 900 hours of training in more than one skilled trade (e.g., electrical, plumbing, masonry, carpentry, locksmithing, painting/decorating, welding, landscaping, refuse management, HVAC, construction equipment operation) and related safety practices.
• One month of budgeting experience or one course in budgeting.
• Three months of management/supervision experience or three related courses.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills at all organizational levels.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• High level of technical competence related to facilities maintenance and building systems.
• Demonstrated history of safe of equipment and vehicles.
• High standards of honesty, integrity, trust, openness, and respect for individuals.
• Flexibility, strong interpersonal skills, and selfdirection.
• Proven ability to build and lead high‑performing teams.
• Ability to manage conflict effectively.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Three years of supervisory experience in facilities maintenance within an institutional or hospital environment.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Working proficiency with Microsoft Office and other relevant software.
• Comfort using an iPad, CMMS, and Kronos work management systems.
• Ability to climb ladders and lift up to 50 pounds.

Additional Information

Target hiring range: $36.39 – $47.55 per hour. Actual salary will vary based on education, experience, and internal equity. Position type: Regular. Scheduled hours: 40 per week. Shift: First Shift. Location: Aronoff Laboratory (0131). This role is essential (short‑term status) and alternate (long‑term status) under Ohio State policy. Employment contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center are equal opportunity employers. The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. Ohio Revised Code section 3345.0216 requires Ohio State to provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.