Physical Plant Supervisor, Plumbing Shop

Yale University; New Haven (CT); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Yale University is seeking a Facilities Manager to lead our maintenance team on the New Haven campus. You will oversee regular operations, coordinate service and preventive maintenance, and develop staffing plans to support teaching, research, and events.

The role requires seven years of related experience and a Bachelor's degree, with a focus on safety, reliability, and sustainability across building systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and seven years of related work experience or equivalent combination.

Responsibilities

• Supervises day-to-day maintenance and operations for university buildings.
• Oversees service coordination with internal and external technicians.
• Develops staffing plans and manages payroll and performance to improve efficiency.
• Ensures safety programs comply with codes and university policies.
• Coordinates with vendors for large-scale projects and emergency responses.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Staff coordination

Verbal & written communication

Microsoft Office

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Work order management software

Job description

Working at Yale means contributing to a better tomorrow. Whether you are a current resident of our New Haven-based community, eligible for opportunities through the New Haven Hiring Initiative, or a newcomer, interested in exploring all that Yale has to offer, your talents and contributions are welcome. Discover your opportunities at Yale!

Overview

Manages a team of plumbers for routine campus building operations, coordination of service and preventative maintenance by internal and contracted technicians, and administrative functions necessary for the functioning of the shop and department. Implement policies and procedures for the maintenance, refurbishment, and development of university facilities. Oversee all facets of unit operations, including planning for licensed and unlicensed trades in maintenance and coordination with third-party vendors. Directs the maintenance, repairs, and renovations of building equipment and systems, ensuring compliance with university standards and sustainability initiatives. Engages with stakeholders to address facilities-related concerns and collaborates with various departments to support the teaching, research, and special events of the institution. Develops staffing plans, oversees training and payroll, and manages performance to enhance staff development and operational efficiency.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong client relationships, coordinate activities of staff, and provide customer-focused maintenance and services.
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate activities related to maintenance, repairs, construction, and renovation projects.
• Well-developed supervisory skills, including experience with progressive discipline, performance feedback, scheduling, and reporting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of building systems, codes, regulations, and energy management systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

• Certification as a Certified Facilities Manager (CFM) or similar certification.
• Experience in managing HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems with relevant licenses (e.g., P1, P2, S2, E2, etc.).
• Experience working in and managing in a unionized environment.
• Experience in facilities management within a university or similar institutional environment.
• Knowledge of project/work order management software and tools, and familiarity with building maintenance software.
• Experience in coordinating with external vendors and contractors for large-scale projects and emergency responses.

Principal Responsibilities

• Supervises the day-to-day custodial and/or maintenance operations of a unit, department, or school building within the University.
• Participates in the development and implementation of policies and procedures for building maintenance and security, and develops preventative maintenance schedules.
• Conducts building safety inspections ensuring that protection and safety systems are in operational order and comply with safety codes; oversees the installation and modification of safety and protection equipment and systems as needed.
• Determines staff assignments, tool and equipment requirements, and procedures for projects and work requests.
• Plans, estimates, coordinates, and follows-up on repairs, renovations, and trade projects.
• Coordinates activities for service response with various trades; ensures timely delivery and completion of service work in assigned buildings and surrounding areas.
• Provides direction and guidance to building occupants and service responders in both routine and emergency situations.
• Communicates information on the adequacy of safety and protection programs and the need to improve these programs to the facilities department.
• Interacts with internal contacts to provide guidance on building safety policies, discuss code violations and resolutions, and discuss maintenance and renovation projects.
• Interacts with outside contacts to discuss maintenance, renovation and construction plans, and to obtain information on fire and safety regulations.
• Manages a staff of nonexempt employees.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree. Seven years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and trades-related experience.

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties throughout their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Note: Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.