Director of Facility Operations and Maintenance at USM Hattiesburg Campus

Director of Facility Operations and Maintenance at USM Hattiesburg Campus

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director of Facility Operations and Maintenance at USM Hattiesburg Campus.

Position Details
Location	Hattiesburg 118 College Drive Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001 United States
Division	Administration Physical Plant
Position Type	Staff
Employment Status	Full Time
Grant Funded	No
Pay Grade	E17
Posting Close Date	Open until filled

Job Summary 
Manages all aspects of the Physical Plant Operations to include maintenance and repair of campus facilities, including athletic fields and facilities, custodial, grounds and landscaping operations, financial planning, and budgeting on the Hattiesburg campus.  Leads and acts as point of contact for all operations and maintenance work to Hattiesburg campus buildings and grounds. Prepares, coordinates, manages, and maintains Physical Plant programs and procedures as they relate to areas of responsibility on the Hattiesburg campus.  This position is considered essential personnel and may require storm duty.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities  

  Primarily serves to oversee personnel in the Physical Plant Department at the USM Hattiesburg campus.

Manages the overall operations of the Physical Plant Division to include reviewing and the performance of maintenance and custodial operations, purchasing and distribution of utilities, building design, renovation and construction, administration of contracts for new facilities, and aiding satellite facilities near Hattiesburg.

Oversees the following shops in the Physical Plant Department:
    a. Custodial Services
    b. Fire / Safety Division
    c. Grounds and Landscape Services
    d. Athletic Grounds
    e. Logistics and Transportation Services involving motor pool, environmental services (utility        and trash), and moving services.
    f. Building Maintenance including carpentry, paint shop, locksmith, and sheet metal / roofing
    g. HVAC / Plumbing Services
    h. Electrical Services

Provides direction, vision, and positive, creative energy, toward the accomplishment of              university and departmental missions, for the entire Physical Plant department, to include supporting the AVP in master planning, long and short-term departmental objectives, timely evaluation, and adaptability to changing economical climates.

Works to support the Director of Planning, Design, and Construction as needed for the submission of all required reports to the Institutions for Higher Learning (IHL), the Mississippi Bureau of Buildings (BOB), the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH), and all other appropriate federal, state, and local agencies.

Works at University Police Department Command Center in Bond Hall for all home football games.  Manages all utility stand-by crews and all transport golf carts.

Oversees a facility budget of approximately $10 million to include budget planning and design, management of all expenses and requested financial reports.

Consults with appropriate faculty, staff, and administrators to address complaints, work orders, and maintenance requests.

Provides support in construction management oversight for the new construction, renovation, and repair to university facilities in collaboration with the Director of Planning, Design, and Construction in their absence as needed. 

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications  
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or other related field and at least 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management, maintenance, overseeing construction projects, renovations, facility repairs or related fields or equivalent combination of Education and Experience. Experience in managing a diverse team of facilities personnel including custodial, maintenance, groundskeeping, and other related staff.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Comprehensive understanding of facilities management principles, including building systems, regulations, and sustainability practices.
  
• Proficiency in budgeting, financial management, and procurement processes.
  
• Leadership and management expertise to lead diverse teams and drive departmental objectives.
  
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with stakeholders and conflict resolution.
  
• Strong problem-solving ability to address maintenance issues efficiently and manage multiple projects.
  
• Technical competence to oversee maintenance activities and navigate complex building systems.
  
• Negotiation skills to manage contracts, vendors, and procurement effectively.
  
• Adaptability to changing economic climates and institutional needs, including making decisions under pressure during emergencies.
  
• Prioritization and resource allocation capabilities to ensure efficient task management.
  
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development in facilities management.

Preferred Qualifications  

• Professional degree from an accredited architecture or engineering college or university.
  
• Seven (7) years of related experience in a higher education setting with at least two of those years being at the Assistant Director level or above.
  
• Experience in facilities management in commercial, institutional, or military environments.
  
• Certifications in facilities management.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu . 

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.