Job Information
Da Vinci Science Center Director of Facilities in Allentown, Pennsylvania
General Description
The Director of Facilities will provide leadership and oversight to the management of the Science Center's facilities department, which includes: building operations, engineering, IT, housekeeping, landscaping, and capital projects. The Director will ensure that the Facilities staff comprised of approximately ten full-time employees and six to eight part-time employees is aware of the Science Center's customer service culture and the Science Center's values. A strong candidate should have a construction and facilities management background and a passion for providing a safe, welcoming, and fun experience for visitors, volunteers, and staff.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
*Construction & Capital Projects: *
Prepares RFP documents for the selection of contractors and vendors for direct-to-owner projects; identifying thorough project scope, criteria, requirements, and budget parameters.
Manage pre-qualification and evaluation of potential contractors and vendors for direct-to-owner projects. Solicit bids and recommend contractors for assigned scope. Manage interactions with contractors and serve as a liaison between contractors and Science Center staff.
Prepare reports regarding project status; including detailed, up-to-date timelines and schedules for appropriate distribution.
Manage and oversee any direct-to-owner third-party inspection activities related to the project.
Work to avoid or resolve problems or conflicts that may arise between the Science Center and construction related vendors.
Oversee risk management as it relates to facilities; evaluate risks related to construction and work with internal and external teams, legal, finance, and safety resources to mitigate any exposure to the Science Center.
Coordinate construction operations for major projects including site access, hours of operation, minimizing negative impacts on neighboring businesses, staff activities, and the guest experience.
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*New Facility Operations: *
Lead and manage the Facilities department to ensure the effectiveness of facility operations, including but not limited to the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, IT, storage, and custodial needs of the building and grounds.
Lead the development of a preventative maintenance schedule, work order procedures, and corrective maintenance system to maintain and manage Science Center facilities. Oversee scheduled maintenance and as-needed repair of buildings, grounds, exhibits, or associated systems and equipment.
Provide technical leadership for preventive maintenance programs, outage responses, repairs, inspection programs, planned upgrades, and any other aspect of facilities.
Ensure compliance with applicable building and safety codes, OSHA recommendations, state inspections, hazardous waste disposal, MSDS documentation, and other public health concerns.
Negotiate agreements for and manage maintenance contractors, including HVAC maintenance, IT, telephone and Internet service, CCTV and security monitoring, contracted janitorial services, landscaping, and others, as needed.
Serve as Facilities department representative at Operations meetings and at Committee meetings, or appoint and coordinate with designee to ensure facility is prepared for any events.
Make diversity and inclusion a priority in hiring, training, and day to day operations.
Respond to facilities related issues specified in Duty Officer reports.
Exhibit Services:
Manage and oversee the regular maintenance, cleaning, repair, and safety analysis of exhibits, working closely with the Exhibits department staff to maintain peak operational readiness for the new Science Center's long-term and traveling exhibit programs.
Oversee the installation of traveling exhibits, supervising exhibit company technicians, staff and volunteers in receiving, setting up, and disma tling traveling exhibits.
Coordinate with other departments such as IT and Exhibit Design and Development on creative and efficient upgrades as needed for a successful guest experience.
Safety:
Work closely with the team to create and implement an extensive Safety Management and Emergency Management Plan.
Develop and maintain institutional standards that reflect current best practices, including evacuation plans, security operation manuals, accident and incident reports, fire and natural disaster plans, active shooter protocols, guest emergencies and removals, and related materials.
Develop proper safety protocols and procedures for Facilities team.
Ensure regular inspections and surveys of the interior and exterior of the building are conducted to proactively identify potential risks and recommend corrective action.
*Animal Husbandry: *
Work closely with the Animal Husbandry team to ensure the effective management of animal habitats and animal care, including but not limited to the operations and maintenance of exhibit spaces, life support systems, and aquatic tanks.
Work closely with the Animal Husbandry team to ensure that proper safety protocols and procedures are established and maintained for all animal programs, ensuring the ongoing safety and security of all staff, volunteers, visitors, and animals in the care of the Science Center.
Ensure collaboration between Husbandry team and other Facilities teams to manage projects and respond to maintenance issues and upgrades. Serve as a thought partner on recruiting, training, animal care, acquisition and handling, documentation, and other departmental concerns.
*Sustainability: *
Lead sustainability efforts; implement measures to reduce energy use and waste, ensuring our Science Center operations are as green and sustainable as possible.
Oversee operation of the Science Center's solar array and any future clean energy projects.
Budgeting/financial:
Develop and manage the budget for facilities, estimating annual expenses by program area. Identify and implement cost savings initiatives. Provide timely reporting of unexpected or emergency expenses.
Ensure all purchasing complies with Science Center's purchasing policies.
Work closely with finance team to ensure accurate record keeping for contracts and expenses.
Other
Support the Science Center's mission and values statement, support the mission to bring science to life and lives to science, and display a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and belonging in all aspects of their work.
Other duties as assigned.
Education requirements
· Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Building Construction or related field.
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