Director of Plant Operations

Lambeth House - New Orleans, LA

Full-time - Manager

New Orleans, LA

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

About the position

The Director of Plant Operations is responsible for coordinating and supervising the work of employees involved in the general maintenance and upkeep of the buildings, grounds, apartments, and equipment at Lambeth House. This role ensures that all maintenance activities comply with established guidelines and applicable regulations, particularly in relation to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire safety, HVAC, and other related systems. The Director will oversee the maintenance team, assign duties, prioritize work orders, and inspect completed work to ensure it meets prescribed standards. In addition to managing daily operations, the Director will coordinate apartment turnovers in collaboration with marketing and housekeeping staff, report equipment maintenance issues to administration, and provide options for repair or replacement as necessary. The role also involves coordinating installations, inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance for various systems across all locations, including heating, cooling, ventilation, and boiler systems. The Director will be responsible for general repairs, renovations, and construction projects, ensuring that all work is completed to a high standard. The Director will also engage with new residents to explain maintenance procedures and the work order request system, manage inventory and stock orders, prepare the initial draft of the department's operating budget, and maintain records of work orders and repairs. Participation in leadership and committee meetings is required, along with a commitment to continuous quality improvement within the community. The Director will also handle human resources responsibilities, including screening job applicants, conducting training, and performing annual evaluations for maintenance staff. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to maintaining high standards of service and safety.

Responsibilities

• Assign duties to maintenance employees and prioritize work orders based on importance.
• Inspect work for conformance to prescribed standards and determine materials, equipment, and supplies to be used.
• Coordinate apartment turnover with marketing and housekeeping staff.
• Report equipment maintenance issues to administration and provide repair vs. replacement options as necessary.
• Coordinate installations, inspections, repairs, and preventive maintenance for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, safety, elevators, and other related systems.
• Coordinate inspections, operations, preventive maintenance, and repairs for heating, cooling, ventilation, and boiler systems.
• Coordinate general repairs such as painting, patching walls, security hardware, flooring, wallpaper, rooftop, and landscaping.
• Coordinate renovations of existing buildings and the construction of new facilities.
• Coordinate and inspect major contract work in apartments and all building systems.
• Meet with new residents to discuss maintenance procedures and explain the work order request system.
• Inventory and order stock to ensure adequate supplies.
• Prepare the initial draft of the Operating Budget for the department.
• Retain work orders, log sheets, and schedules for repairs with evidence of completion for a period of 3 months.
• Attend all leadership meetings and participate in Continuing Quality Improvement of the community.
• Respond promptly and courteously to resident requests.
• Screen job applicants, hire new employees, and recommend promotions, transfers, and dismissals.
• Conduct orientation training and in-service training for maintenance employees.
• Conduct fire safety training for new hires and annual training for all staff as necessary.
• Investigate complaints regarding maintenance service and take corrective action.
• Evaluate operation of appliances in apartments and determine repair/replacement needs.
• Coordinate maintenance projects and keep department managers informed on progress of repairs.
• Prepare reports concerning payroll and department expenses.
• Perform maintenance duties in cases of emergency or staff shortage.
• Prepare and follow a project list for routine monthly, quarterly, and annual building maintenance.
• Conduct staff meetings to discuss company policies and resident complaints.
• Establish standards and procedures for the work of maintenance staff.

Requirements

• Ability to meet and deal tactfully and courteously with residents, families, fellow employees, and vendors/contractors.
• Ability to install, inspect, repair, and maintain electrical, plumbing, fire safety, HVAC, and other related systems according to health standards.
• Demonstrates knowledge of sanitation standards and requires quality standards of service.
• Must have a minimum of high school education; eighteen months of education and training beyond high school level in general maintenance and repair or closely related area.
• Knowledge of management principles involved in human resources, leadership techniques, and coordination of staff and services.
• Able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• Demonstrates required skill to motivate, develop, and direct staff as they work.
• Demonstrates maturity, responsibility, patience, and professionalism.
• Knowledge of resident rights and ability to maintain confidentiality of resident and staff information.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in human resources management.
• Valid Fire Safety Certification.