School Maintenance Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the dynamic world of education, the role of a School Maintenance Director is crucial.
With every passing day, the need for competent individuals who can manage, maintain, and improve our educational institutions’ infrastructure becomes more pressing.
But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a School Maintenance Director?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply curious about the nuances of school maintenance management,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable School Maintenance Director job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
School Maintenance Director Duties and Responsibilities
A School Maintenance Director is responsible for overseeing the maintenance and repair activities within a school facility, including the school grounds and equipment.
Their goal is to ensure a safe, clean, and effective learning environment for students and staff.
They have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a maintenance schedule for all school facilities and equipment
- Supervise and coordinate the activities of maintenance and custodial staff
- Inspect the school premises regularly to identify repair and maintenance needs
- Work with school administrators to prioritize and schedule maintenance projects
- Ensure compliance with health and safety standards and regulations
- Manage the school’s maintenance budget and ensure cost-effective use of resources
- Coordinate with external contractors for larger repair or renovation projects
- Maintain records of maintenance and repair work, and report on activities and expenses
- Ensure the school grounds are kept clean and safe, including snow removal and landscaping tasks
- Respond to urgent maintenance calls and participate in the creation of emergency preparedness plans
- Order maintenance supplies and equipment as needed
School Maintenance Director Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a skilled and experienced School Maintenance Director to oversee all maintenance operations of our educational institution.
The responsibilities of the School Maintenance Director include developing maintenance procedures and ensuring implementation, scheduling planned maintenance, and managing the maintenance department budget.
Our ideal candidate has proven experience in maintenance management, is knowledgeable about health and safety regulations, and has a strong understanding of technical aspects of plumbing, carpentry, and electrical systems.
Ultimately, the role of the School Maintenance Director is to ensure the school premises are safe, well-cared for and conducive to a productive learning environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop maintenance procedures and ensure implementation
- Carry out inspections of the facilities to identify and resolve issues
- Check electrical and plumbing systems of buildings to ensure functionality
- Plan and oversee all repair and installation activities
- Monitor equipment inventory and place orders when necessary
- Keep maintenance logs and report on daily activities
- Ensure health and safety policies are complied with
- Manage relationships with contractors and service providers
- Oversee facilities’ renovations and refurbishments
- Manage maintenance budget
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a maintenance director or other managerial role
- Experience in planning maintenance operations
- Solid understanding of technical aspects of plumbing, carpentry, electrical systems etc.
- Working knowledge of facilities machines and equipment
- Ability to keep track of and report on activity
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Outstanding organizational and leadership abilities
- High school diploma or equivalent; Degree from a vocational school will be a plus
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Additional Information
- Job Title: School Maintenance Director
- Work Environment: School setting. Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the School Principal or Superintendent.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our school. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a School Maintenance Director Do?
A School Maintenance Director is a vital role in any educational institution.
They oversee the maintenance and repair of the school’s infrastructure, ensuring a safe and clean environment for students, teachers, and staff.
They manage the maintenance staff and work closely with them to diagnose, repair and prevent any issues related to the school’s physical infrastructure, including classrooms, gymnasiums, laboratories, bathrooms and outdoor areas.
Their responsibilities also extend to handling the budget for the maintenance department, including allocation of funds for routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and long-term improvement projects.
They liaise with other school administrators and staff to coordinate maintenance schedules and minimize disruption to the school’s activities.
They may also work with external contractors for larger projects or specialized repairs.
School Maintenance Directors are responsible for ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, and they may also contribute to the development of emergency response plans.
Ultimately, they are responsible for maintaining a safe, functional, and inviting school environment, which is critical to the success of the educational mission.
School Maintenance Director Qualifications and Skills
A proficient School Maintenance Director should have the skills and qualifications that align with the responsibilities of the role, such as:
- Practical knowledge of school facilities management including maintenance and repair of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems.
- Leadership and team management skills to direct, supervise, and coordinate the work of maintenance staff efficiently.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with faculty, students, and staff, understanding their needs and ensuring their safety and comfort.
- Problem-solving skills to quickly identify and address any maintenance and repair issues that may arise, minimizing disruption to school operations.
- Strong organizational skills to plan and prioritize maintenance and repair activities, as well as manage inventories of supplies and equipment.
- Knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices to ensure a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors.
- Administrative abilities including budgeting, contract negotiations, and procurement to ensure efficient use of resources.
- Physical fitness that allows for inspection of school premises and performing or overseeing manual tasks as needed.
School Maintenance Director Experience Requirements
A School Maintenance Director is typically required to have at least 5-7 years of experience in facilities management, maintenance or a related field.
Direct experience in a school setting is often beneficial.
Entry-level professionals in the field may gain experience by working in custodial or general maintenance roles, progressing to more specialized roles such as HVAC technician, groundskeeper, or electrician.
This practical experience provides the necessary foundation for managing a wide range of maintenance tasks and operations in a school setting.
Candidates with 3-5 years of experience may serve as Maintenance Supervisors or Facilities Managers in smaller institutions, where they gain experience in supervising teams, budgeting, and dealing with more complex maintenance issues.
Those with over 7 years of experience are often considered for the role of School Maintenance Director.
This senior role requires a blend of practical maintenance knowledge, management skills, and understanding of school operations.
As a result, the candidate is expected to be adept at managing personnel, developing and controlling budgets, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and coordinating with school officials.
In addition to these, the candidate should also have experience in planning and executing preventive maintenance programs, managing third-party contractors, and implementing procedures for emergency response.
A Bachelor’s degree in facilities management, business administration, or related field is often required, and a Certified Facility Manager (CFM) certification can also enhance their qualifications.
School Maintenance Director Education and Training Requirements
The School Maintenance Director typically possesses a high school diploma or equivalent education, with some positions requiring a bachelor’s degree in facilities management, engineering, or a related field.
In addition to formal education, several years of hands-on experience in building maintenance or a related field is typically necessary.
This could include practical experience in areas like plumbing, electrical systems, or HVAC.
Furthermore, it is necessary for a School Maintenance Director to have knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations regarding school facilities.
They must also be well-versed in safety protocols and procedures.
Some school districts may require the director to have a certification from a recognized professional organization, such as the National School Plant Management Association.
In order to stay updated with the latest technology and regulations in facilities management, many School Maintenance Directors also engage in ongoing training and professional development courses.
They may also need to maintain licensure in certain areas, such as HVAC or electrical systems, depending on the specific requirements of the school district.
Leadership skills and the ability to manage a team are critical for this role, and some directors may choose to pursue additional training or certifications in management or leadership.
School Maintenance Director Salary Expectations
A School Maintenance Director earns an average salary of $75,000 (USD) per year.
However, this figure can fluctuate based on factors such as the size and location of the school, the director’s level of experience, and specific responsibilities within the role.
School Maintenance Director Job Description FAQs
What skills does a School Maintenance Director need?
A School Maintenance Director should possess strong leadership and managerial skills to effectively direct and supervise maintenance staff.
They should have excellent problem-solving abilities to handle a wide range of maintenance issues and situations.
They should also have good communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with school administration, staff, students and vendors.
Do School Maintenance Directors need a degree?
While not always a requirement, a degree in facility management, engineering, or a related field can be advantageous.
However, extensive experience in maintenance, repair work, and management is typically required.
Knowledge of health and safety regulations, as well as building codes, is also necessary.
What should you look for in a School Maintenance Director resume?
A School Maintenance Director’s resume should highlight their experience in managing maintenance and repair activities, preferably within a school or educational institution.
Look for evidence of successful project management, budget management, and effective leadership.
Certifications in facility management or related fields can also be a positive indicator.
What qualities make a good School Maintenance Director?
A good School Maintenance Director is detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
They should be proactive and organized, capable of scheduling regular maintenance and responding to emergencies promptly.
They should also be effective communicators, able to coordinate with different parties and explain technical issues in a clear, understandable manner.
How challenging is it to hire a School Maintenance Director?
Hiring a competent School Maintenance Director can be challenging as the role requires a unique combination of skills, including management, technical expertise, and understanding of educational environments.
You must be ready to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract and retain qualified professionals in this role.
Conclusion
And there we have it.
Today, we’ve offered an inside look at what it means to be a School Maintenance Director.
Surprise, surprise!
It’s not just about fixing things.
It’s about creating a conducive, safe, and productive learning environment, one repair at a time.
With our comprehensive School Maintenance Director job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.
But why stop there?
Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to the tee.
Remember:
Every repair, every maintenance action, forms part of a larger educational landscape.
Let’s create that landscape. Together.
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