SUMMARY:
Directs, manages, and supervises the Building Force maintenance staff, overseeing the planning, scheduling, and execution of maintenance and repair activities for all library facilities. Responsible for hiring, training, and supervising building force employees to ensure safe, clean, and fully operational library buildings.
This position works under the general direction of the Library Director and is granted considerable independence in exercising judgment and initiative. This role requires establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City staff, external contractors, and the public. Work is performed in a variety of settings, including office environments, indoor facility areas, and outdoor locations.
Essential Job Functions
• Directs, supervises, trains and evaluates Building Force maintenance operations and the work of Building Force personnel involved in maintenance, repair, construction activities and facility management.
• Establishes and maintains yearly and lifetime repairs and replacement schedules.
• Composes reports and analysis of services, repair and maintenance.
• Assists in developing and monitoring the budget for building maintenance and repair.
• Researches and assists in development of CIP requests to the City of Des Moines.
• Operates and maintains ventilating and air conditioning systems and auxiliary equipment.
• Schedules repairs and preventive maintenance in library buildings.
• Assists staff in maintenance duties as needed.
• Manages work order system.
• Trains staff in safety precautions and ensures all assigned safety training is completed.
• Supervises and coordinates the library’s in-house and outsourced custodial activities.
• Inspects buildings and equipment for safety and proper operation.
• Accompanies safety inspectors on visits to library buildings.
• Studies current products and services related to maintenance activities. Makes recommendations for purchases.
• Supervises the maintenance of library vehicles, the inventory equipment and supplies, mechanical maintenance contracts, and snow removal activities and contracts.
• Purchases minor equipment and supplies for small in-house maintenance/construction projects.
• Assists in management of capital improvement projects.
• Performs building maintenance checks on all aspects of internal and external facilities.
• Responds to security alarm calls and emergencies in library buildings at all hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Essential Physical Abilities
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively.
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to produce and review a wide variety of reports and related materials in both electronic and hard copy form.
• Sufficient manual dexterity with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer, telephone, keyboard, and related equipment.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to access various work sites throughout library facilities and to transport materials and equipment.
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, for climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.
• Ability to lift a maximum of 50 lbs.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of complex and varied fixed plant equipment, including air handling, fire and burglar warning systems and related computer control systems.
• Knowledge of Windows Operating environment and Office Suite of programs.
• Knowledge of and ability to understand budget, orders, bid packets, request for proposal (RFP), and request for information (RFI) processes.
• Knowledge of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical practices.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local safety and environmental laws and regulations.
• Skill in both long- and short-range planning.
• Ability to read blueprints and produce specifications for building projects.
• Ability to analyze problems and recommend or take actions for their solutions.
• Ability to provide hands-on skills in multiple trade disciplines.
• Ability to train and supervise others.
• Ability to plan and organize workloads and schedules.
• Ability to organize and analyze data.
• Ability to maintain successful working relationships with library staff, other city departments, outside contractors, and the public.
• Ability to operate and maintain the library's vans.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and through written communication.
• Ability to use a computer to write reports, create basic spreadsheets and manage responsibilities.
Education and Experience
• High school diploma or GED;
• Considerable experience in facility maintenance; and five years of related progressively responsible experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or related field or courses in vocational or technical school preferred but not required.
• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination, drug screen, and background check.
• Possession of a valid Iowa driver’s license.
Application Information
Send resume, letter of application, and unofficial transcripts to Deputy Director Jon Hobbs (JTHobbs@dmpl.org) by December 3, 2025, at 5:00 pm.
More Information & To Apply