Administrative Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds, Level 1 (Provisional)

This is a classified managerial position with four assignment levels based on staff size and campus. Under general direction, with wide latitude for independent judgment, the role oversees cleaning, operating, maintaining, repairing, and improving the physical plant and grounds of a campus, ensuring safe and effective facilities operations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a principal assistant to a higher-level college executive in managing the physical plant and grounds.
• Prepare the annual budget for the operation and maintenance of college buildings and grounds.
• Direct buildings and grounds staff in repair, maintenance, and improvements, including major and minor alterations.
• Train staff on proper equipment operation and safety procedures.
• Establish work standards and procedures.
• Evaluate repair and service requests, conduct inspections, and determine maintenance needs.
• Oversee the operation and repair of the vehicle fleet.
• Plan and direct rehabilitation, improvement, and repair work, including painting, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, masonry, carpentry, gardening, and horticulture.
• Requisition, distribute, and inspect materials, tools, and equipment for repairs and maintenance.
• Review finished work, time spent, and materials used for assigned projects.
• Ensure proper waste sorting, recycling, and disposal, including toxic waste removal under Environmental Health & Safety guidelines.
• Coordinate proper storage of toxic and flammable materials.
• Assist in cost estimates and check contractual work for conformance with specifications and blueprints.
• Contract for maintenance services and ensure adherence to bid specifications; approve payments.
• Prepare bid specifications for contractor-performed rehabilitation, improvement, and repair work.
• Develop and oversee preventive maintenance plans and standards.
• Guide the implementation of campus sustainability and energy-saving measures.
• Act as a college representative with outside vendors, contractors, federal, state, local, and other entities.
• Oversee daily custodial operations, including cleaning, event support, restorative floor care, and special project cleaning.
• Coordinate daily administrative and operational activities, including personnel scheduling, onboarding, and timekeeping.
• Review work orders, conduct inspections, and determine maintenance needs.
• Assist in implementing preventive maintenance programs and operational standards.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and external agencies for compliance and service delivery.
• Become knowledgeable about HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire safety systems, renovation projects, and campus operations.
• Prepare and maintain reports, records, compliance documentation, and budget-related information.
• Ensure compliance with CUNY policies, safety standards, labor agreements, and building codes.
• Supervise and train grounds, maintenance, custodial, and administrative staff, including work assignments and performance monitoring.
• Evaluate service requests, coordinate with trades personnel, and inspect completed work for quality.
• Assist with special projects and process improvements.
• Respond to and assist in managing emergencies, including severe weather, flooding, and other incidents as part of the essential personnel team.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Baccalaureate degree in a related field from an accredited college and four years of related experience, including two years of progressive full-time managerial/administrative experience in managing buildings and grounds (e.g., large hotels, educational complexes, office buildings, hospitals, or parks).
• OR a valid New York State Registration as an architect and three years of related experience, including one year of full-time managerial/administrative experience as described above.
• OR a valid New York State professional engineer’s license and three years of related experience, including one year of full-time managerial/administrative experience as described above.
• OR a valid New York City High Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer’s license, a high school diploma or equivalent, and six years of related experience, including four years of progressive full-time managerial/administrative experience as described above.
• OR a high school diploma or GED and eight years of related experience, including four years of progressive full-time managerial/administrative experience as described above.

Note: An advanced degree in a managerial field from an accredited college may substitute for one year of managerial/administrative experience.

Qualifications

• Experience managing facilities operations in higher education or large environments.
• Knowledge of building systems, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical.
• Experience supervising custodial, maintenance, and engineering staff.
• Familiarity with preventive maintenance and work order systems.
• Knowledge of environmental health and safety standards.
• Experience coordinating contracts, vendors, and service agreements.
• Ability to assist with budgeting and cost control.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to emergencies.

Benefits

CUNY offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees and eligible dependents based on job title and classification. Employees are also offered pension and Tax-Deferred Savings Plans. Part-time employees must meet a weekly or semester work hour criteria to be eligible for health benefits. Health benefits are also extended to retirees who meet eligibility criteria.

Pay

The salary range is $70,000 to $90,000, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and education.