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

About the Role

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, you will oversee and be responsible for the cleaning, operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of the physical plant and grounds of a campus. This includes ensuring the safe and effective operation of campus facilities, establishing preventive maintenance plans, implementing sustainability and energy-saving measures, and liaising with outside vendors, contractors, and government entities.

As a principal assistant to a higher-level college executive, you will prepare the annual budget for building and grounds operations, direct staff in maintenance and improvements, train staff on equipment operation and safety, evaluate repair requests, and oversee the vehicle fleet. You will also coordinate rehabilitation and repair projects, manage materials and equipment, ensure proper waste disposal and toxic material storage, and assist with cost estimates and contractual work.

At Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), this role supports safe, efficient, and compliant facilities operations. You will oversee custodial, maintenance, painting, and cleaning services, respond to emergencies (e.g., severe weather, flooding), and work a flexible schedule as needed. Additional duties include managing daily custodial operations, coordinating administrative and operational activities, reviewing work orders, implementing preventive maintenance programs, and ensuring compliance with CUNY policies and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct the cleaning, operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of campus buildings and grounds.
• Prepare the annual budget for the operation and maintenance of college buildings and grounds.
• Direct 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 for facilities operations.
• Evaluate repair and service requests; conduct inspections to determine maintenance needs.
• Oversee the operation and repair of the campus vehicle fleet.
• Plan and direct rehabilitation, improvement, and repair projects (e.g., painting, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, carpentry, gardening).
• 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, disposal, and removal of toxic waste under Environmental Health & Safety guidelines.
• Coordinate storage of toxic and flammable materials, allotting proper space and containers.
• Assist in surveys for 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 work (e.g., painting, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, masonry, carpentry, horticulture).
• 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, and government entities.
• Oversee daily custodial operations, including cleaning, event support, restorative floor care, and special projects.
• Report on custodial activities, project completion, and service quality.
• 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.
• Familiarize yourself with 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, performance monitoring, and professional development.
• Evaluate service requests, coordinate with trades personnel, and inspect completed work for quality.
• Assist with special projects and process improvements.

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 the management and/or operation of buildings and grounds (e.g., large hotels, educational complexes, office buildings, hospitals, 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.

Preferred 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.

Pay

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

Benefits

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