Director of Facilities

About the Role

Lead the maintenance, facilities, electrical, grounds, and construction operations of the 330-acre Florida State Fairgrounds. This hands-on leadership position drives operational excellence through planning, preventive maintenance, safety, and continuous improvement. You will work alongside your team to ensure facilities are safe, efficient, and event-ready year-round while making a lasting impact on one of Florida's premier event venues.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and evaluate activities within maintenance, electrical, grounds, landscape, and construction, including critical infrastructure and management of supervisors, leads, and contractors.
• Increase revenue by strengthening core processes for proposals and collaborating with the purchasing manager on ordering materials and safety equipment.
• Maintain a safe work environment in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, ensuring public safety during events. Develop and propose safety requirements and goals, and facilitate staff training.
• Oversee all facility life safety systems and ensure yearly compliance with equipment inspections.
• Monitor utility infrastructure for regulatory compliance and work with outside agencies to correct issues.
• Identify areas for process and cost efficiencies, including additional hiring and cross-training to sustain a qualified team.
• Research and implement an online work order system for facility repairs and capital projects.
• Determine time, equipment, material, and personnel requirements for projects; prepare recommendations and reports on construction, maintenance, and capital development.
• Establish or review plans and specifications for contract work; consult with engineering consultants and oversee project consultants such as designers, surveyors, architects, and engineers.
• Ensure department standards and goals are met through proper maintenance of facilities and equipment, including timely completion of preventive maintenance programs.

Leadership & Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise up to five employees, including interviewing, hiring, training, and developing staff.
• Plan, assign, and direct work, including scheduling; appraise performance; and address complaints or resolve problems.
• Act as a change agent to develop a high-performing team focused on exceptional service to internal and external partners.

Qualifications & Education

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of six to eight years of experience with increasing responsibility in facilities management or construction.
• Minimum of two years in a management position, including experience planning, organizing, and supervising maintenance and construction crews; managing a multimillion-dollar budget; and implementing preventive maintenance programs.
• Certifications in A/C Refrigeration, EPA, OSHA, Construction, Electrical, Plumbing, or Welding are a plus.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, blueprints, and sketches, and prepare plans.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, practices, and equipment used in maintenance and construction, as well as building codes.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations, safe work practices, and safety equipment.
• Ability to make decisions and use independent judgment on complex issues, and effectively communicate with work groups and management.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop a team with a “can-do” attitude.
• Strong math skills and ability to deal with abstract and concrete variables.
• Intermediate computer skills with MS applications.
• Flexibility to work unusually long hours during large-scale events, including the annual State Fair.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Some duties performed in an office setting; operates computer and standard office equipment.
• Ability to stand, sit, hear, taste/smell, use hands, walk, talk, reach with hands and arms, and have visual depth perception.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, balance, and lift or move more than 50 pounds.
• Occasional exposure to environmental demands, including wet/humid weather, high or precarious places, fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme temperatures, and risk of electrical shock.
• Work near mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles, and outdoor weather conditions.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance.
• 457(b) retirement plan with company match.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.