Property Operations Assistant

Job Summary

This is a maintenance position. By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise.

About the Role

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Harvard University Housing & Real Estate (HUHRE)

• Serves as the asset manager for Harvard's portfolio of commercial spaces and centrally stewarded institutional assets, overseeing the leasing and operations of University-owned institutional space for Harvard affiliates and commercial spaces for rent by private retail tenants within the Cambridge, and Greater Boston area.
• Manages a broad range of initiatives and assets to help support the Harvard community, including, but not limited to: leasing, managing, and renewing Harvard-owned housing as well as Harvard offices/institutional spaces, and commercial real estate portfolios; leading community engagement and programming opportunities; managing relationships with external partners and vendors; working within the larger University community to develop and coordinate University-wide policies and strategies; supporting new University housing and real estate development projects across the Cambridge and Greater Boston area.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Ensures that properties are maintained to the safety and quality standards established by HUH, for all physical aspects of buildings, systems, and grounds.
• Maintain appropriate levels of building inventory and supplies.
• Oversees the completion of repairs to systems and equipment including, but not limited to: mechanical, electrical, heating, plumbing, carpentry components and appliances by coordinating and managing the work of outside contractors.
• Receive, process, and prioritize maintenance/service requests and corrective/preventative work orders, for common area and in-unit work, maintenance projects, and operational assignments and documents all activity through a web-based work order system.
• Monitor the operation of building-related automated HVAC systems to ensure the automated systems are functioning properly; take proactive measures to prevent problems; troubleshoot; make recommendations to the Property Manager and Management as needed.
• Perform various building inspections with a focus on building issues, ensuring preventative maintenance is completed, seasonal systems changeover, and energy efficiency measures are being implemented. Coordinates inspections to ensure compliance with code, sustainability, and safety regulations.
• Works closely with Area/Property Manager to effectively communicate building issues.
• Inspects vacant units and prepares them for new residents.
• Key inventory and programming of various electronic access management systems.
• Attend position/industry related training as required.
• Participate in on-going revision & implementation of operating policies and procedures.
• Consistently strive for positive resident and community relations.
• Liaise as needed with University colleagues both inside and outside of HUH.
• Stays up to date in new processes and innovation relevant to the multifamily housing industry.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent, with a technical certification or a minimum of 2+ years relevant work experience in facilities required.
• Broad knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical and carpentry systems required along with familiarity with Building Automation Systems and work management systems desirable.
• Must be detail oriented and have a good safety record, and the ability to take and follow directions intelligently.
• Familiarity and ability to use common hand tools.
• Strong time management skills.
• Must have general computer skills including experience with, spreadsheets, word processing and email software packages (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Yardi, and Outlook).
• Must demonstrate strong communication skills including phone, written, email, and in person. Must possess strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, customer-focused operations environment with multiple projects and priorities.
• Must be physically fit and alert at all times. Must be able to perform all duties in a facilities environment that includes exposure to loud noises, temperature extremes, inclement weather conditions, airborne particles, vibration, hazardous materials.
• Must be able to maneuver in small/confined spaces, stairs, ladders, etc.; requires stooping, bending, climbing, reaching, lifting, and carrying; working from ladders, and lifting carrying objects weighing up to 65 pounds.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment and clothing when appropriate.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform all duties in a facilities environment that includes exposure to loud noises, temperature extremes, inclement weather conditions, airborne particles, vibration, hazardous materials.
• Must be able to maneuver in small/confined spaces, stairs, ladders, etc.; requires stooping, bending, climbing, reaching, lifting, and carrying; working from ladders, and lifting carrying objects weighing up to 65 pounds.
• Must be physically fit and alert at all times.
• Must be able to deal effectively with difficult residents.
• Must be able to work in dirty, hot, cramped and otherwise uncomfortable areas.
• Time will be spent walking all over the property, including up and down stairs.
• Must be willing to work odd hours including nights and weekends (as needed).

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Equal Opportunity Employer

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.